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Creamy One-Pot Ground Beef Cheeseburger Pasta

one-pot ground beef cheeseburger pasta - featured image

A quick and easy one-pot meal combining the juicy flavor of cheeseburgers with creamy pasta, perfect for busy weeknights and picky eaters.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (85% lean)
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 8 ounces (225 g) uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or small shells)
  • 3 cups (720 mL) beef broth
  • 1 cup (240 mL) milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven. Add chopped onion and sauté until slightly translucent, about 2 minutes.
  2. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and tomato paste darkens slightly.
  4. Pour in 1 cup beef broth, 1 cup milk, and add the uncooked pasta. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover with a lid.
  5. Simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender but still firm to the bite (al dente). Add more broth or water if liquid evaporates too fast.
  6. Remove lid and stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Add a little extra milk if sauce is too thick.
  7. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Optionally, sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions on top before serving.

Notes

Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar for best melting and creamy texture. Stir frequently during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking. Remove pot from heat briefly when adding cheese to avoid grainy texture. Add extra broth or milk if sauce is too thick or too thin. Caramelizing onions before adding beef enhances flavor. Can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta; for dairy-free, use plant-based cheese and milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, ground beef, cheeseburger pasta, easy dinner, comfort food, quick meal, weeknight dinner