Description
This Easy Cheeseburger Pasta recipe combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a creamy, comforting pasta dish. Ground beef, elbow macaroni, and a cheesy tomato-based sauce come together in a one-pot skillet meal that’s perfect for a quick family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to use later in the recipe.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, drain it off to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked elbow macaroni into the skillet and stir until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Create the Cheesy Sauce: Pour in the milk and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and you have a creamy, cheesy sauce enveloping the pasta and beef.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if using. Serve the pasta warm for a comforting and delicious meal.
Notes
- For extra cheesiness, add an additional 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
- Mix in diced pickles or a small amount of pickle juice to give the dish a classic cheeseburger flavor twist.
- Use a sharp cheddar cheese for a more pronounced cheese flavor.
- This recipe pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
