Description
This Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with hearty elbow macaroni in a creamy, cheesy skillet meal perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons mustard
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Pickles
- Diced tomatoes
- Additional cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Pasta: While preparing the meat mixture, cook the elbow macaroni in a separate pot according to package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: To the skillet, add the beef broth, milk, ketchup, mustard, and the cooked elbow macaroni. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Simmer the Mixture: Bring the skillet mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the pasta to absorb the flavors.
- Incorporate Cheese and Season: Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and fully blended. Season the dish with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Let It Thicken: Remove the skillet from heat and allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly for a creamy consistency.
- Serve with Toppings: Serve the cheeseburger pasta skillet hot, optionally topping it with pickles, diced tomatoes, or extra cheese for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk or add a splash of cream.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from ground beef to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Cook the pasta slightly less than package instructions if you prefer a firmer bite, as it will cook a bit more when simmered with the sauce.
- Optional toppings like pickles add a tangy contrast that complements the cheesy flavors well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: cheeseburger pasta, skillet dinner, cheesy pasta, ground beef recipe, quick dinner
