Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet brings the flavors of a cheeseburger into a comforting pasta dish. The creamy, cheesy sauce coats the pasta and ground beef, while the seasonings give it that classic cheeseburger taste. It’s a one-pan wonder, so cleanup is a breeze, and it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite cheeseburger toppings, such as pickles, onions, or tomatoes, for an extra burst of flavor. Quick, cheesy, and delicious, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef

• 12 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape you prefer)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

• 1 cup beef broth (or water)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and American cheese)

• ½ cup sour cream (optional, for creaminess)

• Optional toppings: Pickles, lettuce, chopped tomatoes, extra shredded cheese, or mustard

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Brown the beef for about 6-8 minutes until fully cooked, and drain any excess fat.

3. Sauté the onions and garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

4. Add the tomatoes and broth: Stir in the diced tomatoes and beef broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the sauce to thicken slightly.

5. Combine the pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to combine with the beef and sauce mixture.

6. Add the cheese and sour cream: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream (if using). Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and well-combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

7. Serve: Serve the Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet hot, and top with your favorite cheeseburger toppings, such as pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, or extra cheese. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce to the skillet for some extra heat.

• Use ground turkey or chicken: For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.

• Add vegetables: Stir in some vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to make it more nutritious.

• Make it even cheesier: Add more cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for an extra cheesy texture. You can also sprinkle cheese on top and melt it under the broiler for a crispy, golden finish.

• Add bacon: For a true cheeseburger experience, stir in some crispy bacon bits or top the dish with crumbled bacon.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any small pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or rotini. Just make sure to cook it al dente and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the beef mixture and pasta ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, combine the two and heat with the cheese.

How do I make this dish lighter?

To lighten up the dish, use lean ground turkey or chicken, and swap sour cream for Greek yogurt. You can also reduce the cheese or use a lower-fat version of cheese.

Can I freeze Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet?

Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 1-2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Dice them and use about 2-3 medium tomatoes to replace the canned ones. You may need to cook the sauce a little longer to reduce the liquid.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can use plant-based ground beef or lentils in place of the ground beef for a vegetarian version. Adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet is a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that combines the best elements of a cheeseburger with the comfort of pasta. The seasoned beef, creamy cheese, and tender pasta create a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings or additions. With minimal cleanup and quick preparation, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner that delivers big flavor in no time!