Description: A comforting and family-friendly one-pot meal that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the ease of pasta. Ground beef, a tangy tomato sauce, plenty of cheddar cheese, and a touch of creaminess come together to create a dish that’s sure to be a weeknight favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
- 1 small onion, diced (yellow or white onion)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, elbow macaroni, or shells work well)
- 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended to control salt levels)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce (plain, unflavored)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste (freshly ground black pepper preferred)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium cheddar)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef In a large skillet or Dutch oven, place the ground beef. Cook over medium heat, using a spatula or wooden spoon to break the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. This typically takes about 7-10 minutes. Ensure that you are stirring the beef occasionally to prevent sticking and to promote even cooking.
Step 2: Drain Excess Fat Once the ground beef is browned, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. This step is crucial for preventing the final dish from being overly greasy. You can use a colander or a grease separator for this purpose. After draining, return the ground beef to the skillet.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Sauté over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent, and the garlic releases its fragrant aroma. Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning, which can impart a bitter taste to the dish.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients Stir in the uncooked pasta, beef broth, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, ketchup, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure all the ingredients are well combined so that the pasta cooks evenly and the flavors are well distributed throughout the dish.
Step 5: Simmer and Cook Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet or Dutch oven tightly with a lid and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Be sure to stir occasionally during the simmering process to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of pasta used, so it’s important to check for doneness.
Step 6: Add Cream and Cheese Once the pasta is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid, stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together harmoniously.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta immediately while it’s hot and the cheese is still gooey.
Why you will love this recipe:
This Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta is a surefire winner because it’s:
- Comforting and Familiar: It combines the nostalgic flavors of a cheeseburger with the convenience of pasta, making it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.
- Quick and Easy: It’s a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. The preparation is straightforward, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences. Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, use different types of cheese, or adjust the seasonings to your liking.
- Budget-Friendly: It uses common pantry staples and affordable ingredients, making it a cost-effective meal option for families.
- Incredibly Delicious: The combination of savory ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a main course for a satisfying and complete meal.
- Pair it with a side salad for added freshness and balance. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing works well.
- Offer crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping into the cheesy sauce.
- Top with additional toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced pickles, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor and texture.
Tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be careful not to overcook the pasta during the simmering process. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and detract from the overall texture of the dish.
- Adjust the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella would also be delicious.
- Add Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding chopped vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Sauté them along with the onion and garlic.
- Spice it Up: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
- Make it Ahead: This pasta dish can be made ahead of time and reheated. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Using good quality ground beef, cheese, and tomato sauce will make a noticeable difference in the flavor of the final dish.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving, assuming 6 servings)
- Calories: 550-650
- Protein: 30-35g
- Sodium: 700-900mg (depending on beef broth and cheese)
Conclusion:
Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta is a delightful fusion of classic comfort food and easy weeknight cooking. With its irresistible combination of savory ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. It’s customizable, budget-friendly, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and prepare to indulge in a dish that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef? A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are excellent substitutes for ground beef in this recipe. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Ground turkey and chicken are leaner options, which can reduce the overall fat content of the dish.
Q2: Can I make this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. There are many high-quality gluten-free pasta options available in most grocery stores. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as Worcestershire sauce, are also gluten-free.
Q3: Can I add vegetables to this pasta dish? A: Definitely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of the dish. Some excellent choices include chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, zucchini, or spinach. Sauté the vegetables with the onion and garlic before adding the other ingredients.
Q4: How can I make this dish spicier? A: If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can easily add some spice to this recipe. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or a finely chopped jalapeño pepper to the mixture. Adjust the amount to your desired level of spiciness.
Q5: Can I freeze this Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta? A: Yes, this pasta dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce during reheating.
