Description
A quick and easy one-pan cheeseburger pasta that comes together in under 30 minutes. Ground beef, pasta, and cheese cook together in a single skillet for a comforting, kid-friendly weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 works best)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni or small shells
- 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cup whole milk (2% works too)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- Optional toppings: dill pickle slices, diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, extra shredded cheese
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned (5-6 minutes). Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan.
- Cook the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced onion and cook 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add flavor builders: Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add pasta and liquids: Pour in uncooked pasta, beef broth, and milk. Stir, scraping up browned bits. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Cover and cook: Cover skillet and simmer 12-15 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Add butter and cheese: Remove lid, stir in butter until melted. Reduce heat to low, add shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Stir gently until melted and creamy (1-2 minutes).
- Taste and adjust: Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve immediately: Spoon into bowls and top with desired toppings. Serve hot.
Notes
Shred cheese from a block for best melting. Do not rush browning the beef. Watch liquid ratio: 2 cups broth + 1 cup milk for 8 oz pasta. Let rest 1 minute off heat after adding cheese. Pasta continues to absorb liquid as it sits; add splash of milk when reheating. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and adjust cooking time. For dairy-free, use unsweetened oat milk and dairy-free cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1.5
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 32
Keywords: cheeseburger pasta, one pan pasta, 30 minute dinner, ground beef recipe, easy weeknight dinner, family dinner, one pot pasta