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One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

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4.3 from 13 reviews

One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta combines the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger with hearty pasta into an easy, crowd-pleasing dish. Ground beef, tangy yellow mustard, and crispy pickle chips create a nostalgic, savory meal all cooked in a single skillet for simple cleanup.

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Liquids and Condiments

  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 (15-ounce) canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup drained hamburger dill pickle chips, finely chopped, plus more chips for garnish
  • 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup

Pasta and Cheese

  • 8 ounces uncooked cavatappi pasta
  • 1 (8-ounce) package shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, cut into pieces

Garnish

  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Sliced scallions

Instructions

  1. Gather Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are prepared and measured before starting the cooking process for a smooth workflow.
  2. Cook Beef Mixture: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is no longer pink and onions are translucent, about 6 to 8 minutes.
  3. Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Stir in tomato paste, onion powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Cook while stirring constantly until the tomato paste coats the beef mixture evenly, about 1 minute, enhancing the depth of flavor.
  4. Add Liquids and Condiments: Pour in beef broth and canned crushed tomatoes. Mix in chopped pickle chips, yellow mustard, and ketchup. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat to incorporate flavors and prepare for pasta cooking.
  5. Cook Pasta: Stir in uncooked cavatappi pasta, ensuring it is fully submerged in the liquid. Continue cooking over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  6. Add Cheeses: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in shredded sharp Cheddar cheese and cream cheese pieces, stirring constantly until cheeses are fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy, about 2 minutes.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Divide the cheeseburger pasta into bowls. Garnish generously with additional dill pickle chips, toasted sesame seeds, and sliced scallions for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately for best taste.

Notes

  • Use 80/20 ground beef for optimal fat content that enhances flavor and texture.
  • Adjust the amount of pickles and mustard to taste for more or less tanginess.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce when adding spices.
  • Be careful not to overcook the pasta; check often once it’s nearing al dente stage.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water.