Description
Though the Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet itself doesn’t have a distinct historical origin, its inspiration comes from the long-standing love affair people have with cheeseburgers. A staple of American cuisine, the cheeseburger has transcended from its origins in the U.S. to become a global favorite. The pasta skillet concept, on the other hand, likely arose from the need for quick, comforting meals that could be prepared in a single pan, which has become increasingly popular in busy households.
Ingredients
For the Skillet:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work well)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Pickles (sliced, optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened (about 2-3 minutes).
Step 2: Add the Pasta Base
- Add the uncooked pasta, beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika (if using) to the skillet.
- Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
Step 3: Simmer
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta mixture.
- Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt (about 2 minutes).
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish with sliced pickles and chopped parsley, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy your cheeseburger-inspired pasta!
Notes
For a fun twist, top with pickles, extra cheese, or even a drizzle of ketchup and mustard for that true cheeseburger flavor. You can also swap ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 ½ cups)
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: High
Keywords: Cheeseburger pasta, one-pan cheeseburger pasta, cheesy pasta skillet, easy cheeseburger skillet, hearty pasta skillet