Description
Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta is a comforting, flavorful dish combining the classic tastes of a cheeseburger with hearty pasta. This ultimate one-pot recipe features seasoned ground beef, a creamy cheese sauce with cheddar and mozzarella, and tangy ketchup, mustard, and pickles for an irresistible meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces short pasta such as rotini or penne
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup diced pickles
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef along with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Break up the meat as it cooks until fully browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste and cook for an additional 30 seconds to develop flavor.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in beef broth, milk, and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Add the Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Flavorings: Add the cooked pasta, ketchup, yellow mustard, and diced pickles to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat everything evenly and heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add cooked crumbled bacon or a dash of smoked paprika into the beef while cooking.
- To make a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for ground beef.
- Serve this dish with a simple green salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.
