If you’re craving the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger but want to try something a little different, this Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet is the perfect choice. It combines all the savory goodness of a classic cheeseburger with the cozy appeal of pasta, making it a hit for busy weeknights. This dish is bursting with flavor, and the best part? It all comes together in one skillet for easy cleanup.
Steps
- Finely chop the onion and add it to a large skillet with olive oil and ground beef. Cook over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sprinkle flour into the skillet and continue stirring for a minute, ensuring it doesn’t burn. This will help thicken the sauce and allow the cheese to melt smoothly.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring well to dissolve the flour from the skillet’s bottom.
- Add the uncooked pasta shells and mix them into the liquid. It’s fine if the liquid doesn’t cover the pasta completely, as the steam will help cook it.
- Cover the skillet and increase the heat to medium-high until it boils. Stir quickly to release any pasta sticking to the bottom, cover again, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 10 minutes, occasionally stirring, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
- Turn off the heat and mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce.
- Stir in the hot dog relish to enhance the burger-like flavor, then garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1/2 pound of ground beef
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 can (8 ounces) of tomato sauce
- 2 cups of beef broth
- 1/2 pound of uncooked pasta shells
- 4 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons of hot dog relish (or dill relish mixed with a teaspoon of yellow mustard)
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2220 kcal | Carbohydrates: 212 g | Protein: 108 g | Fat: 104 g | Sodium: 4180 mg | Fiber: 16 g
FAQ
- What is the secret ingredient in One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta?
- The secret ingredient is hot dog relish, which is essentially a mix of dill pickle relish and yellow mustard. It adds a distinctive hamburger-like flavor to the pasta. If you can’t find hot dog relish, you can create your own by mixing plain dill relish with a bit of yellow mustard.
- Can I add vegetables to the Cheeseburger Pasta?
- While this recipe focuses on capturing the classic cheeseburger taste, you can serve it with a simple side salad to include more vegetables. A mix of Romaine lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite dressing pairs well with the dish.
- How well does Cheeseburger Pasta freeze?
- Saucy pasta dishes like this one generally freeze well, making it a great option to cook in advance and store for later. However, if you’re sensitive to texture changes, be aware that the pasta might become slightly softer after freezing.
- What are some tips for cooking one pot pasta?
- Use heavy, thick cookware for even heating. Ensure the liquid is simmering while cooking and occasionally stir to prevent sticking. If the pasta is nearly done but too much liquid remains, let it simmer with the lid off. Conversely, add a bit more liquid if the pasta isn’t fully cooked.
- Can I omit the hot dog relish from the recipe?
- Yes, if you’re not a fan of relish, you can skip this step. The pasta will still be a deliciously cheesy beef dish without it.
Tips
- Choose a heavy, thick-bottomed pot to ensure even heating of the ingredients, which will help the pasta cook uniformly without sticking or burning.
- When adding liquid, remember that the broth doesn’t need to completely cover the pasta. The steam generated within the pot will aid in cooking the pasta that sits above the liquid level.
- Adjust the heat to maintain a simmer throughout the cooking process. If the heat is too low, the pasta can turn gummy; if it’s too high, the liquid might evaporate too quickly.
- If, towards the end of cooking, there’s excess liquid, let the pasta simmer with the lid off to reduce it. Conversely, if the pasta is not fully cooked and the liquid is gone, add a splash more broth or water to continue simmering.
Equipment
- Deep Stainless Steel Skillet – A large, deep skillet is essential for cooking the entire dish in one pot.
- Lid for Skillet – If the skillet doesn’t come with a lid, you might need to purchase one separately to ensure proper cooking.
- Cheese Grater – For shredding the cheddar cheese, if you don’t already have one at home.
