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Easy Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet

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This weeknight dinner favorite is quick, easy, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table. Tender pasta cooks perfectly with seasoned ground beef, all combined in a creamy cheese sauce that coats every bite. Made in one pan, it’s a hassle-free meal with minimal cleanup, ideal for busy evenings. Packed with flavor and just the right balance of creamy and hearty, this dish is sure to satisfy both kids and adults. It’s comfort food made simple, perfect for any night of the week, Enjoy it
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Aisha
Updated on Fri, 17 Jan 2025 00:22:49 GMT
A plate of rotini pasta is topped with ground beef and garnished with chopped parsley. Pin it
A plate of rotini pasta is topped with ground beef and garnished with chopped parsley. | www.cookingflavor.com

After years of cooking family dinners, this Quick Cheesy Beef Pasta has become my ultimate lifesaver recipe. Something wonderful happens when pasta simmers in its own sauce, soaking up all those rich flavors from the beef and seasonings. My kitchen always fills with the coziest aroma as this cooks, bringing everyone to the table before I even call for dinner.

Why Make This Dish

I love how this dish comes together in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time with my family. Even on my busiest nights, I can whip this up using ingredients I always keep in my pantry. The best part? My picky eater asks for seconds every time. It's become our go-to comfort meal that never disappoints.

Ingredients You'll Need

  • Onion: Chopped finely for added flavor
  • Ground Beef: A lean variety works best
  • Garlic Powder: Simple and convenient
  • Flour: For thickening the sauce
  • Paprika: Adds depth and a hint of spice
  • Beef Broth: Use a low-sodium option
  • Milk: Whole milk for creaminess
  • Rotini Pasta: Perfect for catching sauce
  • Sharp Cheddar: Melts beautifully and adds bold flavor
  • Salt and Pepper: To season

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Meat
Brown ground beef with onion and garlic powder in a large pan. Drain any excess fat.
Build the Sauce Base
Sprinkle flour and paprika over the beef. Stir and cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Add Liquids
Pour in beef broth and milk. Stir well, then season with salt and pepper.
Cook the Pasta
Add rotini once the liquid is bubbling. Partially cover and simmer for about 18 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the Cheese
Mix in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy. Sprinkle with parsley for garnish, if desired.
A bowl of rotini pasta topped with ground beef and melted cheese, garnished with chopped parsley. Pin it
A bowl of rotini pasta topped with ground beef and melted cheese, garnished with chopped parsley. | www.cookingflavor.com

What Makes It Great

The magic happens when the pasta cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all those amazing flavors along the way. Each spiral of pasta gets coated in creamy, cheesy goodness, while the beef adds such satisfying heartiness. It's like getting the best parts of a cheeseburger and mac and cheese in one cozy dish.

Tips for the Best Flavor

I've learned to really take my time browning the beef it develops such rich flavor. The onions need patience too let them get nice and soft. That sprinkle of paprika might seem small but it adds such wonderful depth. And using sharp cheddar makes all the difference in getting that perfect cheesy kick.

Customize Your Dish

Some nights I use ground turkey to keep things lighter. My spice-loving husband adds red pepper flakes to his portion. When I'm feeling virtuous I toss in handfuls of spinach or some sautéed mushrooms. Lately I've been mixing in some smoked gouda with the cheddar and it's absolutely wonderful.

Serving and Leftovers

We love this with crusty garlic bread for soaking up every bit of sauce. If there are any leftovers they reheat beautifully just add a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture. This dish has saved my sanity on busy weeknights more times than I can count.

Final Tips

Keep an eye on your pasta and give it a stir now and then to prevent sticking. That gentle simmer is key rushing it with high heat never works out well. I always let it rest for a few minutes at the end the sauce gets perfectly thick and everything comes together beautifully. A little extra cheese on top makes everyone smile.

A plate of spiral pasta topped with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh parsley. Pin it
A plate of spiral pasta topped with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh parsley. | www.cookingflavor.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, you can use any short pasta like penne, shells, or macaroni. Just adjust cooking time slightly based on package directions.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy.
→ Can I make this ahead?
While best served fresh, you can make it ahead and reheat. The sauce might thicken, so add a little milk when reheating to restore the creamy texture.
→ What can I substitute for sherry?
You can use beef broth, chicken broth, or even water with a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
→ Why is my sauce too thick or thin?
If too thick, add more milk or broth gradually. If too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes or add a bit more cheese.

One-Pan Burger Pasta

A quick and creamy pasta dish that combines ground beef and cheese in one skillet. Perfect busy weeknight dinner that kids love.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Aicha

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 servings)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1/2 onion, diced.
02 1 lb. lean ground beef.
03 2 tsp garlic powder.
04 3 tbsp all-purpose flour.
05 1 tbsp paprika.
06 1/4 cup dry sherry, or beef broth.
07 3 cups low sodium beef broth.
08 1 cup milk.
09 1 1/2 tsp salt.
10 1/2 tsp black pepper.
11 2 cups dry rotini noodles.
12 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese.

Instructions

Step 01

In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef, diced onion, and garlic powder. Cook until beef is browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat.

Step 02

Sprinkle flour and paprika over meat mixture. Stir well and cook until thickened, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 03

Pour in dry sherry, scraping up browned bits from bottom. Stir until sherry evaporates.

Step 04

Slowly pour in beef broth and milk, stirring to combine. Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 05

Bring to gentle boil, add rotini. Reduce heat, cover partially, and simmer for 18 minutes until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.

Step 06

Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted into sauce. Serve warm.

Notes

  1. Perfect for cooking in bulk, leftovers reheat well.
  2. Can use beef broth instead of sherry for richer flavor.
  3. Add vegetables like bell peppers or tomatoes if desired.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet.
  • Wooden spoon.
  • Measuring cups.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cheese, milk).
  • Wheat (flour, pasta).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 420
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 32 g