It’s 6pm, you’re tired, and everyone’s hungry. This cheeseburger pasta skillet is the answer to your busy weeknight stress. It combines everything you love about a burger into one single pan. You get tender pasta and a creamy, cheesy sauce in minutes. It is a fast, filling dinner your whole family will actually eat. This recipe is perfect for those hectic back-to-school nights when time is short.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a total winner for busy fall weeknights. You only need one pan for the entire meal. This means you will have very little cleanup to do later. It uses simple pantry staples you likely already have on hand. The flavor is nostalgic and comforting without feeling too heavy. Best of all, it is completely kid-approved and picky-eater friendly. You can have a hot meal on the table in 30 minutes.
Simple Cooking Steps
Making this dinner is incredibly straightforward and stress-free for any cook. You start by browning the beef and onions together in a skillet. Then, you stir in the seasonings and let the pasta simmer. There is no need to boil a separate pot of water today. Even if you are a beginner, you can do this with ease. It is a foolproof way to get a hearty meal ready fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are likely already sitting in your kitchen right now.
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 oz dry elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until beef is browned and onion is translucent, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Drain the rendered fat from the skillet and return to the heat source.
- Incorporate the minced garlic, tomato paste, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the tomato paste darkens slightly.
- Add the beef broth, milk, and dry elbow macaroni to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has reduced into a thick sauce.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Gradually fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and emulsified into the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this warm in shallow bowls for the ultimate comfort meal. It pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli. You could even top it with diced pickles or fresh tomatoes. Set the table and enjoy a relaxed family meal together. It is a great way to wind down after a long day. Your family will definitely ask for seconds of this one.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator. They will stay fresh and tasty for up to three days. To reheat, add a small splash of milk to the pasta. Warm it in a skillet over low heat for 5 minutes. This helps the sauce stay creamy and delicious instead of drying out. It makes a fantastic and easy lunch for the next day.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t skip draining the fat after browning your ground beef.
- Avoid overcooking the pasta so it stays nice and tender.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar for the smoothest and creamiest sauce.
- Keep a tight lid on the skillet while the pasta simmers.
- For a back-to-school win, prep your onion and garlic ahead.
- Add a handful of fresh spinach at the end for greens.
- Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner meal.
- Use gluten-free elbow pasta to make this a gluten-free dinner.
- Add diced jalapeños if you want a little bit of heat.
- Use smoked gouda instead of cheddar for a deeper flavor.
Common Questions
Can I make this cheeseburger pasta skillet ahead of time?
You can, but it is best served fresh for the creamiest texture. The pasta tends to soak up the sauce as it sits. If you do make it ahead, add more milk when reheating.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, shells or rotini work very well in this skillet recipe. Just ensure you check the cooking time on the pasta package. You want it to be tender but not mushy.
How do I know when the pasta is done?
The pasta should be tender when you bite into a piece. Most of the liquid should be absorbed into a thick sauce. If it is too dry, add a splash of broth.
I hope this cozy recipe brightens your busy fall evenings. Give it a try and let every cheesy bite warm you up. Happy cooking!
— Alex
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 oz dry elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until beef is browned and onion is translucent, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Drain the rendered fat from the skillet and return to the heat source.
- Incorporate the minced garlic, tomato paste, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the tomato paste darkens slightly.
- Add the beef broth, milk, and dry elbow macaroni to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has reduced into a thick sauce.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Gradually fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and emulsified into the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
