One Pot Cheeseburger Helper
A delightful dish combining the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a quick and easy pasta meal, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter This buttery base adds richness to the dish.
- 1 small onion, diced Aromatic and slightly sweet, it elevates the flavors.
- 1 lb lean ground beef Juicy and hearty, providing the essential protein.
Seasonings
- 1 tbsp tomato paste Adds a layer of depth and color to the dish.
- 2 tsp smoked paprika Brings a warm, smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- 1.5 tsp garlic powder Adds a fragrant, savory element.
- 1 tsp onion powder Intensifies the onion flavor without being overpowering.
- 1.5 tsp seasoned salt or table salt A crucial ingredient for balance.
- 1 tsp sugar Balances the acidity of the tomato paste.
- 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper Adds a subtle kick to the dish.
Thickening and Cooking Liquid
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour Helps thicken the mixture for a creamy consistency.
- 2 cups beef broth A flavorful liquid base to cook the pasta.
- 1.5 cups milk Opt for whole milk for extra creaminess.
Pasta and Cheese
- 2 cups dry cavatappi pasta or macaroni noodles The perfect shapes for trapping cheese sauce.
- 2 cups grated yellow sharp cheddar cheese The star ingredient that makes this dish irresistibly cheesy.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large deep sauté pan or cast iron skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, allowing it to become bubbly and fragrant.
- Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Introduce the ground beef to the pan, cooking it while breaking it up with a spatula until it is browned, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato paste, ensuring it blends well into the meat mixture. Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes until the color deepens slightly.
- Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, sugar, black pepper, and flour. Stir until everything is combined, cooking for 1 minute to toast the flour.
Cooking
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, followed by the milk, mixing well to create a smooth base.
- Add the dry pasta to the pan. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for about 10-12 minutes until the pasta is cooked through.
Finishing
- Remove from heat and stir in the grated cheese until melted and creamy.
Notes
For added richness, consider using 2% or whole milk instead of skim milk. Experiment with different types of cheese; a mix of cheddar and mozzarella can create an interesting flavor profile. To make it a bit spicier, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture.