There’s something about combining classic flavors into a single dish that feels like a culinary love story—like the cheeseburger and pasta in this recipe. It’s like taking a bite out of nostalgia, with the gooey cheese and savory beef hugging the noodles perfectly. I first whipped this up during a chaotic week, right after binging the latest season of a cooking show, and it instantly became a cozy favorite that’s both indulgent and effortlessly satisfying.
Steps
- Finely chop the onion and add it to a large skillet along with the ground beef and olive oil. Sauté over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion turns soft and translucent. If necessary, drain any excess fat.
- Sprinkle the flour into the skillet and stir for about a minute, ensuring the flour doesn’t burn as it coats the skillet’s base. This will help thicken the sauce later.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring well to dissolve the flour stuck on the skillet’s bottom.
- Add the uncooked pasta shells to the skillet, stirring to mix everything. The liquid need not completely cover the pasta, as steam will aid in cooking the exposed portions.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and increase the heat to medium-high until the liquid boils. Stir to loosen any pasta stuck at the bottom, replace the lid, and lower the heat to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is thickened.
- Turn off the heat and mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce.
- Stir in the hot dog relish for an extra flavor boost. Optionally, top with sliced green onions for added flavor and visual appeal before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 8-ounce can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 pound uncooked pasta shells
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons hot dog relish
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2220kcal | Carbohydrates: 212g | Protein: 108g | Fat: 104g | Sodium: 4180mg | Fiber: 16g
FAQ
- What makes the cheeseburger pasta taste like a real hamburger?
- The secret ingredient that gives the cheeseburger pasta its authentic hamburger flavor is hot dog relish, which is a blend of dill pickle relish and yellow mustard. If you can’t find hot dog relish, you can mix plain dill relish with a little yellow mustard as a substitute.
- Can I freeze the One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta for later?
- Yes, you can freeze this dish for later. Saucy pasta dishes generally freeze quite well. However, be aware that the texture of the pasta may become slightly softer after freezing and reheating, which might not appeal to everyone.
- What are some tips for cooking one pot pasta dishes?
- Use thick, heavy cookware for even heating, and match the burner size to your pot. The broth doesn’t need to fully cover the pasta, so avoid adding extra liquid. Ensure the liquid is simmering throughout the cooking process, stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and use your judgment to adjust the liquid levels as needed.
- How do I serve cheeseburger pasta to make it a complete meal?
- You can serve the cheeseburger pasta with a simple side salad, using ingredients like Romaine lettuce and tomatoes, and pair it with homemade garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Can I make this dish without the relish and still achieve good flavor?
- Yes, the dish still tastes delicious without the relish. While the relish enhances the hamburger flavor, the pasta will still be a cheesy and satisfying meal without it.
Tips
- Utilize Hot Dog Relish: To truly capture the essence of a cheeseburger in this pasta, add a couple of spoonfuls of hot dog relish at the end. If you can’t find it in stores, mix dill pickle relish with a teaspoon of yellow mustard to create your own version.
- Choose the Right Cookware: Use heavy, thick-bottomed cookware to ensure even heating and prevent hotspots, which can help in achieving perfectly cooked pasta.
- Monitor the Liquid Level: The broth doesn’t need to completely cover the pasta for it to cook properly. Ensure the liquid is simmering throughout the cooking process to avoid gummy pasta. If the pasta is almost done but there’s too much liquid, let it simmer with the lid off.
- Freeze for Future Meals: This dish freezes well, making it a convenient option for meal prep. However, if you’re sensitive to texture changes, keep in mind that the pasta may become slightly softer when reheated.
Equipment
- Deep Stainless Steel Skillet – A large, deep skillet is necessary for cooking the pasta and sauce together in one pot. Look for one with a lid to maintain even cooking and prevent splatter.
- Cheese Grater – If you don’t have pre-shredded cheese, a cheese grater will be needed to shred the cheddar cheese.
