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One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

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4.2 from 3 reviews

One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is a quick and comforting dish combining ground beef, pasta shells, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce all cooked together in a single skillet. This hearty meal mimics the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the convenience of a one-pot pasta dinner, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 yellow onion
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 lb. ground beef
  • 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 8oz. can tomato sauce
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 lb. pasta shells, uncooked
  • 4 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 Tbsp hot dog relish
  • 2 green onions, sliced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Brown Beef and Onion: Finely dice the yellow onion. Heat a large deep skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil, diced onion, and ground beef. Sauté until the beef is fully browned and the onion becomes soft and translucent. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the dish from being greasy.
  2. Add Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour into the skillet and stir constantly for about one minute to cook the flour and coat the bottom of the skillet without burning. This will help thicken the sauce later.
  3. Add Liquids: Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir thoroughly to dissolve the flour residue from the bottom of the skillet and create a smooth sauce base.
  4. Add Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta shells directly into the skillet. Stir to combine with the sauce. It’s normal if the liquid doesn’t completely cover the pasta.
  5. Cook Pasta: Cover the skillet with a lid, increase heat to medium-high, and bring the liquid to a boil. Once boiling, stir quickly to release any pasta sticking to the bottom, replace the lid, and reduce heat to low. Let the pasta simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally and keeping the lid on, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
  6. Add Cheese and Relish: Turn off the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Then mix in the hot dog relish for a tangy, sweet pop of flavor.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Top the pasta with sliced green onions if desired. Serve the One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta hot for a satisfying and easy meal.

Notes

  • Make sure to stir occasionally during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking and burning on the bottom of the pan.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • If you want a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the flour.
  • Hot dog relish adds a hint of sweetness and mustard flavor that complements the cheeseburger taste—do not omit for authentic flavor.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.