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Creamy One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe with Tangy Pickled Onions

creamy one-pot cheeseburger pasta - featured image

A quick and easy one-pot meal that combines the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger with creamy pasta and tangy pickled onions for a delicious twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) 80/20 ground beef
  • 8 ounces (225 g) medium shell or elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups (8 ounces/225 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups (710 ml) beef broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup pickled red onions
  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced yellow onion. Break up the beef and cook until browned and onions are softened, about 7 to 10 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste; cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add beef broth, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well, then add uncooked pasta, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid.
  4. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and liquid mostly absorbed.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen.
  7. Serve topped with a generous handful of tangy pickled red onions and optional fresh herbs.

Notes

Keep an eye on the pasta while simmering and stir frequently to prevent sticking or burning. Use sharp cheddar cheese for best melt and flavor. Pickled onions add a necessary tangy contrast and should not be skipped. For leftovers, reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth and add fresh pickled onions after reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot pasta, cheeseburger pasta, creamy pasta, pickled onions, quick dinner, easy weeknight meal