How to Make the Perfect Cheeseburger Pasta
American · Easy · 30 min · 5 servings
Cheeseburger pasta takes everything magical about a backyard burger and transforms it into a comforting kid friendly recipe the whole family will request on repeat. Kids love the familiar cheeseburger flavors wrapped up in cheesy pasta form and parents appreciate that this hearty one pan meal comes together in just 30 minutes.
Why this recipe works
This Cheeseburger Pasta recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 30 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 530 calories with 27g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 6 slices American cheese
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and cook the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles as it browns. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes until fully browned then drain the excess grease from the pan carefully.
Step 2: Add Sauce Ingredients
Stir the ketchup and mustard into the browned beef until everything is evenly coated and you can smell that classic cheeseburger aroma. Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
Step 3: Cook Pasta in the Pan
Add the dry penne pasta directly into the boiling broth and beef mixture. Stir to submerge the pasta, then reduce heat to medium and cover the pan. Cook for 12 minutes, stirring every 3 to 4 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Serve
Tear the American cheese slices into pieces and lay them over the top of the pasta. Cover the pan and let the cheese melt for 2 minutes over low heat. Stir the melted cheese through the pasta for a gooey cheeseburger finish and serve immediately with optional pickle slices on top.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- American cheese → shredded cheddar cheese melts nicely and gives a sharper cheeseburger flavor
- yellow mustard → Dijon mustard adds a slightly more grown up flavor that older kids tend to enjoy
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using too little broth which does not provide enough liquid to properly cook the pasta in the pan
- Lifting the lid too frequently while the pasta cooks which lets out steam and causes uneven cooking
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 530 calories, 27g protein, 51g carbs, 23g fat, 3g fiber.
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