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Whip up this Simple Burger & Cheese Pasta when you're craving something fast and filling. Combine ground beef and pasta together in a single skillet with plenty of gooey cheese. It delivers all the familiar tastes of a burger but wrapped in a rich, creamy pasta. Just what you need when time's tight and hunger's real.
Why Make This
Everything cooks in one dish so cleanup's a breeze. It's super fast for those crazy weeknights. Both the little ones and adults will gobble it up. You can tweak it with whatever's in your fridge - it's pretty forgiving. Even your fussiest family members will want more. Makes mealtime the simplest part of your crazy schedule.
What You Need
- Onion: Diced finely
- Ground Beef: Leaner type works best
- Garlic Powder: For quick flavor boost
- Flour: Creates thickness
- Paprika: For extra tastiness
- Beef Broth: Reduced sodium version
- Milk: Full-fat recommended
- Salt and Pepper: As needed
- Rotini Pasta: Great sauce grabber
- Sharp Cheddar: For ultimate meltiness
How to Make It
- Begin with Meat:
- Brown the beef with onion and garlic powder until cooked through. Get rid of excess fat.
- Create Base:
- Sprinkle meat with flour and paprika. Mix and let cook for about 2 minutes.
- Pour Liquids:
- Add your broth and milk. Mix thoroughly. Throw in some salt and pepper.
- Add Pasta:
- Once liquid starts bubbling, toss in pasta. Partially cover and let simmer for 18 minutes until tender.
- Finish with Cheese:
- Stir in cheese until completely melted. Sprinkle with parsley if you're feeling fancy.
Good Comfort Food
Just what you need after a tough day - hearty and satisfying. Single-pan cooking means less fuss afterward. The smooth cheese coating hugs every pasta piece. It's like enjoying a cheeseburger and pasta dish rolled into one meal.
Making It Taste Good
Don't rush browning your meat - it adds tons of flavor. Cooking onions slowly brings out their sweetness. The combo of flour and paprika creates richness. Pasta soaks up all the broth flavors as it cooks. Basic ingredients come together for something really tasty.
About the Pasta
The pasta goes straight into the sauce so you won't dirty another pot. Rotini's little spirals capture sauce in all their twists. Your sauce thickens naturally as the pasta cooks. You'll get meat, cheese and sauce in every single forkful.
All About the Cheese
Go for sharp cheddar for the biggest flavor impact. Always add your cheese last so it stays velvety smooth. Feel free to switch up cheese types or mix several together. An extra handful on top never disappoints anyone.
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Make It Your Way
Swap in ground turkey if you want something lighter. Love heat? Toss in some crushed red pepper flakes. Need more vegetables? Just chuck them in too. It tastes great the next day - just warm it slowly.
Quick Tips
Give it a stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Keep the temperature lower after adding pasta. Pour in a splash more milk if it gets too thick. Let it rest a bit before dishing up. Tastes amazing with some toasted garlic bread alongside.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Prefer using turkey instead?
No problem—it works great too! It’s leaner than beef, so you’ll want to season it a bit more and cook it gently to keep it juicy.
- → Looking for a gluten-free option?
Try gluten-free pasta. Rice or corn-based ones are good choices. Adjust the cook time a bit, depending on the type.
- → Want to add greens or more veggies?
Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or chopped zucchini. Cut them into even-sized pieces and sauté with the meat for great flavor.
- → What if dairy’s not an option?
Substitute plant-based milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Just watch the consistency—it might separate, so stir carefully. A touch more salt usually balances it out.
- → How to store leftovers?
Seal it up in an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s good for up to 3 days. Warm it slowly on low heat with a little milk stirred in to freshen it up.
- → What if it’s drying out?
Keep some pasta water aside and mix it in if needed. Or, add a splash more milk. Lids help trap steam too. Another option—pour on some extra sauce!
- → Want to take it with you on the go?
Wrap it up to keep it warm. Reheat once you’re there, and maybe carry a little extra cheese or milk to fix it up if needed. Use something deep to pack it securely.
- → How do I make this faster?
Buy pre-chopped veggies, go for quick-cooking pasta, and have your cheese shredded and ready. Stick with the one-pan method to minimize any cleanup while you cook.
- → Cooking for more people?
Just double the recipe! Make sure you’ve got a bigger pan to handle everything, and keep an eye on the water. It might need more time and stirring too.
- → How can I get a stronger flavor?
Layer in spices like garlic powder or paprika. Some hot sauce or diced pickles give a tangy kick. Mixing a few types of cheese is another way to boost taste.
- → What if the pasta’s not cooking right?
First, check if there’s enough water. Add more if needed and keep the lid tight to trap steam. Stir occasionally, and make sure the heat is steady. It may just take a bit longer.
- → How do I thicken a too-thin sauce?
Cook it a little longer so it reduces. Next time, try adding less water to start. More cheese can also help thicken it up. Let it sit for a bit before serving to improve the texture.
Conclusion
Love this? Check out the burger casserole! All the same goodness with crispy bacon topping it off.