I remember the first time I tried combining two of my favorite comfort foods—cheeseburgers and pasta. It was a chilly evening, and I wanted something warm and hearty without much fuss. That’s when the idea of stovetop cheeseburger pasta came to life.
This dish is like a hug in a bowl, bringing the juicy flavors of a cheeseburger together with the creamy goodness of pasta. It’s perfect for those nights when you crave something familiar yet exciting.
Plus, it’s quick to whip up, making it a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
Every time I make it, I’m reminded of cozy family dinners and the joy of sharing something delicious with loved ones.
Whether you’re a pasta lover or a burger enthusiast, this dish promises to satisfy your cravings in the most delightful way.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious stovetop cheeseburger pasta. It’s quick and satisfying.
- 1 pound of ground beef (I use lean)
- 1 small onion (chopped, adds flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced, for a kick)
- 2 cups of pasta (your choice, I love using rotini)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes (undrained, saves time)
- 2 cups beef broth (adds depth)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (for tang)
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder (for zest)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for that cheesy goodness)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, optional but nice for garnish)
Gathering all the ingredients first makes cooking so much smoother.
Tools And Equipment
I grabbed my trusty large skillet for this recipe. A spoon for stirring was a must too.
A sharp knife helped me dice the onion and mince the garlic just right.
I used a pot to cook the pasta separately on the stove. That way each bit turned out perfect.
Cheese grater came in handy for shredding the cheddar. Who doesn’t love fresh cheese?
Finally measuring cups made sure the broth was just enough.
Prep
Let’s get everything ready before we dive into cooking. This makes the process as smooth as butter on a hot skillet.
Prepare The Ingredients
First, I dice the onion into small pieces. They bring so much flavor.
I mince the garlic next. It smells amazing, like home already.
The pasta gets measured out, ready to boil.
I open up the can of diced tomatoes, giving them a little stir.
For the ground beef, I make sure it’s fresh and ready to go.
The cheese, I shred into a bowl—extra cheesy goodness, yes, please!
Finally, I gather the beef broth, mustard powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
Directions
Let’s get our stovetop cheeseburger pasta cooking. Follow these simple steps to bring this comforting dish to life.
Cook The Beef
I heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. I use a spoon to break it into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, I toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring for about three more minutes until aromatic.
Create The Sauce
Next, I add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. I stir the mixture well and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally to combine all those flavors.
Combine Pasta And Sauce
While the sauce simmers, I boil the pasta in a separate pot until al dente. I then drain and add it to the skillet with the sauce. I sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. A sprinkle of fresh parsley, if you like, adds a nice touch.
Cook
I start by heating my large skillet over medium-high heat.
Then I add the ground beef and cook it, stirring often, until it’s browned.
Next come the diced onion and minced garlic. I stir them in and let them cook for about 2 minutes until they’re soft.
I stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. It smells so good at this point!
I turn the heat down and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken.
While the sauce simmers, I boil the pasta in a pot until it’s al dente.
I drain the pasta and set it aside.
Once the sauce is nice and thick, I stir in the cooked pasta.
Then I add the shredded cheddar cheese and mix until melted and gooey.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top makes it pop before serving.
Assemble
Now for the fun part—putting it all together! I pour the cooked pasta right into the skillet with the sauce. Watch out—it’s a sizzly, bubbly mix.
I grab my spoon and stir gently to make sure every noodle gets a good coating of that yummy sauce. Next, I sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
I keep stirring until the cheese melts and everything turns gooey and delicious. It’s like magic when it all comes together. Finally, a bit of fresh parsley on top makes it look extra special. Ready to dig in?
Serving Suggestions
I love serving stovetop cheeseburger pasta right away while it’s all hot and gooey.
A fresh side salad with crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes makes a great side.
I sometimes add garlic bread for something extra hearty.
If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle more cheese on top because why not?
And of course, a cold soda just hits the spot with it.
This dish is also perfect for potlucks or casual family gatherings.
Storage And Reheating
Got leftovers? No worries. Put the pasta in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for three to four days.
For reheating, scoop what you want into a skillet. Add a splash of water if you need to, then warm it on medium.
A quick zap in the microwave works too. Cover the dish to keep it moist and microwave in short bursts. Stir it a couple of times so it heats evenly.
Conclusion
Stovetop cheeseburger pasta has truly become a go-to comfort meal in my kitchen. It’s a delightful blend of flavors that brings together the best of burgers and pasta in one easy dish.
Whether I’m cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual family gathering, this recipe never disappoints.
The simplicity of the ingredients and the ease of preparation make it a favorite for those nights when I want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the option to store leftovers means I can enjoy it again without any fuss.
I hope you find as much joy in making and sharing this dish as I do. It’s a little taste of comfort that brings people together and fills the home with warmth and delicious aromas.
Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!
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