One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

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Cook Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe serves 6 and was designed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts will scale automatically, but cooking times remain the same. Note that scaling may not always be perfect.

• 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup drained hamburger dill pickle chips, finely chopped, plus extra for garnish
• 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 3 tablespoons ketchup
• 8 ounces uncooked cavatappi pasta
• 1 (8-ounce) package shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 2 ounces cream cheese, cut into pieces
• Toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions for garnish

Directions

1. Gather all your ingredients to ensure smooth cooking.
2. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions are soft and translucent, about 6 to 8 minutes.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, onion powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until the tomato paste evenly coats the beef mixture.
4. Add the beef broth, crushed tomatoes, chopped pickle chips, mustard, and ketchup. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
5. Submerge the cavatappi pasta in the sauce. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
6. Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the shredded Cheddar cheese and cream cheese until fully melted and creamy, about 2 minutes.
7. Serve the pasta in bowls and garnish generously with extra pickle chips, toasted sesame seeds, and sliced scallions.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 687
• Total Fat: 43g (56% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 22g (109% DV)
• Cholesterol: 152mg (51% DV)
• Sodium: 1736mg (75% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 29g (11% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 4g (13% DV)
• Total Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 46g (92% DV)
• Vitamin C: 11mg (12% DV)
• Calcium: 635mg (49% DV)
• Iron: 5mg (25% DV)
• Potassium: 848mg (18% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrient data may vary depending on ingredient brands and preparation.

The Story Behind One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

The One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is a modern culinary creation that blends the beloved flavors of a classic American cheeseburger with the comfort of a creamy pasta dish. Though relatively new in the gastronomic world, this dish is inspired by the tradition of combining familiar flavors into convenient, one-pot mealsa trend that gained popularity in the United States during the early 2000s. Home cooks sought ways to simplify family dinners without sacrificing taste, and the cheeseburger pasta was born from this practical yet flavorful approach.

Regional Variations

While the dish is quintessentially American, certain regional adaptations add a local twist. In the Midwest, for instance, cooks often include extra sharp cheddar or a splash of beer in the sauce to deepen the flavor. In Southern states, smoked paprika and a touch of barbecue sauce are sometimes added, giving the pasta a subtly smoky sweetness reminiscent of a backyard cookout. Coastal regions may incorporate fresh tomatoes or even seafood-inspired toppings to give a unique coastal flair.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional spaghetti or baked ziti, One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta directly incorporates key elements of a cheeseburgerground beef, cheddar cheese, pickles, mustard, and ketchupinto the pasta cooking process. This creates a dish that tastes like a cheeseburger without needing a bun. Unlike classic American casseroles, this recipe emphasizes quick preparation and a creamy, saucy texture rather than a baked crust or layered format.

Common Serving Occasions

This dish is most often served as a hearty family dinner, particularly during colder months when comfort foods are in demand. It is also popular at casual gatherings, potlucks, and weeknight dinners where convenience is essential. Restaurants that focus on comfort foods or modern American cuisine occasionally feature it as a specialty dish, sometimes presented in a skillet or deep pasta bowl for a rustic, homestyle feel.

Fun and Interesting Facts

• Adding pickles directly to the pasta enhances the signature cheeseburger tang and sets it apart from other creamy pasta dishes.
• The use of one pot reduces cleanup, making it a favorite among busy home cooks and families.
• Some versions creatively substitute cavatappi pasta with elbow macaroni, fusilli, or penne for different textures.
• Despite its American origin, the dish has gained international popularity for its fusion of comfort food and convenience.
• Cheeseburger pasta has become a viral recipe on social media platforms, inspiring countless variations with bacon, jalapeos, or even veggie alternatives.

FAQ about One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

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