Ingredients

For the Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet:

• 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• ¼ cup drained hamburger dill pickle chips, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 3 tablespoons ketchup
• 8 ounces uncooked cavatappi pasta (or any pasta with ridges)
• 1 (8-ounce) package shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 ounces cream cheese, cut into pieces

For Garnish:

• Toasted sesame seeds
• Sliced scallions
• Extra dill pickle chips

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation (10 minutes)

1. Chop and Mince: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Drain and finely chop the dill pickles.
2. Measure Ingredients: Measure out the spices, mustard, ketchup, and cheese for easier assembly.

Cooking the Ground Beef (10 minutes)

3. Brown the Beef:
   • In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Add Aromatics:
   • Stir in the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant.

Building the Flavor (5 minutes)

5. Season the Beef:
   • Stir in the salt, black pepper, tomato paste, onion powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
   • Cook for 2 minutes to let the tomato paste caramelize slightly.
6. Add Liquids:
   • Pour in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes. Stir to combine.
   • Add the mustard, ketchup, and chopped pickles, stirring well.

Cooking the Pasta (15 minutes)

7. Simmer with Pasta:
   • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the uncooked cavatappi pasta and stir to submerge it in the sauce.
   • Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente, about 12-15 minutes.

Melting the Cheese (5 minutes)

8. Add the Cheeses:
   • Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese until melted and fully incorporated. The sauce will thicken and become creamy.

Garnish and Serve (5 minutes)

9. Garnish:
   • Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions on top. Add extra chopped dill pickles if desired for extra tang.
10. Serve Hot:
    • Serve immediately, hot and gooey, straight from the skillet.

Cooking Time Breakdown

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 640 kcal
• Protein: 36 g
• Fat: 34 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 920 mg

FAQs

1. Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes work well in this recipe.

2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure the beef broth and ketchup are gluten-free.

3. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.

Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Pasta: Cavatappi is ideal because its ridges hold the sauce well. Elbow macaroni or rotini are great alternatives.
• Don’t Skip the Pickles: The chopped pickles add a tangy, salty punch that makes the dish taste like a true cheeseburger.
• Stir Regularly: Stir the pasta often as it cooks to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet is more than just a comforting one-pot meal; it’s a culinary experience that marries two beloved comfort foods—cheeseburgers and pasta—into a single, irresistible dish. The richness of the ground beef, the tang of pickles, the smoothness of melted cheddar and cream cheese, and the satisfying texture of perfectly cooked cavatappi pasta create a harmony of flavors and textures that leave you wanting more with every bite. This dish offers something unique yet familiar, blending nostalgia with a modern twist that makes it a standout meal for all ages.

The beauty of Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet lies in its simplicity and versatility. It brings together pantry staples like ketchup, mustard, and beef broth in a way that feels both innovative and comforting. The dill pickles, often a sidekick in a traditional burger, become a star here, adding a pop of acidity and tang that cuts through the rich, cheesy sauce. This subtle addition elevates the dish, making it more than just another pasta bake—it transforms it into a deeply satisfying, flavor-packed meal that truly mimics the taste of a classic cheeseburger.

There’s something deeply nostalgic about the flavors in this dish, evoking memories of backyard barbecues, fast food indulgences, or the simple pleasure of a homemade burger. Yet, it’s also a dish that feels entirely new, making it perfect for those who crave both familiarity and excitement on their plates. It’s a reminder that the best meals don’t have to be complicated. With a few quality ingredients and a little bit of care, you can create something that feels indulgent and special.