Pasta Cheeseburger Skillet
This creative pasta dish is a playful fusion of a classic cheeseburger, combining rich ground beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese with a comforting pasta sauce. It’s an excellent dinner option for a quick family meal.
Ingredients:
1 pound ground chuck
8 slices smoked ham, diced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced Italian tomatoes
2 cups beef broth
1 pound uncooked elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded cheddar blend
Salt and black pepper to taste
Basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Beef and Pork
In a large frying pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced ham until they reach a browned, cooked-through state, approximately 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Step 2: Add Aromatic Vegetables
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan, sautéing until the onion is translucent and has softened, about 4 minutes.
Step 3: Combine Tomato, Broth, and Pasta
Add the canned tomatoes and their juices, beef broth, and uncooked elbow macaroni to the pan, stirring to ensure the pasta is fully submerged. Cover the pan, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is cooked to your liking, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Combine Cheese and Sauce
In a final step, melt the shredded cheddar into the sauce by stirring after removing the pan from heat. Season with salt, black pepper, and an optional sprinkle of chopped parsley for added flavor and aesthetic appeal.