Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet ā€“ All the Flavor Without the Price Tag

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Kate

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Craving the rich, savory taste of a juicy cheeseburger but need a budget-friendly meal that feeds the whole family? This Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet is your answer! Itā€™s quick, easy, and packed with cheesy goodness ā€” all for under $5.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

āœ… Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples and ground beef for a low-cost yet filling meal.
āœ… One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup, more flavor!
āœ… Kid-Approved: Tastes just like a cheeseburger but in comforting pasta form.
āœ… Ready in 30 Minutes: Perfect for those busy weeknights.


Ingredients Youā€™ll Need

IngredientAmountCost Estimate
Ground beef (80/20 blend)1 lb$3.00
Elbow macaroni (or penne)2 cups$0.75
Onion, diced1 medium$0.50
Garlic, minced2 cloves$0.20
Tomato sauce1 can (15 oz)$0.85
Beef broth2 cups$0.50
Cheddar cheese, shredded2 cups$1.50
Worcestershire sauce1 tbsp$0.10
Mustard1 tbsp$0.05
Ketchup2 tbsp$0.10
Salt & pepperTo taste$0.05
Optional toppingsPickles, diced tomatoes$0.50

Total Estimated Cost: ~$4.95


Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

  • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
  • Add the diced onions and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Add the Flavor

  • Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and ketchup. This combo creates that signature cheeseburger flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Add the Pasta & Liquid

  • Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Stir in the uncooked pasta and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Make it Cheesy

  • Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

  • Top with diced pickles, tomatoes, or a sprinkle of extra cheese for that true cheeseburger feel.

Tips for Perfect Cheeseburger Pasta

šŸ’” Use Leftover Ground Beef: If youā€™ve got leftover beef from Crockpot BBQ Chicken Tacos or Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf, this is a great way to repurpose it!

šŸ’” Add Veggies for More Nutrients: Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to boost the nutrition.

šŸ’” Go Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you like your cheeseburger with a kick.


Meal Prep & Storage

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: This dish freezes beautifully! Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat with a splash of broth to revive that creamy texture.

What to Serve with Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet

While this dish is filling on its own, here are some great budget-friendly pairings:
šŸ„— Mediterranean Chickpea Salad for a refreshing contrast.
šŸž Garlic bread or crusty rolls for dipping.
šŸ„’ Pickle spears to capture that cheeseburger magic.


Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet is the ultimate comfort meal thatā€™s sure to become a household favorite. With all the rich, savory flavors of a cheeseburger in one easy skillet meal, you get a hearty dinner without draining your wallet.

Got your own spin on this dish? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below!

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More Budget-Friendly Dinners to Try:

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