Description
This Easy Cheeseburger Pasta recipe is a hearty, comforting dish that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with tender pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Made with ground venison or beef, simmered with onions, tomato sauce, and cheddar cheese, it’s a family-friendly meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 pound ground venison or beef
- 2 Tablespoons flour
- 2 cups venison or beef broth
- 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
- 8 ounces pasta shells or elbow macaroni
- 3 Tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup chopped dill pickles
- chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a Dutch oven or enameled cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
- Cook Ground Meat: Add 1 pound of ground venison or beef to the skillet. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook for about 5 minutes until browned and cooked through, and onions are soft.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the cooked meat and onions. Stir continuously and cook for one minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Combine Liquids: Pour in 2 cups of venison or beef broth and 8 ounces of tomato sauce. Stir well to blend all ingredients into a smooth sauce.
- Add Pasta and Butter: Stir in 8 ounces of uncooked pasta shells or elbow macaroni and 2 tablespoons of butter. The liquid may not fully cover the pasta, which is acceptable.
- Simmer Pasta: Cover the skillet with a lid and increase heat to medium-high until the liquid boils. Stir to loosen any pasta stuck to the bottom. Replace the lid and reduce heat to low. Let the pasta simmer for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally while replacing the lid, until pasta is al dente and the sauce thickens. Then remove from heat.
- Add Cheese and Pickles: Stir in 4 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup chopped dill pickles, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Cook over low heat for about 2 minutes until everything is melted and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for added freshness and color.
Notes
- Using ground venison adds a leaner, gamey flavor; ground beef is a good substitute if preferred.
- The pasta does not need to be pre-cooked as it simmers directly in the sauce, absorbing rich flavors.
- Adjust cooking time slightly if using different pasta shapes or sizes to ensure al dente texture.
- Fresh parsley garnish enhances the presentation but is optional.
- Chopped dill pickles provide a tangy contrast reminiscent of a traditional cheeseburger.
