Cheesy Skillet Hamburger Pasta with Creamy Sauce (Print version)

One-pan hamburger pasta with tender noodles, browned beef, tomato, cheddar, and a silky creamy sauce.

# Ingredients:

For the beef and vegetables

01 - 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 80/20 preferred
02 - 1 small yellow onion, diced, about 3/4 cup (110 g)
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced, about 3/4 cup (110 g)
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the sauce and pasta

05 - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
06 - 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth, plus more as needed
07 - 1 cup (240 g) tomato sauce
08 - 8 oz (225 g) short pasta, such as elbows, shells, rotini, or farfalle
09 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
10 - 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
11 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
12 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
13 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
14 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the creamy cheese finish

15 - 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
16 - 1 1/2 cups (170 g) freshly shredded cheddar cheese
17 - 4 oz (115 g) processed cheese, cubed
18 - 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or chives, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Heat a large lidded skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through. Transfer the beef to a bowl and leave about 2 tablespoons drippings in the skillet.
02 - Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
03 - Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the beef broth while scraping the bottom of the skillet, then stir in the tomato sauce.
04 - Add the dry pasta, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well, cover, and simmer over medium heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente. Add a splash of broth if the skillet gets too thick before the pasta is tender.
05 - Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, cheddar, and cubed processed cheese until melted and smooth.
06 - Return the browned beef to the skillet and stir gently. Cook for 2 minutes until hot and creamy. Taste for salt, garnish with parsley or chives if using, and serve right away.

# Good to know:

01 - Use a large skillet with a tight-fitting lid so the pasta cooks evenly.
02 - The sauce thickens as it rests. Add broth or milk to loosen leftovers.
03 - Ground beef should reach 160 F for food safety.

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