Print

Healthy Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet

Healthy Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet
Print Recipe

The Healthy Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet is a quick, one-pan meal that blends the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with wholesome whole wheat pasta, fresh vegetables, and a cheesy topping. This nutritious and flavorful dish is perfect for busy weeknights, offering balanced protein, carbs, and veggies in a kid-friendly, customizable recipe that’s easy to prepare and clean up.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 8 ounces whole wheat pasta
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth or water
  • 1 cup low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup bell peppers, chopped

Optional Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup pickle relish or 1/4 cup chopped pickles
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the lean ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat to keep the dish light and healthy.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Add chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, building the flavor base.
  3. Stir in Pasta and Liquids: Add the whole wheat pasta along with diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and low-sodium beef broth (or water). Stir everything to combine, making sure the pasta is submerged in liquid to cook evenly.
  4. Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: Bring the mixture to a slight boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for around 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Add Cheese and Optional Pickles: Sprinkle the low-fat cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet, cover again, and let it melt into a gooey, creamy topping. If you like the tang of pickles, fold in pickle relish or chopped pickles now for that signature cheeseburger flavor.
  6. Season and Serve: Taste the skillet and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and paprika as desired. Serve hot straight from the skillet for ultimate comfort in every bite.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to reduce grease without sacrificing flavor.
  • Monitor pasta closely during simmering to prevent overcooking and mushiness.
  • Turn off heat before adding cheese to avoid burning or separation.
  • Finely chop vegetables to ensure even softening.
  • Keep the skillet covered during simmering to trap steam and cook pasta evenly.
  • Add extra broth or water if mixture looks dry before pasta is fully cooked.
  • Allow the dish to rest a few minutes off heat so flavors meld perfectly.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheeseburger pasta, healthy pasta skillet, one-pan pasta, quick dinner, kid-friendly meal, lean ground beef recipe, whole wheat pasta recipe

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/healthy-cheeseburger-pasta-skillet/