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Healthy Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet - A Lighter, One-Pan Comfort Meal

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey or 90% lean ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but great)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 ounces whole-wheat short pasta (like rotini, penne, or shells)
  • 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened plain Greek yogurt (2% or 5% works best)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar (reduced-fat works if you prefer)
  • 1/2 cup diced dill pickles (plus extra for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup (no-sugar-added if desired)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • Optional add-ins: 1 cup finely chopped spinach, 1 cup diced tomatoes, or 1/2 cup peas

Method
 

  1. Brown the meat: Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey or beef. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add aromatics: Stir in the onion and cook until softened, 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  3. Season and build flavor: Stir in tomato paste, Dijon, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute to toast the paste and spices.
  4. Add pasta and liquid: Pour in the broth and bring to a lively simmer. Stir in the dry pasta, making sure it’s mostly submerged.
  5. Simmer to al dente: Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the pasta is just tender. If it looks dry before pasta is done, add a splash of water or broth.
  6. Make it creamy (off heat): Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in Greek yogurt until smooth and glossy. This keeps the yogurt from curdling and gives a creamy finish.
  7. Add the cheese: Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and stir until melted and saucy. If it’s too thick, add a splash of warm water or broth to loosen.
  8. Finish with burger flair: Fold in diced pickles and ketchup. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or mustard to your liking.
  9. Optional veggies: Stir in spinach, peas, or diced tomatoes now. The residual heat will wilt or warm them through.
  10. Serve: Top with extra pickles and green onions. Serve hot and enjoy that cheeseburger comfort in a bowl.