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Crispy Brown Butter Smash Burger Pasta

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A quick and satisfying pasta dish that combines the crispy, caramelized edges of a smash burger with creamy browned butter pasta, ready in just 25 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) short pasta (elbow macaroni or small shells)
  • 4 tablespoons (about 60 grams) unsalted butter
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup (about 100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Small handful fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of short pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Heat a large cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add a small drizzle of oil if beef is very lean.
  3. Place one portion of beef in the pan and immediately press down with a spatula to form a thin patty, about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick. Cook without moving for 2-3 minutes until edges are deeply browned and crispy. Flip and cook another 1-2 minutes. Repeat with remaining portions. Transfer cooked patties to a plate and break into bite-sized pieces.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add 4 tablespoons (60 grams) unsalted butter. Stir frequently as it melts and foams, watching carefully until it turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat to avoid burning.
  5. Add the finely diced onion to the browned butter and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Return the smashed burger pieces to the pan. Add the drained pasta and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Toss gently to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.
  7. Sprinkle 1 cup (100 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the pasta mixture. Stir until the cheese melts and everything is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top, and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when smashing patties; work in batches. Keep an eye on the butter when browning to avoid burning. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce as needed. Use a light-colored pan for better control of butter browning. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check Worcestershire sauce ingredients. Vegetarian options include plant-based meat or sautéed mushrooms.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, brown butter, pasta, quick dinner, crispy burger, cheddar cheese, easy recipe

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/crispy-brown-butter-smash-burger-pasta-recipe-easy-in-25-minutes/