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One Pan Cheesy Beef and Broccoli Ditalini

Ground beef, ditalini and broccoli cooked in one pan, finished with heavy cream and a lot of shredded cheddar. Ready in about 40 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound ditalini pasta
  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup fresh broccoli chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2-3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Cowboy Butter seasoning to taste
  • pepper to taste
  • Easy Onion seasoning optional

Method
 

  1. Cook the ground beef in a large pan. Halfway through, season with Cowboy Butter seasoning and pepper, or your preferred seasonings. Add Easy Onion if desired.
  2. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain some of the grease, leaving a little in the pan.
  3. Add the ditalini and toss with the beef for a couple of minutes.
  4. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil.
  5. Add the chopped broccoli. Cover and let steam for 2-3 minutes, then uncover and stir.
  6. Continue boiling for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the broth has been absorbed.
  7. Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream.
  8. Add 2-3 cups shredded cheddar cheese and stir until smooth.
  9. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Cooking time is about 10-13 minutes after the broth comes to a boil, plus the time to brown the beef and bring the broth to a boil.
  • Season the beef itself, halfway through browning.
  • Leave a little grease in the pan after draining.
  • Stir occasionally while the pasta cooks so it cooks evenly.
  • Use 2 cups of cheddar for a creamy sauce or 3 cups for a cheesier pan.
  • The pasta should be al dente with most of the broth absorbed before the cream and cheese go in.