Hearty Loaded Turkey Ham Cheeseburger Pasta (Print Version)
This Loaded Turkey Ham Cheeseburger Pasta brings comfort in a bowl. Creamy, savory, and packed with flavor, it's a family favorite.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Comfort Food
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
1 pound elbow macaroni
02 -
1 pound lean ground turkey
03 -
4 ounces turkey ham, diced
04 -
1 medium yellow onion, diced
05 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
1 cup chicken broth
→ Creamy Sauce Essentials
07 -
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
08 -
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
09 -
1/2 cup milk (whole milk recommended)
10 -
1/4 cup ketchup
11 -
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
→ Flavor Boosters
12 -
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
13 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
14 -
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
15 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
→ Finishing Touches
16 -
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
17 -
1/4 cup dill pickles, chopped (for serving or mixing in)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get your pasta cooking. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil—don't forget to salt it generously; this is where I always forget to salt the water, oops! Add your elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until it's al dente. While that's bubbling away, you can start on the other components. Once it’s done, drain it well and set it aside; don't rinse it, though, we want that starchy goodness to help the sauce cling!
02 -
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, start browning your ground turkey over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s mostly cooked through, drain any excess fat—there usually isn't much with turkey. Now, toss in your chopped turkey ham and diced yellow onion. Sauté them together until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. You'll start smelling that lovely savory aroma filling your kitchen, honestly, it's one of my favorite parts!
03 -
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for just about a minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it; burnt garlic is a sad, bitter thing, and I've made that mistake more times than I'd like to admit! Stir in the smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let those spices toast for another minute, really letting their aromas bloom. This step is crucial for building a deep flavor profile for your Loaded Turkey Ham Cheeseburger Pasta, trust me.
04 -
Pour in the chicken broth, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Then, reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until it's completely melted and smooth. This is where the magic happens, transforming it into a wonderfully creamy base. Keep stirring gently, letting all those flavors meld together into a beautiful, savory concoction.
05 -
Now, gradually add your grated cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until it's fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Don't dump it all in at once, or it might clump up—I made that mistake once, and it took forever to smooth out! Once the cheese is melted, slowly pour in the milk, stirring until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. It should be thick and luscious, ready to coat every piece of pasta.
06 -
Finally, add your drained elbow macaroni back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta is completely coated. Let it warm through for a couple of minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some of that glorious sauce. Taste it and adjust any seasonings if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and, if you're like me, a sprinkle of extra cheddar and some chopped dill pickles. This Loaded Turkey Ham Cheeseburger Pasta is ready to make your taste buds sing!
# Notes:
01 -
Always grate your own cheddar; pre-shredded just doesn't melt as smoothly for this creamy sauce.
02 -
Don't overcook the pasta! Al dente is key so it doesn't turn mushy in the sauce.
03 -
Soften the cream cheese before adding it to avoid frustrating lumps in your sauce.
04 -
A dash of pickle juice in the sauce can amp up that cheeseburger tang even more.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
large skillet or Dutch oven
03 -
wooden spoon
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 550-650
Total Fat: 25-35g
Total Carbohydrate: 50-60g
Protein: 35-45g