Loaded Turkey Ham Cheeseburger Pasta: A Weeknight Wonder (Print Version)

Loaded Turkey Ham Cheeseburger Pasta brings comfort to your table. Creamy, savory, and so satisfying for busy weeknights. 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 Comfort
Dietary: Contains dairy, gluten, meat.

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1 lb lean ground turkey
02 - 4 oz turkey ham, diced
03 - 12 oz elbow macaroni

→ Creamy Sauce Essentials

04 - 1 large onion, chopped
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
07 - 1.5 cups whole milk
08 - 8 slices processed cheese (like American cheese)

→ Flavor Boosters

09 - 1/4 cup ketchup
10 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
11 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard

→ Finishing Touches

12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
13 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - Alright, get your biggest skillet going over medium-high heat. A little olive oil in there first, then toss in your ground turkey. Break it up with a spoon, get it nice and browned. Once it’s mostly cooked through, throw in your diced turkey ham. Let them get happy together for a few minutes, getting a little crispy. This is where the base flavor for your Loaded Turkey Ham Cheeseburger Pasta starts, so don't rush it!
02 - Drain any excess grease from the pan – I usually just tilt it and scoop it out with a spoon, messy but effective. Now, add your chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Stir them around, letting them soften and get fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Oh, the smell! This is the point where my kitchen really starts to smell like something delicious is happening. Don't let the garlic burn; I've done that, and it's a sad, bitter flavor. Keep an eye on it!
03 - Pour in the chicken broth, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire, and Dijon mustard. Give it a good whisk to combine everything. Bring it to a gentle simmer, letting those flavors meld. This is the heart of your Loaded Turkey Ham Cheeseburger Pasta, so taste it! Adjust seasonings if you feel it needs a little more zing. It should be smelling rich and savory by now.
04 - While your sauce is simmering, cook your elbow macaroni according to package directions in a separate pot of salted boiling water. Don't forget to salt the water, like I always do! Cook it until al dente, meaning it still has a little bite. Drain it well; nobody wants watery pasta sauce. Timing is key here, so try to get the pasta done around the same time your sauce is ready.
05 - Once your sauce is simmering and smelling amazing, reduce the heat to low. Now for the magic: start adding those processed cheese slices, one by one, stirring constantly until each slice is fully melted and incorporated before adding the next. This step is crucial for that smooth, creamy texture. Don’t rush it, or you’ll end up with clumpy cheese. Trust me, I’ve been there!
06 - Finally, add the drained, cooked macaroni to the creamy cheese sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta is completely coated in that glorious, cheesy, meaty goodness. Taste again and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if you're feeling fancy. Serve hot, pile it high, and watch it disappear. This Loaded Turkey Ham Cheeseburger Pasta is seriously satisfying.

# Notes:

01 - Don't skimp on stirring when melting the cheese; lumps are no fun, I learned that the hard way!
02 - Resist the urge to overcook the pasta; al dente is your friend here for the best texture in your Loaded Turkey Ham Cheeseburger Pasta.
03 - Taste and adjust seasonings throughout the process - your palate is your best guide, truly.
04 - For an extra pop of freshness, a sprinkle of fresh chives or green onions on top before serving is always a win.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large pot
02 - large skillet
03 - whisk

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 550
Total Fat: 30g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 30g

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