Hearty Loaded Turkey Ham Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet (Print Version)

Loaded Turkey Ham Cheeseburger Pasta is a comforting, easy weeknight meal. Packed with savory turkey, ham, cheese, and pasta for 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: Meat-Lover's, High Protein

# Ingredients:

→ Main Players

01 - Ground Turkey (1 lb, lean): for that classic burger flavor base.
02 - Deli Ham (4 oz, chopped): adds salty, smoky depth.
03 - Elbow Macaroni (12 oz): the perfect pasta shape for scooping up sauce.

→ Flavor Foundations

04 - Yellow Onion (1 medium, diced): essential aromatic base.
05 - Garlic (3 cloves, minced): for pungent, warm flavor.
06 - Ketchup (1/2 cup): the sweet and tangy burger sauce component.
07 - Yellow Mustard (2 tbsp): adds that signature burger tang.
08 - Worcestershire Sauce (1 tbsp): deepens umami flavor.

→ Creamy & Cheesy Goodness

09 - Beef Broth (2 cups, low-sodium): for richness and cooking the pasta.
10 - Milk (1 1/2 cups, whole): creates a luscious, creamy sauce.
11 - Sharp Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded): for ultimate cheeseburger melt.

→ Finishing Touches

12 - Dill Pickle Relish (1/4 cup): provides essential tangy crunch.
13 - Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): for freshness and a pop of color.
14 - Salt & Black Pepper (to taste): to season and enhance flavors.

# Instructions:

01 - Grab a large skillet or Dutch oven and set it over medium-high heat. Add your ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's no longer pink. This is where the magic starts, the kitchen smells amazing already! Drain off any excess fat, because nobody wants greasy pasta, right? Then, toss in your chopped deli ham and let it sizzle for a few minutes, getting slightly crispy. It adds such a fantastic texture, honestly, don't rush this step.
02 - Once your meats are looking good, push them to one side of the skillet. Add a tiny splash of olive oil to the empty side, then toss in your diced onion. Let it soften for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's translucent and fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until it's super aromatic – watch it closely, burned garlic is a tragedy! This builds the base for all the incredible flavors in your Loaded Turkey Ham Cheeseburger Pasta.
03 - Now, stir the cooked onion and garlic into the meat mixture. Pour in the ketchup, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Give it all a good stir, making sure everything is well combined. You'll start to see that familiar burger sauce color developing, and the aroma transforms into something truly comforting. This is where the "cheeseburger" part of our Loaded Turkey Ham Cheeseburger Pasta really comes to life, making my stomach rumble every time!
04 - Pour in the beef broth and milk, then add your dry elbow macaroni to the skillet. Stir everything really well, making sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking – this is where I always worry about burning it, but trust the process! If it looks a little dry, add a splash more broth or milk.
05 - Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, turn off the heat. Stir in your shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, letting it melt into the warm sauce. Keep stirring until it's all smooth and creamy – oh, the glorious melty cheese! Then, gently fold in the dill pickle relish. The tanginess from the relish cuts through the richness perfectly, giving it that authentic burger punch. Honestly, this step makes all the difference.
06 - Give your Loaded Turkey Ham Cheeseburger Pasta a final taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Sometimes I add a little extra pepper, just because. Cover the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes; this helps the sauce thicken up just a bit more. Dish it out into bowls, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and maybe a few extra pickle slices if you're feeling fancy. It should be creamy, savory, and utterly satisfying, smelling like your favorite diner burger, but even better!

# Notes:

01 - Honestly, don't overcook the pasta! It finishes cooking in the sauce, so pull it a minute or two before al dente.
02 - This Loaded Turkey Ham Cheeseburger Pasta actually tastes even better the next day, so make extra for lunch!
03 - No ground turkey? Ground beef is a classic swap, or even ground chicken if that's what you have. I've tried both, they work!
04 - Serve it with a sprinkle of extra cheddar and a few pickle slices on top for that authentic burger feel. Trust me.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet or Dutch oven
02 - wooden spoon
03 - measuring cups and spoons

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 550
Total Fat: 28g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 30g

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