There's nothing quite like the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger transformed into a hearty pasta dish. This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta recipe delivers all the cheesy, meaty goodness you love, with the bonus of being incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or satisfying cravings, it’s a meal the whole family will adore.
I first whipped up this dish on a chilly evening when I was craving something hearty but didn't want to juggle multiple pots and pans. The result? A creamy, flavorful pasta that quickly became a household favorite. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a must-try.
Why You'll Love This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta
Get ready to add a new favorite to your weeknight dinner rotation. This recipe is the perfect blend of flavor, convenience, and satisfaction.
First, it’s truly a one-pot wonder. Say goodbye to a sink full of dishes. All the cooking happens in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
This dish is also wonderfully kid-friendly. The familiar flavors of ground beef, cheese, and pasta will make even the pickiest eaters happy.
Another reason to love it? It’s budget-friendly. With affordable, pantry-staple ingredients, you can serve a hearty meal without breaking the bank.
Finally, it’s a recipe that’s as versatile as it is delicious. You can easily swap ingredients to fit your dietary preferences or use what you already have in the kitchen.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta lies in its simple ingredients that come together to create bold flavors. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
Ground Beef: The star of the dish! Ground beef brings that classic cheeseburger flavor. For a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works beautifully too.
Pasta: Short pasta like elbow macaroni or penne is ideal for this recipe. These shapes hold up well during cooking and grab onto the sauce perfectly.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is the go-to here for a rich, tangy flavor. Feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend for variety.
Tomato Sauce and Beef Broth: This duo creates a savory base for the sauce. The broth not only cooks the pasta but also infuses it with flavor as it simmers.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika add depth and a hint of smokiness, while a touch of mustard brings that unmistakable cheeseburger tang.
You’ll also need a large pot or deep skillet with a lid to bring everything together.
How to Make This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta
This recipe couldn’t be easier to prepare. Follow these steps, and you’ll have dinner ready in no time.
Start by heating a drizzle of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat if needed, but leave a little for flavor.
Next, stir in seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute to toast the spices and bring out their aromas.
Add the pasta, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the pot. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
When the pasta is tender, remove the lid and stir in the cheddar cheese. The residual heat will melt the cheese into the sauce, creating a luscious, creamy texture. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it cook uncovered for a minute or two.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or fresh parsley if desired.
Storage Options
This dish stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm the entire batch in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
If you’d like to freeze it, portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating as directed above.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are some ways to customize it:
For a veggie boost, add diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms when cooking the beef. Spinach or zucchini can also be stirred in toward the end.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
Swap the cheddar for other cheeses like mozzarella or Gouda for a fun twist.
Gluten-free? Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure the broth and seasonings are gluten-free as well.
For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken, low-fat cheese, and whole wheat or legume-based pasta.
This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is a guaranteed hit that’s as easy to make as it is to devour. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular on your dinner table!
PrintOne-pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe
This one-pot cheeseburger pasta recipe combines tender pasta, juicy ground beef, and melty cheese into a quick and easy comfort meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups pasta (elbow or shells)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in ketchup, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add pasta, beef broth, milk, and diced tomatoes. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked.
- Turn off the heat, mix in shredded cheddar cheese, and let it melt.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken as an alternative to beef.
- Add a handful of spinach or peas for extra nutrition.
- For a creamier texture, mix in a splash of heavy cream at the end.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
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