Homemade One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe For Hungry Nights

Comfort food takes an exciting turn with this one-pot cheeseburger pasta that combines classic burger flavors in a simple, hearty dish.

Packed with ground beef and melted cheese, the recipe delivers a nostalgic meal that satisfies serious hunger pangs.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

The skillet sizzles with seasoned meat and pasta, creating a creamy, indulgent experience that feels like a burger and pasta had a perfect culinary love child.

Cheesy, meaty, and utterly irresistible, this dish comes together faster than ordering takeout.

Every bite promises a burst of familiar flavors that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Grab a fork and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

FAQs

• Is this a healthy meal?

While delicious, this one-pot cheeseburger pasta is not considered a low-calorie dish. It’s a comfort food with protein from beef and dairy, but contains higher fat and sodium content.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is an excellent lean protein substitute. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and drain any excess liquid to maintain the recipe’s consistency.

• Do I need to pre-cook the pasta?

No, the pasta cooks directly in the liquid with the beef and other ingredients. This one-pot method allows the pasta to absorb all the delicious flavors while cooking.

• What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like elbow macaroni, rotini, or shells work perfectly. They hold the sauce well and cook evenly in the one-pot method. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti or linguine.

What Makes One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta So Good

• Combine the classic cheeseburger taste with pasta, creating a crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies both kids and adults with its rich, creamy texture and familiar flavors.
• Customize this recipe by adding extra toppings like chopped pickles, green onions, or a sprinkle of crispy bacon to make it your own signature dish for potlucks, family dinners, or casual gatherings.
• Use affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and cheese to create a filling, nutritious meal that stretches your grocery budget without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.

Ingredients for One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

• Ground Beef: A flavorful protein that forms the hearty base of this one-pot cheeseburger pasta.
• Pasta: The comforting starch that absorbs the delicious flavors of the dish and provides a satisfying texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that creates a creamy, rich sauce for the pasta.

• Beef Stock, Milk, Diced Tomatoes: These liquids create a flavorful cooking liquid that helps cook the pasta and develop a rich sauce.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide a deep, savory foundation for the dish's flavor profile.
• Worcestershire Sauce, Mustard, Salt, Pepper: Condiments and seasonings that enhance the overall taste and add complexity to the cheeseburger-inspired pasta.

• Fresh Parsley: An optional herb that adds a bright, fresh touch to the finished dish.

How to Prepare One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Easily

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium flame.

Crumble ground beef into the pan, breaking it down into small pieces.

Cook until the meat turns a rich, golden brown and no pink remains.

Carefully drain any excess fat to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Toss finely chopped onions and minced garlic into the beef.

Let them dance in the pan for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and release their mouthwatering fragrance.

The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that’ll make everyone’s stomach growl.

Step 3: Liquid Magic Begins

• Beef stock
• Milk
• Undrained diced tomatoes

Stir everything together, making sure to scrape up those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.

These little flavor bombs will elevate the entire dish.

Step 4: Pasta Transformation

Introduce uncooked pasta directly into the skillet.

Give everything a thorough mix, ensuring pasta is completely submerged in the liquid.

Cover the pan, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent any pasta from sticking or burning.

Step 5: Cheese Explosion

Once pasta reaches perfect tenderness, it’s time to create magic.

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Worcestershire sauce
• Mustard

Stir continuously until cheese melts into a creamy, luxurious sauce.

Season with salt and pepper to make the flavors pop.

Step 6: Final Flourish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Scoop into bowls immediately and enjoy while piping hot.

Watch as everyone dives in with pure excitement!

Handy Tips for Better Cheeseburger Pasta

• Remove excess fat completely to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing final result.
• Prevent sticking by stirring the pasta every few minutes during cooking, creating an even texture and consistent cooking.
• Keep an eye on moisture while simmering; add small amounts of broth if the mixture becomes too dry to maintain a saucy consistency.
• Reduce heat to low when adding cheese, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce without clumping or burning.
• Select high-fat ground beef and sharp cheddar cheese for richer flavor and more satisfying one-pot meal experience.

Storage and Reheat Tips for Cheeseburger Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chilled for 3-4 days, ensuring the container seals tightly to prevent moisture loss.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef stock or milk to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir frequently until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when the pasta reaches steaming temperature.

Perfect Sides for One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

• Savor the Perfect Pairings
• -Refresh with Crisp Lager: A cold, light beer cuts through the richness of the cheeseburger pasta, cleansing your palate with each sip and balancing the creamy, meaty flavors.
• -Complement with Tangy Salad: Toss a simple green salad with vinaigrette to add brightness and acidity, which helps cut through the dish's heaviness and provides a refreshing contrast.
• -Enhance with Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crispy garlic bread on the side to soak up the cheesy sauce and add a crunchy texture that complements the soft, creamy pasta.
• -Cool Down with Pickles: Add a side of dill pickles to introduce a zesty, acidic element that mirrors the classic cheeseburger experience and provides a palate-cleansing crunch.

Flavorful Twists on Cheeseburger Pasta

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Replace pasta with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that maintains the hearty cheeseburger flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles to accommodate wheat sensitivities while keeping the classic comfort food essence.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, maintaining the protein-rich texture and savory seasonings.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives to create a creamy sauce without traditional dairy ingredients.

One-pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling cheeseburger pasta promises a comforting dinner adventure straight from skillet to plate. Hearty flavors blend seamlessly, delivering classic American diner charm with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef

Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids and Base Ingredients:

• 2 cups beef stock
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes, including juices

Pasta and Cheese:

• 8 ounces (225g) uncooked pasta
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (yellow preferred, made with plant-based rennet)

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon Coles Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature and thoroughly cook ground beef, breaking into small crumbles until no pink remains. Drain excess fat completely to prevent greasy texture.
2. Incorporate finely diced onions and minced garlic into the beef, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until aromatics become translucent and fragrant.
3. Pour beef stock, milk, and entire can of diced tomatoes into the skillet. Scrape bottom of pan to release caramelized meat fragments, maximizing flavor development.
4. Introduce uncooked pasta directly into liquid mixture, ensuring all pasta is submerged. Cover skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir periodically to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
5. Once pasta reaches al dente consistency, fold in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy sauce. Integrate Worcestershire sauce and mustard for depth of flavor.
6. Season with salt and pepper according to personal preference. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for additional color and herbal notes.
7. Serve immediately while hot, allowing the rich, comforting flavors to shine.

Notes

• Choose ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version that still packs delicious flavor and reduces overall fat content.
• Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta alternatives like chickpea or quinoa pasta to make the dish celiac-friendly.
• Sneak in extra nutrition by adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the onion cooking stage for increased vegetable intake.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp provolone, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses to customize the flavor profile and keep the dish exciting.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 100mg