Delicious One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe for Family Dinner

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering one-pot cheeseburger pasta that combines the classic burger flavors in a creamy, easy-to-make dish.

Ground beef sizzles with aromatic spices, creating a rich base for tender pasta shells.

Melted cheese blankets each noodle, delivering that irresistible burger-style goodness in every single bite.

Sharp cheddar and a hint of mustard capture the essence of a traditional cheeseburger.

Weeknight dinners never looked this delicious or felt this effortless.

Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor make this recipe a total game-changer for busy home cooks.

Grab a fork and prepare to fall in love with dinner.

Why One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Is Fun

• Speed Up Meal Prep: This one-pot wonder slashes cooking time by eliminating multiple dishes and complicated steps, making dinner a breeze for busy families.
• Comfort Food Delight: Combines classic cheeseburger flavors with convenient pasta, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies both kids and adults with its hearty, cheesy goodness.
• Minimal Kitchen Cleanup: Using just a single pot means less washing up, giving you more time to enjoy your meal and spend with loved ones instead of scrubbing dishes.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Utilizes affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and cheese to create a filling meal that doesn't break the bank while delivering maximum flavor.

Key Ingredients for Cheeseburger Pasta Fans

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the foundation of this classic comfort dish.

• Onion, Garlic: These ingredients add depth and rich flavor to the cheeseburger pasta base.

• Beef Broth: Provides a savory liquid base that helps cook the pasta and enhances overall flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and a subtle tangy note to the dish.
• Paprika: Contributes a warm, slightly sweet spice to complement the beef.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste profile.

• Uncooked Pasta: The main carbohydrate that transforms this recipe into a satisfying one-pot meal.
• Cheddar Cheese: Creates a creamy, melty texture that defines the cheeseburger pasta experience.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth and rich sauce when combined with the cheese.

• Parsley: A fresh herb that can add a bright, green accent to the finished dish.

How to Cook Cheeseburger Pasta in One Pot

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large pot or skillet over medium heat.

Crumble the ground beef into the pan and cook until it turns a rich, golden-brown color.

If there’s excess grease, carefully drain it away to keep the dish from becoming too oily.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Toss in the finely chopped onions and minced garlic.

Stir and cook these flavor-packed ingredients until they become soft and translucent, releasing their delightful aroma throughout the kitchen.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Base

Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes.

Sprinkle in paprika, salt, and pepper to build a robust, mouth-watering foundation for the pasta.

Mix all ingredients thoroughly to combine the flavors.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add the uncooked pasta directly into the pot.

Bring the entire mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.

Cover the pot and let it cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Continue cooking for 10-12 minutes until the pasta reaches perfect tenderness.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheesy Goodness

Once the pasta is cooked, it’s time to make the magic happen.

• Cheddar cheese
• Milk

Keep stirring until the cheese completely melts, creating a creamy, dreamy sauce that coats every single pasta piece.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the cheeseburger pasta into bowls.

For an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top if you’d like.

Serve hot and watch everyone dig in with excitement!

Cheeseburger Pasta Tips for Extra Flavor

• Remove as much grease as possible after browning beef to prevent a greasy dish and enhance overall flavor.
• Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking throughout the pot.
• Let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes after adding cheese to help it melt smoothly and create a more uniform creamy consistency.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or pepper jack to add complexity and personalize the dish.
• Prepare all ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking and reduce total meal preparation time to under 20 minutes.

Cheeseburger Pasta Flavor Variations

• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Swap: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, gluten-free version that cuts carbohydrates and adds extra vegetables.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, maintaining the hearty texture while creating a meat-free meal.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chilies, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle in cumin to give the dish a zesty southwestern kick.
• Dairy-Free Comfort Option: Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese and coconut milk in place of regular milk, creating a creamy sauce suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Serving Up Cheeseburger Pasta with Style

• Burger Night Delight: Serve this hearty pasta directly from the pot for a casual family dinner that feels like comfort food.
• Picnic Perfect Portion: Pack this dish in a thermos for outdoor meals, keeping it warm and delicious during park or beach outings.
• Sides that Shine: Pair with crisp garden salad, garlic bread, or quick cucumber pickles to complement the rich, cheesy pasta flavors.
• Topping Transformation: Sprinkle extra shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, or chopped green onions on top for added texture and zest.

Cheeseburger Pasta Storage Solutions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Lay flat to save space and prevent freezer burn.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of milk or broth to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when pasta reaches steaming temperature.
• Warm pasta in skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of milk or broth to prevent sticking. Stir gently and frequently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Children love the cheesy, meaty flavor and the easy-to-eat pasta style. It’s a familiar taste that reminds kids of classic cheeseburgers.

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a different protein option.

• What if I don't have cheddar cheese?

No problem! You can swap cheddar with other melting cheeses like monterey jack, colby, or a blend of cheeses for similar creamy results.

• How spicy is this dish?

The recipe is mild and family-friendly. The paprika adds a subtle warmth without making the dish hot or overwhelming for sensitive palates.

One-pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty one-pot cheeseburger pasta delivers classic American comfort straight to dinner tables with minimal cleanup. Beef, cheese, and pasta mingle in a skillet, creating a quick meal that satisfies hungry families without complicated cooking techniques.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Starches and Grains:

• 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow or shells)

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids:

• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

• Chopped parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, ensuring thorough cooking and removing any excess fat.
2. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 2 minutes.
3. Pour in beef broth, diced tomatoes, and season with paprika, salt, and pepper, creating a flavorful liquid base.
4. Add uncooked pasta directly into the pot, stirring to combine with the meat and seasonings.
5. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
6. Check pasta for tenderness, ensuring it is cooked through and has absorbed most of the liquid.
7. Remove from heat and immediately fold in shredded cheddar cheese and milk, stirring until the cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
8. Let the pasta rest for 1-2 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for added color and serve hot directly from the pot.

Notes

• Customize the meat by using ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version.
• For extra flavor depth, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika during cooking.
• Keep the pasta al dente by checking texture a minute before recommended cooking time and adjusting liquid if needed.
• Enhance nutrition by mixing in frozen vegetables like peas or diced bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 490 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg