Easy One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe: Dinner Joy in a Flash

Whipping up a delightful one-pot cheeseburger pasta can turn an ordinary weeknight into a flavor-packed adventure.

Comfort meets convenience in this crowd-pleasing dish that brings restaurant-style excitement straight to your kitchen.

Juicy ground beef mingles with tender pasta, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Rich cheese sauce coats every single noodle, ensuring maximum deliciousness in each forkful.

Minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction make this recipe a true winner for busy home cooks.

Simple ingredients come together quickly, promising a meal that satisfies deep hunger and culinary curiosity.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and make it a regular in your dinner rotation.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works great as a lean alternative to beef.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the cheesy pasta and familiar cheeseburger flavors, making it a perfect family meal.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach during the cooking process to boost nutritional value.

• Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

While best served fresh, you can prep ingredients beforehand and cook quickly when ready to eat.

One-pot Cheeseburger Pasta Essentials

• Craft Crispy Burger Perfection: Create restaurant-quality smash burgers with a simple technique that delivers maximum flavor and incredible crispy edges.
• Quick and Satisfying Meal Solution: Prepare a delicious burger feast in minutes with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that guarantee tasty results.
• Customizable Flavor Adventure: Personalize your burger experience by adding preferred toppings and experimenting with the creamy baconnaise sauce for a unique culinary twist.
• One-Pan Wonder: Enjoy a complete meal using just a single cast-iron skillet, reducing cleanup time and making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks seeking convenience.

Ingredients For One-pot Cheeseburger Pasta

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that gives the dish its classic cheeseburger flavor and substantial texture.

• Pasta, Beef Broth, Milk: Create a creamy and comforting one-pot meal with easy cooking and rich flavor.

• Onion, Garlic: Add depth and savory undertones to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Tomato Paste, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Provide a robust and well-balanced seasoning profile that mimics traditional cheeseburger flavors.

• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a classic, melty cheese element that ties the dish together with creamy richness.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers a bright, fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and subtle herbal note.

• Olive Oil: Helps to brown the meat and prevent sticking while adding a mild flavor base to the dish.

Cooking Directions For One-pot Cheeseburger Pasta

Step 1: Sizzle the Beef

Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat with olive oil. Break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks, ensuring an even golden color and delicious flavor.

Step 2: Enhance with Aromatics

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic

Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant, releasing their sweet and savory notes.

Step 3: Boost the Flavor Profile

• Tomato paste
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly to distribute the spices and develop a deep, complex taste.

Step 4: Create the Liquid Foundation

Pour in beef broth and milk, gently stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Add uncooked pasta directly to the pot. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

The pasta will absorb the flavorful liquid and become perfectly tender.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese

Reduce the heat and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta.

Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy and luxurious sauce that coats every bite.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the cheeseburger pasta to serving dishes.

Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness. Serve immediately while hot and gooey.

Helpful Tips For One-pot Cheeseburger Pasta

• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains the hearty flavor profile.
• Choose low-sodium beef broth to control salt content and create a healthier meal option.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like monterey jack or pepper jack for unique taste variations.
• Allow pasta to rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to help sauce thicken and become more creamy and luxurious.
• Use whole wheat pasta for added nutritional value and a slightly nutty undertone that complements the rich beef and cheese.

Flavorful Options For One-pot Cheeseburger Pasta

• Spicy Southwest Cheeseburger Pasta: Replace paprika with chili powder, add diced green chilies, and use pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Lamb Pasta: Swap ground beef for ground lamb, incorporate oregano and feta cheese, and sprinkle with chopped fresh mint.
• Veggie Loaded Cheeseburger Pasta
• Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta: Crisp chopped bacon before browning beef, add bacon bits on top, and use smoked gouda for extra richness.

Suggested Sides For One-pot Cheeseburger Pasta

• Backyard Burger Bash: Serve this hearty pasta in individual cast-iron skillets for a rustic, camping-style dinner that feels like a cozy outdoor feast.
• Picnic Perfect Pasta: Pack this cheeseburger pasta in a large thermos for a delicious park lunch that stays warm and comforting during family outings.
• Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Transform the dish into bite-sized portions using mini ramekins, creating individual servings perfect for watching sports or hosting friends.
• Loaded Burger Pasta Remix: Top the final dish with crispy bacon bits, diced pickles, and a drizzle of special sauce to elevate the classic cheeseburger flavor profile for an extra-indulgent meal.

Storage Guidelines For One-pot Cheeseburger Pasta

• Transfer cooled cheeseburger pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm gently in a microwave, adding a splash of milk or beef broth to restore creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• When reheating, add a little extra cheese or broth to keep the pasta moist and prevent it from becoming tough or dried out.

One-pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory one-pot cheeseburger pasta delivers classic American comfort directly from skillet to plate. Rich beef and creamy cheese blend seamlessly, creating a quick meal perfect for hungry families craving familiar flavors you’ll devour eagerly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 oz (226 g) uncooked pasta (penne or macaroni)
• 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, creating a rich, caramelized base for the dish.
2. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they release their aromatic essence and become translucent.
3. Enhance the flavor profile by mixing in tomato paste, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, allowing the spices to bloom and intensify.
4. Pour beef broth and milk into the pot, creating a luxurious liquid foundation that will cook the pasta and infuse it with depth.
5. Add uncooked pasta directly into the simmering liquid, cover the pot, and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
6. Once pasta reaches al dente perfection, lower the heat and fold in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and creates a silky, creamy coating.
7. Transfer the steaming cheeseburger pasta to serving dishes, optionally garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a vibrant touch of color and herbaceous note.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains the classic cheeseburger flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish celiac-friendly without compromising texture or taste.
• For a lighter option, substitute half the milk with low-fat milk and choose reduced-fat cheddar cheese to cut down on calories.
• Enhance protein content by adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms during the onion cooking stage for extra nutrition and depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 610 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1440 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg