There’s nothing quite like the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger and pasta, all brought together in one quick and easy dish. This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with hearty ground beef, all cooked in a single pan for minimal cleanup.

I first tried a version of this recipe when looking for a way to satisfy my family’s love of cheeseburgers without firing up the grill. Now, it’s become one of our go-to dinners on busy weeknights. Ready to see why this recipe is a keeper? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

Get ready to meet your new favorite weeknight meal. This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta combines the rich, savory flavors of a cheeseburger with the creamy, comforting texture of pasta. It’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll find yourself making again and again.

First, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. Everything cooks in one pot, which means less time cleaning up and more time enjoying dinner with your family.

It’s also a budget-friendly option. With simple, affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and shredded cheese, this dish proves you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a delicious homemade meal.

And let’s not forget how kid-approved this recipe is. The familiar cheeseburger flavors paired with pasta make it an instant hit with even the pickiest eaters.

Finally, it’s an adaptable recipe. You can customize it with your favorite cheese, swap out the pasta shape, or even add veggies for a nutritional boost.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to this dish’s deliciousness lies in the perfect combination of simple, flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating that signature cheeseburger taste.

Ground beef: Opt for an 80/20 ground beef blend for the best balance of flavor and texture. The fat helps infuse the pasta with a rich, savory taste. If you prefer leaner beef, you can use it, but a small drizzle of olive oil may be needed.
Pasta: Short pasta like penne, macaroni, or rotini works best for this recipe. These shapes help capture the sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Beef broth: Using beef broth instead of water adds depth to the dish. It enhances the overall flavor, giving the pasta a rich, meaty base.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar is ideal for its bold flavor, but feel free to use mild cheddar, a cheddar blend, or even Monterey Jack for a slightly different twist.
Tomato paste: Just a little goes a long way in giving the dish that classic cheeseburger tang. If you don’t have tomato paste, ketchup or even a bit of marinara sauce can work as a substitute.

No special equipment is needed—just a large pot or deep skillet with a lid. This dish is all about keeping things simple and convenient.

How to Make One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

Making this dish couldn’t be easier. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a hearty, delicious meal on the table in no time.

Start by browning the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. Break it into small pieces as it cooks, and once it’s browned, drain any excess grease.

Next, add your aromatics. Stir in diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until they’re fragrant and slightly softened. This step adds a depth of flavor that makes the dish irresistible.

Now, it’s time to combine the liquids and pasta. Add beef broth, milk, tomato paste, and uncooked pasta to the pot. Stir everything together, ensuring the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.

Simmer and cook the pasta until tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This step usually takes about 10-12 minutes, depending on the pasta shape you use.

Finally, it’s time to melt in the cheese. Once the pasta is fully cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan if you’d like.

Storage Options

This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is just as delicious reheated, making it perfect for leftovers. Here’s how to store it:

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure the dish has cooled completely before sealing the container.
Freeze: For longer storage, transfer the cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat: To reheat, add the pasta to a skillet with a splash of milk or broth to help loosen the sauce. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some fun ways to switch it up:

Add veggies: Stir in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for an extra boost of nutrition.
Switch up the cheese: Try swapping the cheddar for pepper jack, Swiss, or a smoked gouda for a different flavor profile.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
Use ground turkey or chicken: For a lighter version, swap out the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
Experiment with toppings: Serve with crumbled bacon, pickled jalapeños, or even a drizzle of mustard to mimic classic burger toppings.

This recipe is endlessly adaptable, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!

Enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience with this One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving a cozy dinner, this dish checks all the boxes. Happy cooking!