Hearty One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe: Family-Favorite Magic

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

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty dish that combines classic burger elements with creamy pasta goodness.

Meat lovers and pasta enthusiasts will find themselves swooning over each savory bite.

Sharp cheddar melts perfectly into tender noodles, creating a rich and indulgent experience.

Minimal cleanup means you spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a satisfying meal.

Quick preparation makes this recipe a lifesaver when hunger strikes and time is short.

Grab a skillet and get ready to impress everyone at the dinner table with this irresistible culinary creation.

Storing One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

• Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and absorption of other food odors.
• Pack leftovers in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or milk to restore moisture. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and seasoned well.

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Children love the cheesy pasta and familiar flavors of cheeseburger, making it a perfect family meal that’s easy to eat and enjoy.

• How can I make this recipe more protein-packed?

Add extra protein by mixing in some diced bacon bits, or sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top just before serving to boost the protein content.

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta like elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne are ideal because they hold the sauce well and cook evenly in the one-pot method.

One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta: Comfort in a Bowl

• Simplify Cooking: Whip up a delicious meal using just one pot, minimizing cleanup and kitchen chaos while delivering maximum flavor.
• Speed Up Dinner: Prepare a hearty, satisfying dish in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight and hunger is high.
• Kid-Friendly Comfort: Combine classic cheeseburger flavors with pasta, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that both children and adults will devour with excitement.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Use affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and cheese to create a filling dinner that won't break the bank.

Ingredients Checklist for One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

• Ground Beef: A flavorful protein that creates the classic cheeseburger foundation for this pasta dish.

• Onion, Garlic: These ingredients add depth and savory notes to enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Beef Broth: Provides rich liquid base and adds extra meaty flavor to the pasta.
• Diced Tomatoes: Introduces moisture and tangy brightness to the dish.
• Milk or Cream: Creates a smooth and creamy texture for the final sauce.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and mild smoky undertone to the pasta.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.

• Uncooked Pasta: Serves as the hearty base that absorbs all the delicious flavors.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a creamy sauce and provides the signature cheeseburger taste.

• Parsley: Offers a fresh green touch and light herbal accent to the finished dish.

How to Prepare One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Cook ground beef in a large pot or skillet over medium heat until fully browned.

Completely drain away any excess fat.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic

Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Step 3: Create the Base

• Beef broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Uncooked pasta
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook Pasta

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce heat to low.

Cover the pot and let simmer for 12-15 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Check pasta for tenderness.

Step 5: Add Creamy Cheese Finish

• Milk or cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Mix continuously until cheese completely melts and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Remove pot from heat.

Optional: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for added color and flavor.

Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your one-pot cheeseburger pasta.

Pro Tips for One-Pot Pasta Perfection

• Use a colander to remove excess beef fat completely, preventing a greasy dish and ensuring a lighter texture.
• Remove pot from heat before adding cheese to prevent breaking or becoming grainy, creating smooth and creamy sauce.
• Test pasta for al dente texture by tasting a piece during simmering, avoiding overcooking which can make pasta mushy.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or mustard for extra savory notes that enhance the cheeseburger-style taste.
• Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version that maintains the hearty meal's essence.

Flavor Variations for Cheeseburger Pasta

• Vegetarian Deconstructed: Replace ground beef with crumbled plant-based meat or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chilies, swap paprika for chili powder, and use pepper jack cheese. Top with sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Check broth and seasoning labels carefully.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Reduce broth amount and adjust cooking time to prevent overcooking.

Serving Inspirations for Cheeseburger Pasta

• Burger Bash Plating: Serve this hearty pasta in colorful ceramic bowls to make the meal pop with visual appeal.
• Cheesy Companion Sides: Pair with crisp garden salad or buttery garlic bread to complement the rich, meaty flavors.
• Topping Extravaganza: Sprinkle extra shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, or chopped green onions on top for added texture and zest.
• Family-Style Feast: Place the whole pot in the center of the table and let everyone serve themselves for a casual, fun dining experience.

One-pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty one-pot cheeseburger pasta delivers classic American comfort flavors in a simple skillet meal. Ground beef, melted cheese, and tender pasta combine for a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies hungry families.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

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

Liquid and Pantry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 (14 ounces/396 grams) can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups (224 grams) uncooked pasta (rotini or penne)
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk or heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Cheese:

• 1 cup (112 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, ensuring thorough cooking and draining any accumulated fat.
2. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Pour beef broth, diced tomatoes, and uncooked pasta into the pot, seasoning with paprika, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly combine all ingredients.
4. Elevate heat to generate a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to low temperature. Cover the pot and allow contents to simmer, stirring intermittently to prevent sticking.
5. Monitor pasta’s texture, cooking for 12-15 minutes until perfectly tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
6. Remove from heat source and introduce milk or cream, stirring to create a smooth consistency.
7. Gradually fold in shredded cheddar cheese, continuously stirring until cheese melts completely and sauce achieves a luxurious, creamy texture.
8. Optional: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for added color and herbal brightness.
9. Serve immediately while warm, ensuring optimal flavor and creaminess.

Notes

• Customize the meat by using ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier version that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach during the cooking process to boost nutritional value and create a more balanced one-pot meal.
• For a gluten-free option, swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta varieties like chickpea or rice pasta without changing the cooking method.
• Control the dish’s richness by adjusting cheese quantity or using low-fat cheese alternatives while maintaining the creamy, comforting texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 510 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg