The Ultimate One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

Whipping up a delightful one-pot cheeseburger pasta can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure.

Familiar comfort meets unexpected convenience in this streamlined meal.

Hearty flavors combine effortlessly without creating mountains of dirty dishes.

Busy home cooks appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together.

Simple ingredients dance from skillet to plate in record time.

Meat, cheese, and pasta intermingle creating a satisfying dinner solution that feels like a restaurant-quality indulgance.

Each forkful promises a mouthwatering journey you won’t want to miss.

One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Guide

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Tackle weeknight cooking with this single-pot wonder that combines classic cheeseburger flavors into a hearty pasta dish, eliminating multiple pans and complicated steps.
• Kid-Approved Comfort: Packed with familiar tastes kids love, this recipe transforms boring meals into an exciting dinner that brings smiles around the table and satisfies even picky eaters.
• Speedster Meal Solution: Quickly transform ground beef and pantry staples into a delicious, filling meal that goes from stovetop to serving in just minutes, perfect for busy families needing fast nutrition.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the recipe by adding extra toppings like crispy bacon bits, green onions, or a sprinkle of extra cheese to match individual preferences and make each serving special.

Ingredients for One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein for the cheeseburger pasta.

• Onion, Garlic: These ingredients create a deep, savory base that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Beef Broth, Milk: These liquids help cook the pasta and create a creamy, flavorful sauce.

• Ketchup, Mustard, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: These ingredients add classic cheeseburger-style tangy and spicy notes to the pasta.

• Pasta, Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The pasta forms the base of the dish, while the cheese adds a rich, melty texture and classic cheeseburger flavor.

How to Prepare One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

Step 1: Brown The Beef

In a spacious skillet, warm up the cooking surface over medium heat. Tumble the ground beef into the pan and cook thoroughly, breaking it into small crumbles.

Once the meat turns a rich brown color, carefully drain away any extra grease to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 2: Sizzle Aromatics

Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the same pan.

Stir and cook these fragrant ingredients until they become soft and release their delightful aroma, creating a flavorful base for the dish.

Step 3: Build The Flavor Foundation

• Beef broth
• Milk
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything together, creating a rich and tangy liquid that will infuse the pasta with incredible taste.

Step 4: Cook The Pasta

Add pasta directly into the skillet and stir thoroughly to coat with the flavorful sauce. Cover the pan and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Cook until the pasta reaches perfect tenderness.

Step 5: Melt The Cheese

Lower the heat and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Gently stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy, luxurious sauce that coats every inch of the pasta and beef.

Step 6: Serve And Devour

Scoop the steaming cheeseburger pasta directly from the skillet onto plates.

The meal is ready to be enjoyed immediately, offering a comforting and satisfying dinner that combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a convenient pasta form.

Tips for One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Excellence

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier one-pot meal.
• Customize the pasta's texture by adjusting cooking time; shorter for al dente, longer for softer noodles.
• Enhance flavor by using sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense taste profile.
• Experiment with additional toppings like crispy bacon bits, diced pickles, or green onions for extra crunch and freshness.
• Make it gluten-free by substituting regular pasta with gluten-free pasta varieties.

Flavor Twists for One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

• Vegetarian Pasta Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meatless version that still packs flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with sensitivity.
• Spicy Cheeseburger Pasta: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish a spicy kick that transforms the classic recipe.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice to create a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal option.

Side Dishes That Complement One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Gather around the table and make this hearty pasta a centerpiece for a warm, comforting meal that brings everyone together.
• Lunch Box Surprise: Pack leftovers in a sealed container for a delicious midday meal that will be the envy of your colleagues or classmates.
• Game Day Crowd Pleaser: Serve this cheesy pasta in a large communal dish with extra toppings like crispy bacon bits, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for a crowd-pleasing party dish.
• Picnic Perfect Meal: Transfer the pasta to a portable container for an easy-to-transport lunch that tastes great at room temperature or gently reheated.

Storage Recommendations for One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Separate portions into individual meal-prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
• Cool the pasta completely before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth.
• Always cover the container tightly to maintain moisture and prevent odors from spreading.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

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

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

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

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta, and the rest of the ingredients remain the same.

• How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Stir in diced bell peppers, frozen peas, or chopped spinach during the cooking process for extra nutrition.

Quick One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty one-pot cheeseburger pasta delivers classic American comfort straight to dinner tables. Savory ground beef, melted cheese, and tender pasta combine for a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Liquid and Dairy Ingredients:

• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup milk
• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (e.g., penne or macaroni)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Sizzle ground beef in a spacious pot over medium heat until it develops a rich, golden-brown color, then eliminate any surplus grease.
2. Introduce diced onions and minced garlic, allowing them to dance and release their aromatic essence for 2-3 minutes.
3. Pour in beef broth, milk, ketchup, mustard, and sprinkle paprika, salt, and pepper, creating a robust flavor foundation.
4. Gently incorporate uncooked pasta, ensuring each piece is coated with the savory liquid mixture.
5. Secure the pot with a lid and simmer for 12-15 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent pasta from sticking and promote even cooking.
6. Once pasta reaches al dente consistency, lower the heat to its minimum setting.
7. Gradually fold in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and forms a silky, uniform sauce.
8. Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld together.
9. Serve immediately while piping hot, garnishing with optional fresh herbs or additional cheese if desired.

Notes

• Opt for ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat content while maintaining the classic cheeseburger flavor profile.
• Swap regular cheese with vegan cheese alternatives and use plant-based milk for a lactose-free version.
• Replace traditional pasta with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or smoked gouda to elevate the dish’s complexity and add unexpected depth.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 560 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg