One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

Combine the rich, savory flavor of a classic cheeseburger with the creamy goodness of pasta—all in just 30 minutes! This one-pot recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need something quick, hearty, and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Craving a meal that’s comforting and fuss-free? This one-pot cheeseburger pasta delivers big on flavor and ease.

One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup—everything cooks in a single pot.

Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples like pasta, ground beef, and cheese.

Customizable: Adapt it easily with substitutes like turkey, plant-based meat, or gluten-free pasta.

Family Favorite: Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist its cheesy, savory goodness.

Key Ingredients & Expert Tips

These simple ingredients create a crowd-pleasing dish with unbeatable flavor.

Ground Beef: For juicy results, choose an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio.

Cheese: Freshly grated cheddar melts better than pre-shredded options.

Pasta Shapes: Rotini, shells, or penne work best for holding the creamy sauce.

Flavor Additions: Ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce bring that classic burger taste to life.

Pro Tip: Want extra crunch? Add diced pickles or crispy bacon as a garnish!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

Cook 1 lb of ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until crumbled and browned. Drain any excess fat.

2. Sauté Aromatics

Add 1 small diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pot. Sauté for about 3 minutes, or until fragrant.

3. Build the Sauce

Stir in 2 cups of beef broth, 1 cup of milk, 14 oz of diced tomatoes (with their juices), 2 tbsp of ketchup, 1 tbsp of yellow mustard, 1 tsp of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine.

4. Cook the Pasta

Add 2 cups of uncooked pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for 10–12 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Finish with Cheese

Turn off the heat and stir in 2 cups of freshly grated cheddar cheese until fully melted. For added creaminess, mix in ½ cup of heavy cream. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Creative Variations

Take this recipe to the next level with these fun twists!

Healthier Option: Use ground turkey, whole wheat pasta, or toss in fresh spinach.

Add a Kick: Spice it up with jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese.

Veggie-Packed: Incorporate mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

Bacon Lovers: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the top for a smoky finish.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Add a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess when reheating on the stove or in the microwave.

Freeze: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Note that the sauce may thicken slightly during storage.

Perfect for Any Weeknight

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

2 cups uncooked pasta

1 small onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 cups beef broth

1 cup milk

14 oz diced tomatoes

2 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese

2 tbsp ketchup

1 tbsp yellow mustard

1 tsp smoked paprika

Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

Brown beef in a large pot and drain fat.

Sauté onion and garlic until softened.

Add broth, milk, tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, and spices.

Stir in pasta; simmer until pasta is fully cooked.

Mix in cheese until melted. Garnish with parsley or diced pickles if desired!

Final Thoughts

This one-pot cheeseburger pasta is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you stick to the recipe or add your own twists, it’s sure to become a go-to weeknight meal. Share your creations online and don’t forget to tag us with #CheeseburgerPastaLove—we can’t wait to see how you’ve made it your own!