There's nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of cheeseburger pasta to satisfy your cravings for comfort food. This one-pot wonder combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the ease and simplicity of pasta, making it a family favorite for busy weeknights.
I discovered this recipe on a hectic evening when I needed something quick and satisfying for my hungry crew. With just one pot and a handful of pantry staples, it has become a go-to meal that’s both delicious and easy to clean up. Let’s dive into why this dish deserves a spot in your recipe rotation.
Why You'll Love This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta
Get ready to fall in love with a dish that combines bold flavors, minimal effort, and plenty of cheesy goodness. This one-pot cheeseburger pasta is a game-changer for busy households.
First, it’s incredibly quick to make. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a steaming pot of this hearty pasta on the table. Perfect for those nights when time is of the essence.
Next, it’s a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Using simple, affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and shredded cheese, this dish feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.
And let’s not forget the clean-up. Since everything cooks in one pot, you’ll have fewer dishes to tackle afterward, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy your meal.
Lastly, it’s customizable to suit your family’s tastes. Whether you like extra cheese, a touch of spice, or even some hidden veggies, this recipe is as versatile as it is tasty.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients, each bringing its own element of cheeseburger-inspired goodness.
Ground beef is the star of the show, giving the dish its signature savory flavor. For the best results, use ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio. The fat adds richness, but you can drain any excess grease if needed.
Pasta acts as the hearty base. Short shapes like elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini work best as they hold the sauce beautifully and are easy to eat.
Cheese is the ingredient that ties everything together. Sharp cheddar melts smoothly and provides that classic cheeseburger flavor. Feel free to mix in mozzarella or even pepper jack for a twist.
Tomato paste and ketchup create the tangy, slightly sweet sauce that mimics the flavors of a burger. Combined with broth, they ensure a rich, creamy consistency.
Broth is used to cook the pasta and infuse it with flavor. Beef broth works best, but chicken or vegetable broth can be substituted if that’s what you have on hand.
If you have a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, it will make cooking this dish even easier by evenly distributing heat and reducing the risk of sticking.
How To Make This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

Making this one-pot cheeseburger pasta is as simple as it gets. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a comforting dinner ready in no time.
Start by browning ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. Break it into crumbles as it cooks, ensuring it’s evenly browned. If there’s excess grease, drain it off but leave a little for flavor.
Next, stir in diced onions and let them cook until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute to release its aroma.
Add tomato paste and a dollop of ketchup, stirring to coat the beef and onions. This step builds the tangy, savory base of the sauce.
Pour in your broth, followed by the pasta, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the pasta cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the pasta is al dente, stir in the shredded cheese, allowing it to melt and coat everything in gooey goodness. Add a splash of milk or cream for extra creaminess if desired.
The whole process takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy nights.
Storage Options
This dish is just as good the next day, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To reheat, simply warm the pasta in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, use the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
If you’d like to freeze it, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating as mentioned above.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to get creative based on what you have on hand or prefer.
For a healthier twist, substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the beef. The flavor will be slightly lighter but just as delicious.
Add some hidden veggies by stirring in finely chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. These will blend seamlessly into the sauce.
If you enjoy a little heat, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when adding the tomato paste.
For a bacon cheeseburger spin, sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon over the top before serving.
Gluten-free pasta works well as a substitute if you need to accommodate dietary restrictions. Just be sure to check the package instructions for cooking times, as they may vary.
This one-pot cheeseburger pasta is the ultimate comfort food, offering all the flavors of a cheeseburger in a cozy, pasta-filled package. It’s quick, easy, and endlessly adaptable – perfect for making memories around the dinner table.
PrintOne-pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe
This one-pot cheeseburger pasta recipe combines the delicious flavors of a classic cheeseburger with pasta in a single pan. Easy, creamy, and packed with cheesy goodness, it's an ideal comfort meal for busy weeknights!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tsp mustard
- 8 oz uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in beef broth, diced tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, and uncooked pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Once pasta is cooked, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra cheesiness, add more shredded cheddar or a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or sliced green onions for added flavor.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
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