The Ultimate One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe for Family Joy

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering one-pot cheeseburger pasta that’ll make dinner a breeze.

Weeknight cooking just got way more delicious with minimal cleanup required.

Juicy ground beef mingles with tender pasta shells, creating a crowd-pleasing meal everyone craves.

Melted cheese blankets each bite, delivering that classic burger flavor you love.

Perfect for busy households, this dish comes together faster than ordering takeout.

Creamy, hearty, and packed with familiar flavors, you’ll want to add this recipe to your weekly rotation.

Dive in and see how quickly this meal becomes a family favorite!

Warm Cheeseburger Pasta One-Pot Style

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the pasta will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or milk to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
• Cool the pasta completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What to Serve with One-pot Cheeseburger Pasta

• Pair with Crisp Green Salad: Toss a light, tangy salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheesy pasta.
• Complement with Bold Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red like Zinfandel or Merlot that stands up to the hearty beef and cheese flavors while adding depth to the meal.
• Create Crunchy Side of Dill Pickles: Slice crisp dill pickles as a classic burger-inspired accompaniment that provides a sharp, acidic contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Enhance with Garlic Bread Soldiers: Prepare toasted garlic bread strips perfect for dipping into the cheesy pasta, adding extra texture and complementary flavors.

One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta with Melty Topping Ideas

• Vegetarian Skillet: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a meatless protein-packed meal.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds. Substitute milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk for creamy texture.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chilies, cayenne pepper, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese. Top with fresh cilantro and jalapeños for extra kick.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just ensure it’s browned thoroughly and provides similar flavor.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the cheesy pasta and familiar cheeseburger taste. It’s a fun, comforting meal that most children enjoy.

• What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like rotini, elbow macaroni, or shells are perfect. They hold the sauce well and create a consistent texture.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free beef broth to adapt the recipe for gluten-sensitive diets.

One-pot Cheeseburger Pasta: Fast, Hearty, And Family-Approved

• Quick Family Dinner Solution: Whip up this one-pot cheeseburger pasta in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal without complicated cooking steps.
• Minimal Cleanup Magic: Using a single pot means fewer dishes to wash, saving precious time and energy after a long day of work or parenting.
• Kid-Friendly Comfort Food: Combining classic cheeseburger flavors with pasta creates an irresistible dish that children and adults will love, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable.
• Versatile Ingredient Swap: Easily customize the recipe by using ground turkey, adding extra vegetables, or switching cheese types to match your family's taste preferences and nutritional needs.

Cheeseburger Pasta One-Pot Prep Details

• Ground Beef: Hearty meat providing rich flavor and protein for the cheeseburger pasta base. Best with 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juicy texture.

• Penne, Shells: Pasta shapes that hold sauce well and create comforting texture. Choose shapes with ridges or curves.
• Beef Broth: Creates depth of flavor and helps cook pasta. Preferably low-sodium for better control of salt.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and helps create smooth cheese sauce. Whole milk recommended for richer results.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatics that build foundational savory notes. Fresh ingredients provide more intense flavor.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor adding depth and slight tanginess. Helps create cheeseburger-like essence.
• Paprika: Warm spice that adds subtle smokiness and color. Provides mild background flavor.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese bringing classic cheeseburger taste. Shredded cheese melts more evenly.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds subtle fruity undertone. Use extra virgin for best flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste. Adjust to personal preference.

One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Directions

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown the Protein

In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat.

Toss in the ground beef, onion, and garlic.

Cook while stirring, breaking up the beef until it turns a rich brown color and the onions become soft and translucent.

Step 2: Enhance the Flavor Profile

Introduce tomato paste, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot.

Stir and cook for about a minute to allow the spices to release their aromatic essence and blend with the meat.

Step 3: Build the One-Pot Wonder

Add the pasta, beef broth, and milk to the pot.

Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.

Cover the pot and let it cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring intermittently.

Continue cooking until the pasta reaches a tender consistency and absorbs the flavorful liquid.

Step 5: Create Creamy Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the pot.

Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely, creating a smooth and creamy texture that coats the pasta and meat.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Dish out the steaming hot cheeseburger pasta directly from the pot.

Enjoy the comfort food that combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with the convenience of a one-pot meal.

Cheeseburger Pasta in One Pot With Easy Blending Tricks

• Use a mix of ground beef with 80/20 fat ratio for richer, juicier results and deeper taste profile.
• Stir frequently during cooking to ensure even pasta distribution and prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like monterey jack, pepper jack, or smoked cheddar for unique flavor variations.
• Adjust beef broth quantity based on desired sauce thickness – less liquid creates a thicker, more concentrated sauce.
• Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or ground turkey for lighter protein options without compromising overall dish texture.

One-pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling ground beef meets cheesy pasta in this hearty one-pot cheeseburger pasta, blending classic American comfort with simple weeknight convenience. Home cooks discover a quick, satisfying meal that delivers bold flavors without multiple dishes to clean.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

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

Pasta and Dairy:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) uncooked pasta (penne or shells)
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sizzle ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic in a spacious pot over medium-high temperature, breaking meat into small crumbles until fully cooked and onions turn translucent.
2. Incorporate tomato paste, paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring vigorously to distribute seasonings evenly and enhance flavor profile.
3. Pour beef broth and milk into the pot, then add uncooked pasta, ensuring liquid covers ingredients completely and creates a uniform mixture.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and allow contents to simmer gently, occasionally stirring to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
5. Monitor pasta’s texture, checking tenderness at around 10-12 minutes of cooking time, and adjust liquid if needed to prevent burning or drying out.
6. Once pasta reaches perfect al dente consistency, remove from heat and fold in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until cheese melts smoothly and creates a creamy, luxurious sauce.
7. Let the one-pot cheeseburger pasta rest for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken slightly, then serve immediately in warm bowls, garnishing with optional fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

• Customize the pasta choice by using whole wheat or gluten-free options for different dietary needs.
• Control the spice level by adjusting paprika or adding red pepper flakes for extra kick.
• Lower fat content by using lean ground beef or substituting with ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Enhance flavor depth by incorporating additional herbs like dried oregano or fresh parsley before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 90mg