There's nothing quite like a hearty, comforting dish that brings all your favorite flavors together in one pot. This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is a dream come true for busy weeknights, combining the rich, savory goodness of a classic cheeseburger with tender pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce.

I first discovered this recipe when I was craving a burger but didn’t want to fuss with grilling. The result was a one-pot wonder that satisfies those burger cravings while being quick, easy, and perfect for the whole family. Let's dive into what makes this dish so irresistible.
Why You'll Love This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta
Get ready to fall head over heels for this comforting and delicious dinner. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and sure to become a family favorite.
First, this recipe is a time-saver. It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for those busy evenings when you need dinner on the table fast. Everything cooks in a single pot, so cleanup is a breeze—no juggling multiple pans or piles of dishes.
Another reason to love this dish? It’s a budget-friendly way to feed your family. Using pantry staples and affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and cheese means you can make a hearty, satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
The creamy, cheesy sauce is the star of the show, delivering all the richness of a cheeseburger in every bite. Plus, the addition of spices and toppings lets you customize the flavors to suit your taste buds.
This dish is also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re sneaking in extra veggies for the kids or swapping out ingredients to use what you have on hand, this recipe is endlessly adaptable.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta lies in its simple, everyday ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating that irresistible cheeseburger flavor.
Ground beef forms the base of the dish, providing a savory richness. I recommend using an 85/15 blend for the perfect balance of flavor and texture, but leaner or fattier options will also work.
Pasta is the heart of this recipe. Elbow macaroni or small shells work beautifully, as their shape helps hold onto the sauce. You can also use gluten-free pasta if needed.
The cheese is where the magic happens! A blend of shredded cheddar and a touch of Parmesan gives this dish its signature cheesy, gooey texture. For an extra kick, try sharp cheddar.
Broth and milk come together to create a luscious sauce. Chicken or beef broth adds depth, while milk keeps the sauce creamy. For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or a dairy-free milk alternative.
A touch of ketchup and mustard brings that classic burger flavor to life, while onions and garlic add an aromatic, savory base. Don’t forget a pinch of paprika and a sprinkle of salt and pepper for seasoning.
Finally, consider having optional toppings like pickles, crumbled bacon, or diced tomatoes on hand to take this dish to the next level. You’ll also need a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven to make everything in one pot.
How To Make This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

Making this dish is as easy as it gets! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have dinner ready in no time.
Start by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
In the same skillet, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until they’re soft and fragrant. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish.
Next, return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir in the broth, milk, and pasta. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and let the pasta cook, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick, until it’s tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan, ketchup, and mustard. The sauce will thicken and coat the pasta beautifully, creating a rich, creamy texture. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste.
Serve the pasta hot, topped with your favorite garnishes. Think diced tomatoes, fresh parsley, or a few pickle slices for that true cheeseburger vibe.
This entire process takes just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights when time is tight but comfort food is a must.
Storage Options
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this dish stores beautifully. Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy consistency, then warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
This dish can also be frozen for longer storage. Place it in a freezer-safe container, label it with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Here are some ideas to switch things up:
- Add veggies: Sneak in extra nutrition by stirring in diced bell peppers, spinach, or frozen peas.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.
- Try a different protein: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Gluten-free option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
- Cheese blend: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a bit of blue cheese for a bold twist.
Feel free to experiment with toppings and flavors to make this dish truly your own. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or put your own spin on it, this One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is sure to be a hit!
PrintOne-pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe
This one-pot cheeseburger pasta recipe is a delicious, family-friendly meal made with pasta, ground beef, cheese, and simple pantry staples. Quick, creamy, and cheesy, it's perfect for busy weeknights and satisfies every craving for a hearty comfort meal.
- 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 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow or shells)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, and paprika. Mix well.
- Add the beef broth, milk, diced tomatoes, and pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Once the pasta is cooked, remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Adjust the cheese type for a different flavor, such as Monterey Jack or a cheese blend.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
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