Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers classic cheeseburger taste with the ease of a pasta dinner. It’s quick to make, budget-friendly, and always a hit with kids and adults alike. Everything cooks in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze. Whether you’re craving comfort food or need a meal on the table fast, Easy Cheeseburger Pasta has your back.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- Tomato paste or ketchup
- Beef broth or water
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Milk or heavy cream
- Mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil or butter (for cooking)
- Pickles (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and ground beef. Cook until beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add tomato paste (or ketchup), mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Pour in beef broth and uncooked pasta. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked.
- Remove from heat and stir in milk or cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve hot, optionally topped with chopped pickles or extra cheese.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: 30–35 minutes
Variations
- Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta: Add cooked bacon bits for a smoky, savory twist.
- Spicy Version: Add chili powder or hot sauce for extra kick.
- Veggie Add-In: Stir in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas for added nutrition.
- Double Cheese: Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for even creamier texture.
- Ketchup & Mustard Base: Use a blend of ketchup and mustard instead of tomato paste for true burger flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat:
- Stovetop: Add a splash of milk and heat over medium, stirring until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with a splash of milk or broth.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well for a leaner version of this recipe.
Do I have to cook the pasta separately?
No, the pasta cooks directly in the skillet with the beef and broth, making it a true one-pot meal.
What’s the best type of cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar melts well and provides classic cheeseburger flavor, but feel free to mix in mozzarella or Colby Jack.
Can I use pre-cooked pasta?
Yes, but reduce the broth by half and simmer for just a few minutes to combine flavors.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Its cheesy, mild flavors make it a favorite among children.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well. Make it up to 2 days in advance and store in the fridge until ready to serve.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth and condiments are gluten-free.
What sides go well with cheeseburger pasta?
A simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables pair nicely.
How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?
Stir in the cheese off the heat and use freshly shredded cheese for best results.
Can I add pickles to the dish?
Yes, chopped dill pickles add a tangy, authentic cheeseburger twist either mixed in or sprinkled on top.
Conclusion
Easy Cheeseburger Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner—quick, delicious, and satisfying. With all the flavors of a cheeseburger and the comfort of a creamy pasta dish, it’s a guaranteed hit for the whole family. Whether you stick with the classic version or make it your own with fun add-ins, this one-pan wonder is sure to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
PrintEasy Cheeseburger Pasta
Easy Cheeseburger Pasta combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger—ground beef, cheddar cheese, and tangy condiments—into a creamy, one-pan pasta dinner. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste or 1/4 cup ketchup
- 3 cups beef broth or water
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 tbsp yellow or Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for cooking)
- Chopped pickles (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and ground beef. Cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Add tomato paste (or ketchup), mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Pour in beef broth and uncooked pasta. Stir and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Remove from heat. Stir in milk or cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve hot, topped with chopped pickles if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and texture.
- For a richer flavor, replace some of the broth with cream or add a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
- Add cooked bacon for a bacon cheeseburger twist.
- This recipe is great for meal prep—just add a splash of milk when reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
