One Pan Cheeseburger Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is everything you love about a cheeseburger—beef, cheese, and all the flavor—transformed into a quick and easy pasta dish. It’s a one-pan wonder, which means less time cooking and cleaning, and more time enjoying dinner. It’s budget-friendly, customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s ready in about 30 minutes using simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef
• Onion (diced)
• Garlic (minced)
• Tomato paste
• Diced tomatoes (canned, with juices)
• Beef broth or water
• Elbow macaroni or other short pasta
• Cheddar cheese (shredded)
• Cream cheese or heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• Olive oil or butter
• Salt and pepper
• Mustard (yellow or Dijon, optional for cheeseburger flavor)
• Pickles, ketchup, or scallions for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
2. Add garlic and ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, pasta, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook on low heat for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese or heavy cream if using. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot, topped with chopped pickles, a drizzle of ketchup, or scallions if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies.
• Stir in cooked bacon bits for a bacon cheeseburger twist.
• Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, Colby, or American cheese.
• Make it spicy by adding jalapeños or hot sauce.
• Add a spoonful of Dijon mustard or ketchup for classic burger flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if the pasta has thickened.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells will work. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Do I have to cook the pasta separately?

No, the pasta cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all the flavor and making cleanup easier.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well and makes excellent leftovers. You can even portion it out for meal prep.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, allow it to cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

What cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can use American cheese for a more traditional cheeseburger taste or blend it with mozzarella for extra melt.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, use plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

What can I serve with this pasta?

A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair well with this hearty dish.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, just use a larger pan and extend the cooking time slightly if needed.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir occasionally as it cooks and ensure there’s enough liquid in the pan. Add more broth or water if needed.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, skip the cheese or use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Use a dairy-free cream if you want extra creaminess.

Conclusion

One Pan Cheeseburger Pasta is a quick, delicious, and satisfying dinner that combines the best of two comfort food classics. With its cheesy, beefy flavor and one-pan convenience, it’s a perfect go-to recipe for busy nights or when you need an easy crowd-pleaser. Make it once, and it’ll quickly become a regular on your dinner table.

One Pan Cheeseburger Pasta

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One Pan Cheeseburger Pasta is a quick and hearty dinner that brings the classic flavors of a cheeseburger into a cheesy, creamy pasta dish—made entirely in one skillet for easy cleanup and weeknight convenience.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 2 cups beef broth or water
• 2 cups elbow macaroni or short pasta
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 oz cream cheese or 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon yellow or Dijon mustard (optional)
• Optional garnishes: chopped pickles, ketchup drizzle, chopped scallions

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
2. Add garlic and ground beef. Cook until beef is browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add diced tomatoes with juices, beef broth, pasta, salt, pepper, and mustard if using. Stir to combine.
4. Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook on low for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
5. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese or heavy cream if using. Mix until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
6. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot, garnished with pickles, ketchup, or scallions if desired.

Notes

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add mushrooms or bell peppers for more vegetables.
• Top with bacon bits for a bacon cheeseburger twist.
• Swap cheddar with Monterey Jack, Colby, or American cheese.
• Add jalapeños or hot sauce for heat.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 29g
• Cholesterol: 90mg