There’s something magical about a warm, hearty bowl of Cheeseburger Pasta that’s cooked entirely in one pot. The creamy, cheesy sauce mingles perfectly with tender pasta and savory beef, delivering all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a comforting, easy-to-make dish.

I first tried this recipe on a particularly busy weeknight when I wanted something satisfying but didn’t have the energy for a stack of dirty dishes. It’s since become a household favorite, combining the nostalgia of cheeseburgers with the convenience of pasta. Let’s dive into why this one-pot wonder deserves a spot on your weekly menu.
Why You'll Love This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta
Get ready to discover your new go-to dinner. This one-pot cheeseburger pasta is about to revolutionize your weeknight meals.
It’s incredibly easy to make. With only one pot to clean, this recipe saves you time both during and after cooking. Perfect for those nights when you’d rather relax than wash dishes.
The flavors are irresistible. Juicy ground beef, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a creamy, rich sauce that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.
It’s budget-friendly. Using pantry staples and affordable ingredients, you can whip up a meal that feels indulgent without breaking the bank.
It’s customizable to suit your taste. Whether you’re adding extra veggies, swapping in a different cheese, or sneaking in some spice, this dish adapts beautifully to your preferences.
Whether you’re cooking for picky kids or adventurous eaters, this recipe is versatile enough to satisfy everyone. Now let’s take a look at the simple yet flavorful ingredients that make this dish so special.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this one-pot cheeseburger pasta lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each component is carefully chosen to recreate the beloved taste of a cheeseburger while keeping the process quick and easy.
Ground beef is the heart of this dish. Opt for 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. If you prefer leaner options, turkey or plant-based crumbles work well too.
Pasta serves as the foundation of the recipe. Short shapes like rotini, penne, or macaroni are ideal because they cook evenly and hold onto the sauce beautifully.
Cheddar cheese is key for that classic cheeseburger flavor. Freshly grated sharp cheddar melts smoothly into the sauce, but feel free to experiment with Colby-Jack or mozzarella for a milder taste.
Beef broth acts as the cooking liquid, infusing the pasta with rich, savory flavor. If you don’t have beef broth on hand, chicken or vegetable broth will do the trick.
Ketchup and mustard bring the iconic burger taste to life. These condiments add a touch of tanginess and sweetness that ties the dish together perfectly.
You’ll also need a large skillet or Dutch oven to make this recipe a true one-pot meal. With everything in place, you’re ready to start cooking!
How To Make This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

Creating this dish is as straightforward as it is satisfying. Let me walk you through the steps to ensure your pasta turns out perfect every time.
Begin by browning ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, ensuring no large clumps remain. Once the beef is cooked through and no longer pink, drain any excess grease.
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing until they’re soft and fragrant. This step builds the base of flavor for the dish, so don’t rush it.
Next, pour in the beef broth, followed by the pasta, ketchup, and mustard. Stir everything together, making sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Turn off the heat and stir in freshly grated cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions for a burst of freshness, if desired.
From start to finish, this recipe takes just about 30 minutes – perfect for those busy evenings when you need something fast and delicious.
Storage Options
Leftovers of this one-pot cheeseburger pasta are just as tasty the next day. Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy texture. Warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
For longer storage, this dish can be frozen in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and enjoy a comforting meal anytime.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adapt to your tastes or dietary needs.
- For a healthier twist, use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta and lean ground turkey instead of beef.
- Amp up the veggies by adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. These additions enhance the flavor and boost nutrition.
- Love spice? Mix in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- If you’re a fan of bacon cheeseburgers, add crispy bacon bits to the dish for extra indulgence.
- Experiment with cheeses – swap the cheddar for pepper jack or gouda to give the dish a unique spin.
With this recipe as your base, the possibilities are endless. Have fun experimenting and making it your own!
PrintOne-pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe
This one-pot cheeseburger pasta recipe combines ground beef, creamy cheese, and tender pasta for the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy recipe cooks in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups pasta (elbow, penne, or rotini)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp ketchup (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and brown the ground beef. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add diced onion and garlic to the pot, cooking until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in pasta, beef broth, milk, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Add ketchup for a tangy flavor if desired.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley or additional cheese if preferred.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape of your choice, but adjust cooking time as needed.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream before serving.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 760mg
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