There's nothing better than a comforting bowl of cheesy, hearty pasta that brings everyone to the dinner table. One-pot cheeseburger pasta is the ultimate weeknight hero: rich, creamy, and packed with all the classic burger flavors you love, but with a fun pasta twist.

I first whipped up this dish on a whim when I craved a cheeseburger but only had pantry staples on hand. What started as an improvisation has become a staple in my kitchen—delighting family and guests alike. Let me walk you through why this recipe will soon be a favorite in your home.
Why You'll Love This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta
Get ready for a meal that’s as easy as it is delicious. One-pot cheeseburger pasta is the perfect blend of convenience and comfort, and here’s why it’s a must-try.
First off, the one-pot method means fewer dishes and more time to relax. With everything cooked in a single pot, you won’t need to spend your evening scrubbing pans. Plus, the flavors meld together beautifully as the pasta cooks in the sauce.
This dish is quick to make but doesn’t skimp on flavor. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need something hearty and satisfying fast.
Budget-friendly ingredients make it accessible for all. Ground beef, pasta, and a handful of pantry staples come together to create a meal that feels indulgent without breaking the bank.
Finally, it’s a hit with all ages. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or looking for a nostalgic comfort food, this recipe delivers the cheeseburger taste you love in a fun, pasta-packed way.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of one-pot cheeseburger pasta lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each element is essential.
Ground beef: The heart of the dish, providing that signature savory and meaty base. I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and richness.
Pasta: Choose a short pasta like elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne. These shapes hold onto the creamy sauce and create a satisfying bite in every forkful.
Cheddar cheese: For that classic cheeseburger taste, sharp cheddar works best. It melts beautifully and adds a bold, tangy flavor. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient but grating your own ensures the best melt.
Tomato paste: This concentrated ingredient gives the dish a hint of tanginess, echoing the ketchup often found in burgers while enhancing the sauce’s depth.
Beef broth: Cooking the pasta in beef broth instead of water infuses every bite with rich, savory flavor, tying the whole dish together.
Milk: A splash of milk creates a luscious, creamy texture that balances the dish’s savory elements. Whole milk is ideal, but you can use 2% or even a non-dairy alternative if needed.
Optional toppings: Freshly diced tomatoes, chopped pickles, or a drizzle of ketchup can add a fun finishing touch reminiscent of a loaded burger.
No special equipment is required for this recipe—just a trusty large pot or deep skillet with a lid.
How To Make This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

Making this dish is as easy as it gets. Let’s break it down step by step so you can recreate this delicious pasta effortlessly.
Start by browning ground beef in a large pot over medium heat. Break it into crumbles as it cooks, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Once it’s fully cooked and no longer pink, drain any excess fat but leave a small amount for flavor.
Add onion and garlic, sautéing them until they become fragrant and translucent. This step builds the base flavors and ensures every bite is full of that irresistible aroma.
Stir in tomato paste, coating the beef and onion mixture. Let it cook for a minute to deepen the flavor before adding beef broth and milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add your pasta to the pot, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the liquid. Cover with a lid and cook according to the pasta’s package instructions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. As the pasta cooks, it absorbs the flavorful liquid, becoming tender and rich.
Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
Serve immediately, garnished with your favorite cheeseburger toppings for an extra special touch.
Storage Options
If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s unlikely), this dish stores wonderfully.
For refrigerator storage, place the pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To prevent the sauce from thickening too much, add a splash of milk when reheating.
This recipe isn’t ideal for freezing due to the creamy sauce, which can separate upon thawing. However, if you want to try it, freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 1 month and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Reheating is easy: simply warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a bit of milk or broth to refresh the sauce’s creamy consistency.
Variations and Substitutions
One-pot cheeseburger pasta is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your tastes or dietary needs.
For a leaner option, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. The flavor will be lighter, but still delicious and comforting.
If you’re looking to add veggies, stir in finely chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms during the cooking process. They’ll blend seamlessly and add a nutritious boost.
Love spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Be sure to check the cooking time, as it may differ from regular pasta.
Cheese fans can experiment with blends like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a touch of blue cheese for a bold twist on the classic cheeseburger flavor.
With these tips and tricks, you’re all set to make a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to personalize. Enjoy!
PrintOne-pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe
This one-pot cheeseburger pasta recipe is a delicious and simple meal packed with cheesy goodness, ground beef, and tender pasta, perfect for a quick dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or shells work great)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until beef is browned and onions are soft.
- Stir in tomato paste, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute.
- Add the pasta, beef broth, and milk to the pot. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with a cheese blend for extra flavor.
- Add diced tomatoes or green chilies for a twist.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
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