There's nothing quite like the hearty comfort of a warm, cheesy pasta dish after a long day. This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is a game-changer, combining all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the ease of a single pot for minimal cleanup. It's creamy, savory, and packed with beefy goodness that’ll have your family coming back for seconds.
I first whipped up this dish on a busy weeknight when I was craving a cheeseburger but didn’t want the hassle of grilling. What started as a quick experiment has now become a beloved staple in our dinner rotation. Let me show you why this recipe will be your next favorite go-to meal!
Why You'll Love This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta
Get ready to fall in love with a meal that's as delicious as it is practical. This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta checks all the boxes for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner.
First off, the convenience is unbeatable. Everything cooks in one pot, which means fewer dishes to wash and more time to enjoy with your loved ones. Busy weeknights just got a whole lot easier!
Next, it’s packed with classic cheeseburger flavors that everyone knows and loves. Juicy ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce come together to create a dish that’s familiar yet exciting.
It’s also a budget-friendly option for feeding a family. Using simple pantry staples like ground beef, pasta, and shredded cheese, you can serve up a filling meal without breaking the bank.
Lastly, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can customize it to suit your preferences or use up ingredients you already have at home. Whether you like it extra cheesy, spicy, or veggie-packed, the possibilities are endless.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating the ultimate comfort dish.
Ground Beef: Opt for an 80/20 blend for the best flavor and texture. If you prefer leaner meat, feel free to use ground turkey or chicken instead.
Pasta: Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells work best for this recipe. Their ridges and curves hold onto the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Cheese: A mix of shredded cheddar and mozzarella creates a creamy, gooey texture reminiscent of a classic cheeseburger. For a sharper flavor, try swapping in some sharp cheddar.
Beef Broth: This forms the base of the sauce, adding a savory depth of flavor. If you don’t have beef broth, chicken or vegetable broth works in a pinch.
Tomato Paste: This adds richness and a hint of tangy sweetness, balancing the creaminess of the dish. A few tablespoons go a long way in creating the perfect sauce.
No special equipment is needed, just a large pot or Dutch oven to bring this dish together effortlessly.
How To Make This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

Creating this comforting dish is a breeze. Follow these simple steps for a perfectly cheesy, one-pot dinner.
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and cook ground beef until it’s browned and crumbled. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor. Once cooked, drain any excess grease.
Next, stir in tomato paste and let it cook for about a minute to develop its flavor. Add in beef broth, a splash of water, and your uncooked pasta. Stir everything together, making sure the pasta is submerged in liquid.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes, depending on the type of pasta you’re using.
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in your shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. The heat from the pasta will melt the cheese into a luscious, creamy sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up.
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan for a little extra flair. This dish tastes best fresh but reheats beautifully if you have leftovers.
Storage Options
Got leftovers? No problem! This dish is perfect for meal prep and reheats like a dream.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together even more as it sits, making for an even tastier meal the next day.
To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet or microwave-safe dish with a splash of milk or broth. Heat gently over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
While this dish freezes well, the texture of the pasta may soften slightly after thawing. For best results, freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months and reheat as needed.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!
For a healthier twist, use whole wheat pasta or add a handful of spinach or diced zucchini to the pot for a boost of veggies.
If you’re craving extra flavor, mix in some crumbled cooked bacon or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a smoky, savory kick.
Want to spice things up? Stir in a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to give it a little heat.
For a different protein, swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option.
Experiment with different cheese blends, like Colby Jack, pepper jack, or even a touch of Parmesan for a unique flavor profile.
This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining ease, flavor, and versatility into one incredible dish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
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One-pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Make this one-pot cheeseburger pasta recipe for a quick, satisfying, and flavorful dinner! Perfectly cheesy, comforting, and kid-friendly.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow or shells)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot or deep skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in beef broth, milk, diced tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, paprika, and uncooked pasta. Mix well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Turn off the heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use any short pasta you prefer, such as penne or rotini.
- Add a splash of milk if the pasta thickens too much.
- For extra flavor, try topping with crispy bacon bits or a dollop of sour cream.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 890mg
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