This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is the ultimate comfort food made easy. Juicy ground beef, creamy melted cheese, and tender pasta come together in one pan for a quick, family-friendly dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights, budget meals, and cozy comfort food cravings. Save this easy recipe for later.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy – ready in about 30 minutes
- One-pot meal – minimal cleanup
- Family-friendly – cheeseburger flavors everyone loves
- Budget-friendly – simple pantry ingredients
- Customizable – easy to adjust cheese, seasoning, or add-ins
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow, shells, or rotini)
- 2½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: chopped pickles or parsley for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add uncooked pasta, beef broth, milk, ketchup, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with chopped pickles or parsley before serving if desired.
Equipment
- Large pot or deep skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
Tips & Variations
- Cheese swap: Use Colby Jack, American, or sharp cheddar for different flavors
- Extra creamy: Stir in ¼ cup cream cheese or heavy cream
- Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk
- Avoid overcooking: Stir occasionally so pasta doesn’t stick or overcook
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple green salad or coleslaw
- Pair with garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Top with extra cheese, diced pickles, or crispy bacon bits for presentation
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
Conclusion
This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for busy nights, picky eaters, or whenever comfort food cravings hit. Save it, print it, and share it you’ll want this one on repeat.
FAQ – One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, but the texture is best fresh. Freeze for up to 2 months and reheat with extra milk.
How can I make it ahead of time?
Cook as directed and store in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving.
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely. Colby Jack, American, or a cheese blend all work well.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken are great lighter alternatives.
What pasta works best?
Short pasta like elbows, shells, or rotini works best for even cooking.