Sizzling One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe: Family Favorite

Whipping up a mouthwatering one-pot cheeseburger pasta can turn an ordinary dinner into a delightful culinary adventure.

Comfort meets convenience in this clever dish that combines classic burger flavors with hearty pasta.

Juicy ground beef mingles with perfectly cooked noodles, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Melted cheese blankets each bite, promising a creamy and satisfying experience.

Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor make this recipe a winner for busy home cooks.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, this meal brings excitement to your kitchen table.

Plating One-Pot Pasta For The Table

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty one-pot cheeseburger pasta alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that everyone will love.
• Burger-Style Topping Extravaganza: Sprinkle extra crispy bacon bits, diced pickles, and a dollop of sour cream on top to mimic classic cheeseburger flavors and add exciting texture.
• Weeknight Comfort Companion: Pair with garlic bread or buttered toast to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce and make the meal feel even more satisfying and complete.
• Healthy Side Option: Add a quick side of steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables to boost nutrition and create a well-rounded dinner that sneaks in extra vegetables for picky eaters.

Cheeseburger Pasta Storage That Keeps It Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chilled for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Seal tightly and freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour pasta into skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of beef broth or milk to restore moisture. Stir gently and heat until steaming, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• Why use a large pot for this recipe?

A large pot allows even cooking, lets you brown beef and sauté onions, and provides enough space to combine all ingredients without overcrowding, creating a one-pot meal with easy cleanup.

• Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Yes, ground turkey or plant-based ground meat work perfectly. Adjust cooking time slightly and ensure protein is fully cooked before adding other ingredients.

• How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot?

Stir frequently during cooking and ensure heat is on low-medium simmer. The liquid helps prevent sticking, but occasional stirring ensures even cooking and prevents burning.

One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta – Crowd Pleaser Guide

• Tackle Dinner Quickly: This one-pot wonder saves you precious time by combining all ingredients in a single pot, minimizing cleanup and cooking steps.
• Comfort Food Champion: Combining classic cheeseburger flavors with pasta creates a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies both kids and adults with its hearty, cheesy goodness.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and pantry staples makes this recipe wallet-friendly while delivering maximum flavor and satisfaction.
• Kid-Approved Delight: The familiar cheeseburger taste and creamy cheese sauce make this pasta irresistible to picky eaters, transforming dinnertime into a stress-free experience.

Key Ingredients For Cheeseburger Pasta Success

• Ground Beef: A savory and hearty meat that forms the classic base of a cheeseburger flavor profile.

• Onion, Garlic: These ingredients add depth and traditional burger-style seasoning to the pasta dish.

• Beef Broth, Milk: These liquids help create a creamy texture and enhance the overall moisture of the pasta.

• Pasta, Diced Tomatoes: The pasta provides the main carbohydrate structure, while tomatoes add a classic burger-style tang.

• Smoked Paprika, Mustard Powder, Salt, Pepper: These spices deliver a robust and complex cheeseburger-inspired flavor profile.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Ketchup: The cheese creates a rich, melty texture, while ketchup adds a classic burger-style tangy sweetness.

• Parsley: A fresh herb that provides a bright and colorful finishing touch to the dish.

Cheeseburger Pasta Steps Made Easy At Home

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large pot over medium heat and cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned.

If there’s excess grease, drain it away to keep the dish from becoming too oily.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot.

Cook these until they become soft and fragrant, which takes about 2-3 minutes.

The onions will become translucent and release their sweet, savory aroma.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

• Pasta
• Beef broth
• Milk
• Diced tomatoes
• Smoked paprika
• Mustard powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Mix everything thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed.

Step 4: Simmer the Pasta

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.

Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for 10-12 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Goodness

Remove the pot from the heat.

Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts completely, creating a creamy, luscious sauce.

For an extra tangy twist, mix in some ketchup.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Dish out the pasta while it’s piping hot.

If you want, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or sprinkle some additional cheese on top for extra indulgence.

Tips For Creamy, Cheesy Pasta Flavor

• Use a colander to efficiently remove excess grease from ground beef, preventing a greasy dish and keeping flavors clean.
• Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking throughout the pot.
• Remove pot from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and create a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Adjust seasoning with extra smoked paprika or mustard powder for a more intense cheeseburger-like taste profile.
• Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version, maintaining the dish's hearty character.

Cheeseburger Pasta – Fun Remix Ideas

• Vegetarian Cheeseburger Pasta: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version that keeps the hearty flavor and texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chilies, swap smoked paprika for chipotle powder, and mix in pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick that transforms the classic recipe.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta, reducing carbohydrates while maintaining the rich, cheesy essence of the original dish.

One-pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty one-pot cheeseburger pasta delivers classic American comfort with a quick, satisfying meal that merges beloved burger flavors into a single skillet. Cheese-coated noodles and seasoned ground beef create a delightful dinner solution you’ll crave on busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Pasta and Staples:

• 2 cups pasta (elbow, penne, or rotini)
• 2 tablespoons ketchup (optional)

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 can (14 ounces/396 grams) diced tomatoes

Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Sizzle ground beef in a large pot over medium heat until richly browned, eliminating any excess fat.
2. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Pour in pasta, beef broth, milk, diced tomatoes, and seasonings like smoked paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly combine all ingredients.
4. Elevate heat to create a robust boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and allow the mixture to cook for 10-12 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
5. Once pasta reaches perfect tenderness, remove from heat and fold in shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and creating a luxurious, creamy texture.
6. For an extra flavor dimension, drizzle ketchup into the pasta and gently mix.
7. Plate immediately while piping hot, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or an additional sprinkle of cheese for visual appeal and enhanced taste.

Notes

• Drain excess fat thoroughly to prevent greasy texture and ensure a cleaner, lighter dish.
• Select lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) for a healthier version without compromising flavor.
• Consider gluten-free pasta alternatives like chickpea or brown rice pasta for those with dietary restrictions.
• Add fresh chopped pickles or pickle relish on top for an authentic cheeseburger flavor boost.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 507 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1880 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg