Description
One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger—juicy ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, tender pasta, and a tangy tomato base—into a quick, family-friendly skillet meal. With everything cooked in a single pot for easy cleanup, this hearty dinner comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Cheeseburger Pasta
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably lean)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (8 oz) dried short pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 1 (14-oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
For Finishing
- 1 1/2 cups (6 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup pickles, diced (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley or green onion, sliced, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef – In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until browned and the onions are softened, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed, then stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the Base Ingredients – Stir in the dried pasta, canned tomatoes (with juices), beef broth, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Mix well to combine and make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid as much as possible.
- Simmer Until Pasta Is Tender – Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Uncover for the last few minutes if you want a thicker sauce.
- Add Cheese and Finish – Turn off the heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed.
- Garnish and Serve – Serve hot, topped with diced pickles and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onion, if desired, for that classic cheeseburger flair.
Notes
- Swap beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Use any short pasta shape you like, such as fusilli, shells, or macaroni.
- Add some chopped cooked bacon for a bacon cheeseburger twist.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; add a splash of broth to loosen when reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 545
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 990mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.7g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
