There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Cheeseburger Pasta bubbling away in one pot, ready to satisfy your craving for something hearty and cheesy. This dish combines the best parts of a classic cheeseburger – savory beef, melty cheese, and a touch of ketchup – with the coziness of pasta. And the best part? You only need one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

I discovered this recipe during a busy week when juggling work and dinner felt overwhelming. A quick glance at my pantry inspired this cheesy masterpiece, and it's been a family favorite ever since. Let’s dive into why this dish deserves a spot on your weekly menu!

Why You'll Love This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

Get ready to embrace a dish that's as easy as it is delicious. This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta ticks all the boxes for a weeknight dinner winner.

First, it’s ridiculously quick and convenient. Everything cooks in a single pot, saving you time in the kitchen and reducing cleanup to a minimum. It’s perfect for those nights when you’d rather relax than scrub pans.

Second, the flavors are absolutely irresistible. The savory ground beef, rich tomato base, and gooey melted cheese come together to create a pasta dish that’s every bit as comforting as a cheeseburger.

It’s also wonderfully kid-friendly. Even picky eaters will light up at the sight of this cheesy, beefy pasta – and the ketchup-inspired sauce adds just the right touch of sweetness to win them over.

Lastly, it’s endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re out of ground beef or want to sneak in some veggies, this recipe can handle it. Stay tuned for some delicious variations later in the article.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta lies in its straightforward ingredient list, featuring pantry staples that pack a punch of flavor.

Ground beef: Opt for an 80/20 blend for the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness. Leaner beef works too, but you might miss out on some richness.
Onion and garlic: These aromatics provide a savory depth to the dish. Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic for even distribution.
Pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne, elbow macaroni, or shells work best. Their small size and tubular shape allow them to soak up the sauce beautifully.
Beef broth: This serves as the cooking liquid and enhances the meaty flavor. If you don’t have beef broth, chicken or vegetable stock can work in a pinch.
Cheese: A mix of shredded cheddar and a little mozzarella creates that perfect gooey cheesiness. You can use other cheeses like Monterey Jack or even a smoky Gouda for a twist.
Tomato paste and ketchup: These combine to replicate the tangy, sweet flavor of a cheeseburger's signature condiments.
Seasonings: A dash of paprika, mustard powder, and a little salt and pepper bring it all together. Add chili powder for a touch of heat if you like.

You’ll also need a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven for this one-pot recipe – the wider the base, the better for even cooking.

How To Make This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

Creating this delectable dish is a breeze, and you'll be amazed at how everything comes together in one pot. Here’s how to do it:

Cook the ground beef: Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Let it cook until browned and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes. If needed, drain excess grease but leave a little for flavor.
Add the aromatics: Stir in the onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Build the sauce: Mix in the tomato paste, ketchup, and seasonings, stirring until everything is evenly coated. Pour in the beef broth and stir to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
Cook the pasta: Add the uncooked pasta directly to the pot. Stir well to ensure it's submerged in the liquid. Cover and let it simmer on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid (about 10-12 minutes).
Add the cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra cheese for presentation. This dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy evenings.

Storage Options

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta stores beautifully!

Refrigerate: Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: This dish freezes well, too! Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore its creamy consistency. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

Protein swaps: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Add vegetables: Stir in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even frozen peas during the pasta cooking step for added nutrition.
Spice it up: A dash of hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or jalapeños will give this dish a kick.
Cheese variations: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack, Gruyère, or a smoky cheddar for unique flavor profiles.
Low-carb option: Substitute the pasta with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini for a carb-conscious version.

Feel free to play around with the ingredients and create your signature version of this comforting dish. The possibilities are endless!

This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, combining comfort, flavor, and convenience into one irresistible recipe. Whip it up tonight and watch your family come back for seconds – it’s that good!