There’s nothing quite like a creamy, savory, and comforting plate of One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta to satisfy cravings and save time in the kitchen. This easy, family-friendly meal combines tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a cheesy, velvety sauce—all cooked in just one pot. It’s a quick dinner that delivers all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger, minus the bun!
I first made this dish on a chilly weeknight when I wanted something hearty but didn’t want to wash a pile of dishes. Little did I know, it would become a household favorite, requested over and over again. Let me show you why this recipe is about to be your new go-to meal!
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta
Get ready to fall head over heels for this delightful twist on a classic American favorite. This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is packed with flavor, simple to make, and oh-so-satisfying.
First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy. Everything cooks in one pot—pasta, sauce, and all—making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want minimal effort with maximum flavor.
This recipe brings together the nostalgic taste of a cheeseburger in pasta form. With ground beef, ketchup, mustard, and melty cheese, it’s like your favorite diner meal meets comfort food bliss.
It’s budget-friendly, using simple pantry staples and affordable ingredients. Feed a family of four for less than you’d spend on takeout, without compromising on taste.
Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, a family dinner, or even meal prep, this dish adapts beautifully to any occasion.
Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this one-pot wonder!
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta lies in its simple, accessible ingredients. Each one contributes to the layers of flavor and creamy texture.
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is ideal, as it provides rich, meaty flavor without being overly greasy. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne, shells, or elbow macaroni work best for this recipe. Their shape allows them to soak up the sauce beautifully, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show! Freshly shredded sharp cheddar melts into the sauce, creating a creamy, cheesy coating. For extra gooeyness, you can mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
- Ketchup and Mustard: These classic burger condiments provide tangy sweetness and a hint of zing, perfectly mimicking the taste of a cheeseburger.
- Beef Broth: This serves as the cooking liquid, adding depth to the dish while helping the pasta cook to perfection. You can substitute chicken or vegetable broth if needed.
Special equipment? None! All you need is a sturdy pot or deep skillet with a lid to bring everything together.
How To Make This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

Creating this delicious meal is as easy as it gets. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a steaming bowl of cheesy, comforting pasta on the table.
Start by heating a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
Stir in minced garlic, cooking for about a minute until fragrant. Then, add ketchup and mustard, stirring to coat the beef in those classic cheeseburger flavors.
Next, pour in the beef broth and bring it to a simmer. Add your pasta directly to the pot, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the pasta is tender, remove the lid and reduce the heat to low. Stir in freshly shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, until fully melted and creamy. For an extra indulgent touch, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra cheese if desired.
In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty, one-pot meal that everyone will love!
Storage Options
This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is just as good the next day, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
To store, transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When freezing, leave out the cheese until reheating for the best texture.
Reheating is simple. For refrigerated pasta, warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to refresh the sauce. For frozen pasta, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating as above.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully versatile, so don’t be afraid to get creative with it!
- Meatless Version: Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or finely diced mushrooms for a vegetarian option. The flavors will still shine through!
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy cheeseburger twist. Pepper Jack cheese also works great here.
- Loaded Cheeseburger: Stir in cooked bacon bits, diced pickles, or caramelized onions for an extra indulgent variation.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure the broth and condiments are gluten-free as well.
- Healthier Option: Swap out the pasta for whole wheat or chickpea varieties and use low-fat cheese to lighten things up.
With so many possibilities, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your rotation. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own!
PrintOne-pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this one-pot cheeseburger pasta recipe! Packed with tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese, this quick and easy dish delivers all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a single pot. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or small pasta
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped parsley, diced pickles
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add diced onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté until fragrant and softened.
- Stir in beef broth, milk, diced tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika. Bring to a simmer.
- Add pasta and stir. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Stir in shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with optional toppings like parsley or pickles.
Notes
- Use any short pasta of your choice like shells or penne.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately ¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
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