One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together effortlessly, then this One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe is going to become your new go-to. I absolutely love it because it captures that all-time cheeseburger goodness in a creamy, cheesy pasta that you make in just one pot—no mess, no fuss! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll get why it’s a total game-changer for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here come together like a dream to deliver that cheeseburger vibe in pasta form. Plus, most of them are pantry staples or easy to grab at the store, making this a perfect weeknight recipe.

• Cheddar cheese: Sharp shredded cheddar works best; bringing it to room temp helps it melt smoother when added later.
• Ground beef: I use 85% lean for just the right juicy flavor without too much grease.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when it cooks down with the beef.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic amps up the savory notes.
• Worcestershire sauce: This little secret ingredient gives the beef that classic umami cheeseburger boost.
• Tomato paste: Intensifies the saucy flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Beef broth: Simmering the pasta in this adds richness and layers of flavor.
• Elbow macaroni: Uncooked pasta goes directly in for that one-pot magic.
• Sour cream: At room temperature so it blends in creamy and smooth.
• Whole milk: Adds creaminess but feel free to use a lighter milk if you prefer.
• Chopped parsley: For a fresh garnish and pop of color to finish the dish.

Variations

I love to tweak this One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe depending on what we have on hand or to suit my family’s tastes. Feel free to customize it—you’ll find it super flexible.

• Vegetarian Version: I’ve swapped ground beef for plant-based crumbles with tasty results—just adjust cooking time slightly.
• Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce gives it a fun heat that my husband adores.
• Extra Veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach during the beef cooking stage for sneaky nutrition.
• Classic Toppings: Drizzle a little ketchup and yellow mustard into the pasta as it simmers to amp up that classic cheeseburger flavor; a little pickle relish on top seals the deal.
• Lower Fat: Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheese for a lighter feel without losing the creamy vibe.

How to Make One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Onion

Start by seasoning your ground beef generously with salt and pepper. Heat your large pot over medium heat and toss in the beef along with diced onions. As you cook, crumble the beef into bite-sized pieces and stir occasionally. This is where those sweet caramelized onions will begin to add magic. Once browned and cooked through, drain any excess grease so the dish isn’t oily—but leave enough to keep the beef juicy and flavorful.

Step 2: Garlic, Worcestershire, and Tomato Paste Love

Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook it for just about a minute—don’t let it brown or burn, or it’ll get bitter. Then stir in Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste. This combo deepens the savory, tangy flavors and really nails the essence of a juicy cheeseburger in pasta form.

Step 3: Add Broth and Pasta, Simmer Covered

Pour in the beef broth and add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir everything together to make sure the pasta is submerged and evenly distributed. Bring your pot to a gentle simmer—medium to medium-low heat works best. Cover and let it cook for 5 minutes, then uncover, give it a good stir to prevent pasta from sticking, cover again, and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the pasta is just al dente.

Step 4: Creamy Cheese Finish

Turn your heat down to low and stir in the sour cream and about half the milk. I only add the rest of the milk if I feel it needs a little loosening up—it’s all about the texture you like! Now, the magic happens: sprinkle in 2 ½ cups of room-temperature shredded cheddar cheese gradually, stirring well as it melts and blends into a creamy, luscious sauce.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese Topping and Garnish

Once your sauce is smooth and uniform, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, cover the pot, and let the heat melt it nicely in about 2-3 minutes. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color and a touch of freshness. Seriously yum, right?

How to Serve One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I always top my cheeseburger pasta with chopped fresh parsley for brightness, but I’ve also added a sprinkle of crispy fried onions or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky punch. If you want to channel the full cheeseburger spirit, a few crumbled dill pickle slices on top is a fun surprise that guests love.

Side Dishes

This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe is pretty hearty on its own, but I like pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for some balance. For a fun twist, serve alongside oven-baked sweet potato fries or garlic breadsticks if you want more of that diner-style feel.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or family dinners, I’ve served this pasta in a big rustic cast-iron skillet right on the table—everyone loves scooping out their own portion. You could also divide into individual ramekins, sprinkle with extra cheese, and pop under the broiler for a bubbly golden crust that’s definitely a showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cheeseburger pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps great for up to two days, though I usually don’t have leftovers hanging around for long! Just be sure to cool it completely before storing to maintain the creamy texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta successfully a few times, which is perfect for meal prep. Freeze it plain without the extra cheese topping, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. You might want to stir in a splash of milk when reheating to bring back that creamy consistency.

Reheating

Reheating is easiest in a skillet over low-medium heat with a splash of milk or broth. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and revive the creaminess. You can also microwave it, but be sure to stir every 30 seconds or so for even heating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate and has truly earned a permanent spot in my cooking rotation. The fact that it’s quick, minimal cleanup, and packed with family-friendly flavors makes it one of those ‘make it again and again’ dishes. I can’t recommend you try it enough—promise it’ll become one of your favorites too.

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