If you’re craving a cozy, satisfying meal that comes together quickly and cleans up even faster, look no further than One Pot Cheesy Cheeseburger Pasta. This dish wonderfully combines juicy, seasoned ground beef with tender pasta swimming in a rich, cheesy sauce, all cooked in a single pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers comfort, convenience, and bold flavor with minimal fuss—making it a true weeknight winner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pot means less mess, so you spend more time enjoying and less time scrubbing.
Quick Preparation: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for hectic evenings when you still want a homemade meal.
Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy cheese and savory beef combine for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Family-Friendly: This recipe appeals to both kids and adults thanks to its familiar and beloved flavors.
Customizable: Easily adaptable with different cheeses, veggies, or spices to suit your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients create this hearty and creamy dish. Each item in the list plays a key role, whether it’s for rich flavor, creamy texture, or vibrant color, making each bite irresistible.

Ground Beef: The star protein that adds savory richness and satisfying texture.
Uncooked Pasta: Elbow macaroni or any small pasta soaks up the flavors and cheese sauce beautifully.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty, it creates that signature creamy, cheesy experience.
Milk or Heavy Cream: Adds smoothness and a luscious finish to the sauce.
Diced Tomatoes or Tomato Sauce: Adds subtle acidity and a pop of color to balance the richness.
Onion & Garlic: Essential aromatics that build depth and boost flavor.
Beef Broth or Water: Keeps the pasta moist and infuses the dish with richness.
Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Paprika): Enhance and complement the overall flavor profile.

Variations for One Pot Cheesy Cheeseburger Pasta

Feel free to make this recipe your own with easy substitutions or additions. Whether you tweak the protein type or add a veggie boost, adapting this recipe is simple and delicious.

Ground Turkey or Chicken: A leaner option that still maintains excellent flavor and texture.
Vegetarian Version: Swap the meat for mushrooms or textured vegetable protein for a hearty vegetarian twist.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to give your pasta a little heat.
Veggie Boost: Incorporate bell peppers, spinach, or peas to add color and nutrition.
Cheese Swaps: Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend for a different cheesy personality.

Why One Pot Cheesy Cheeseburger Pasta Rocks

How to Make One Pot Cheesy Cheeseburger Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned and crumbly. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika for that classic cheeseburger flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add diced onions and minced garlic to the browned beef. Cook until soft and fragrant, which builds a flavorful base for your pasta.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta

Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes, then stir in the uncooked pasta. Bring this mixture to a simmer and cook uncovered until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 4: Stir in Cheese and Milk

Lower the heat and slowly incorporate shredded cheddar cheese and milk or cream, stirring constantly to create a creamy, smooth sauce that hugs each pasta piece.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Give everything a final stir to blend the flavors together. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Pro Tips for Making One Pot Cheesy Cheeseburger Pasta

Choose the Right Pasta: Smaller shapes like elbows or shells work best to capture sauce and beef bits.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Keep the pasta slightly al dente to avoid a mushy finish after adding cheese.
Use Sharp Cheddar: A robust sharp cheddar melts well and gives a richer cheese flavor.
Keep Stirring: Stir frequently when adding cheese to prevent clumps and ensure creaminess.
Let it Rest: After cooking, let the dish sit for a few minutes to thicken up for perfect consistency.

How to Serve One Pot Cheesy Cheeseburger Pasta

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley, sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits add a beautiful finishing touch and a burst of texture or color.

Side Dishes

Pair it with a crisp garden salad or steamed green beans to balance the richness and add some freshness to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in individual bowls topped with extra shredded cheese or crispy fried onions for a restaurant-style experience right at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover One Pot Cheesy Cheeseburger Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring flavors stay fresh.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well; portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to bring back creaminess and prevent dryness.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pasta for One Pot Cheesy Cheeseburger Pasta?

Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works well, just keep an eye on the cooking time as it can vary from regular pasta.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, it stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for preparing in advance for busy weekdays.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Adding veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or peas not only boosts the nutrition but adds vibrant colors and fresh flavors.

What type of cheese is best for One Pot Cheesy Cheeseburger Pasta?

Sharp cheddar is the go-to choice for rich flavor and excellent melting, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella or a cheese blend.

How spicy is One Pot Cheesy Cheeseburger Pasta?

This dish is typically mild, but you can easily add heat with red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or jalapeños if you prefer a spicier kick.

Final Thoughts

One Pot Cheesy Cheeseburger Pasta is the kind of recipe that feels like an old friend—warm, comforting, and effortlessly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving a quick, delicious meal, this dish ticks all the boxes. Give it a try, customize it to your taste, and you’ll soon see why it rocks as a weeknight favorite!

One Pot Cheesy Cheeseburger Pasta

Print Recipe

One Pot Cheesy Cheeseburger Pasta is a comforting and quick weeknight meal that combines seasoned ground beef with tender pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Prepared in a single pot, this dish is perfect for busy evenings, offering minimal cleanup while delivering rich flavors that the whole family will enjoy. Customizable with various proteins, vegetables, and cheeses, it’s a versatile and satisfying meal option.

Author: Sarah
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: One Pot Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free pasta is used)

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

1 lb ground beef

Pasta

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni or any small pasta

Dairy

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup milk or heavy cream

Liquids

2 cups beef broth or water
1 cup diced tomatoes or tomato sauce

Aromatics

1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings

1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika

Instructions

Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it is browned and crumbly. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to develop the classic cheeseburger flavor.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the browned beef. Cook until the onions are soft and fragrant, creating a flavorful base.
Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes (or tomato sauce). Stir in the uncooked pasta, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook uncovered until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 10-12 minutes.
Stir in Cheese and Milk: Lower the heat to low. Slowly add the shredded cheddar cheese and milk or heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce is creamy and smooth, coating each piece of pasta.
Finish and Serve: Give everything a final stir to ensure even flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

Choose smaller pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or shells to better capture the sauce and beef bits.
Do not overcook the pasta; slightly al dente is best to avoid a mushy texture after adding cheese.
Use sharp cheddar cheese for a richer, more robust flavor and better melting.
Stir frequently when adding cheese to prevent clumps and keep the sauce smooth.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to thicken and improve consistency.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freeze portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 650 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: cheeseburger pasta, one pot meal, ground beef pasta, cheesy pasta, quick dinner, weeknight recipe, comfort food