One-pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like the cozy, savory flavors of a cheeseburger – but what if you could enjoy all that deliciousness in pasta form? This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta delivers just that, combining tender pasta, a hearty beef sauce, and gooey melted cheese for a quick and satisfying meal.

this Recipe

I stumbled upon this recipe while trying to whip up something comforting without using every pot in the kitchen. After a few tweaks, it became a household favorite – perfect for busy weeknights when you want something filling, fast, and family-friendly. Let’s dive in!

Why You'll Love This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

Get ready to add this recipe to your weeknight rotation! Not only is it simple to make, but it also checks all the boxes for a crowd-pleasing dinner.

First, it’s incredibly quick and easy. The entire dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings when time is short but you still want something homemade.

Next, you’ll love the minimal cleanup. Since everything cooks in a single pot, you won’t be left with a pile of dishes to tackle after dinner. Less mess, more enjoyment!

This recipe is also budget-friendly. Using affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and cheese, you can serve a delicious meal for a fraction of the cost of takeout.

Finally, the flavors are irresistible. The combination of seasoned beef, creamy sauce, and melted cheese gives you all the comforts of a cheeseburger with the satisfying texture of pasta. It’s a win-win!

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating that classic cheeseburger taste with a pasta twist.

Ground beef: Use lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) for the best balance of flavor and texture. If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well too.

Pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne, macaroni, or rotini are ideal because they hold the sauce beautifully. Whole wheat or gluten-free options can also be used if preferred.

Cheese: Shredded cheddar is the classic choice here, but feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a little Parmesan for extra richness.

Beef broth: This not only adds depth of flavor but also serves as the liquid to cook your pasta directly in the pot. Chicken broth or vegetable broth can be substituted if needed.

Tomato sauce and ketchup: These provide a tangy, slightly sweet base that mimics the flavors of a cheeseburger. If you like a smoky touch, you can add a little barbecue sauce instead of ketchup.

You’ll also need a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven to make this a true one-pot meal. A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring is all you’ll need for prep.

How To Make This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

Making this dish is easier than you might think. With just a handful of steps, you’ll have a piping-hot dinner ready to serve.

Start by heating a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. If there’s excess grease, drain it off before proceeding.

Next, stir in your diced onions and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add in minced garlic for an extra boost of flavor, cooking for just 30 seconds until fragrant.

Now it’s time to build the sauce. Pour in your beef broth, tomato sauce, ketchup, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce. Give everything a good stir, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Add your pasta directly into the pot and stir to combine. Cover with a lid and let the pasta cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes.

Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, turn off the heat and stir in your shredded cheese. The residual heat will melt the cheese into the sauce, creating a rich, creamy texture. Sprinkle with a little extra cheese on top for good measure!

Storage Options

This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

For refrigeration, allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

If you’d like to freeze it, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It can be stored for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.

Reheating is simple – just pop it in the microwave or reheat in a skillet over low heat. Be sure to stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

Variations and Substitutions

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

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
• Add veggies: Sneak in some nutrition by stirring in cooked peas, diced bell peppers, or spinach during the final minutes of cooking.
• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat crumbles for a different take.
• Change up the cheese: Try pepper jack for a spicy kick or Gouda for a smoky twist.
• Make it healthier: Use whole wheat pasta or a lower-fat cheese to lighten up the dish without sacrificing flavor.

Feel free to experiment – the possibilities are endless! Whether you’re customizing to fit dietary preferences or just mixing things up, this recipe is a fantastic canvas for your creativity.

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