Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet is a fast, flavorful, and comforting dish that brings all the cheesy, beefy goodness of a classic cheeseburger into a creamy pasta form. Cooked entirely in one skillet for easy cleanup, it’s a family-friendly favorite perfect for weeknight dinners.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ground beef
onion
garlic
elbow macaroni or small pasta
beef broth
milk
cheddar cheese (shredded)
cream cheese
tomato paste
ketchup
mustard
salt
black pepper
paprika
olive oil
green onions or pickles (optional, for garnish)
directions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
Stir in tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
Add the uncooked pasta, beef broth, and milk. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
Stir in cream cheese and shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.
Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes to thicken. Garnish with green onions or chopped pickles if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4–6 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for different flavors.
Add chopped tomatoes, bell peppers, or spinach for extra veggies.
Top with crumbled bacon or crispy onions for a loaded twist.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring between.
Add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked pasta?
No, the pasta cooks in the sauce to absorb all the flavor.
Is it spicy?
No, but you can add chili flakes or hot sauce for heat.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, reheat gently and add extra cheese before serving.
What type of cheese is best?
Sharp cheddar melts well and adds bold flavor.
Can I freeze this dish?
Not recommended, as the pasta may become mushy when thawed.
Do I need cream cheese?
It adds richness, but you can skip it or use sour cream as a substitute.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a large skillet and adjust cooking time slightly.
Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely—it’s cheesy, savory, and familiar in flavor.
Can I add toppings?
Yes, try shredded lettuce, diced tomato, or even pickles before serving.
What pasta shape works best?
Elbow macaroni, shells, or rotini hold the sauce well.
Conclusion
One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet is a creamy, savory comfort meal that combines all the best parts of a cheeseburger with the ease of a one-pan pasta. Quick, filling, and endlessly customizable, it’s a dinner win that brings smiles to the table with minimal cleanup.
Print
One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Dish / Skillet
- Method: One-pot stovetop cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Cheeseburger-inspired pasta skillet made in one pot with ground beef, tender pasta, melty cheese, and a savory tomato-based sauce—ideal for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow, shells, or rotini)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or American cheese
- Optional toppings: chopped pickles, diced tomato, shredded lettuce
Instructions
- In a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in uncooked pasta, diced tomatoes (with juices), beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
- Remove lid and sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top. Cover off to let cheese melt, about 2–3 minutes.
- Turn off heat, let rest for 2 minutes. Stir gently to incorporate melted cheese into the sauce.
- Top with optional garnishes like pickles, diced tomato, or shredded lettuce for a burger-like twist.
- Serve directly from the skillet. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Make it spicy by adding a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
- Add diced bell peppers or frozen corn for extra veggies.
- Top with a drizzle of ketchup or mustard for an authentic cheeseburger effect.