Cheeseburger Pasta

This incredible one-pot cheeseburger pasta recipe combines two of my comfort food favorites into one fantastic dish! It's like your favorite drive-thru burger got fancy!

Tender pasta swims in a rich, cheesy sauce, all topped with shredded cheddar cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, dill pickles, and your other favorite burger fixings. It’s absolutely delicious!

I like to think of it as a homemade version of Hamburger Helper. I always serve it with a side salad and garlic bread. I'm telling you, when a cheeseburger craving strikes, this pasta never disappoints!

The best part is how quickly this meal comes together. Since it's all made in one pot, cleanup is a breeze!

And don't forget, you can make this easy dinner recipe your own! Sometimes, I substitute ground turkey for beef or use elbow macaroni instead of rotini pasta. You can also use gluten-free pasta to suit your needs. Top it with all of your favorite burger fixings for the ultimate feast!

Ingredients Notes

• Ground Beef: The hearty base of the dish. I use 85% lean since it's less greasy but still has great flavor.
  
• Onion and Garlic: For essential aromatic flavors and a savory foundation. Here's one of my best tips: skip the jarred minced garlic and use freshly minced for the best taste. And be sure the onion is finely chopped.
  
• Salt and Pepper: To enhance all other flavors in the dish. 
  
• Beef Broth or Chicken Broth: Beef broth adds a rich flavor to the sauce and is used to cook the pasta instead of water. If you want a lighter dish, use chicken broth instead.
  
• Diced Tomatoes: Add moisture, acidity, and chunks of texture. The juice contributes to the sauce's body.
  
• Uncooked Pasta: Small pasta shapes like rotini or shells capture the sauce best. Be sure to cook it al dente so the dish doesn't turn out mushy.
  
• Cheddar Cheese: Brings classic cheeseburger flavor and a creamy texture. For an extra gooey dish, I like to add mozzarella, too.
  
• Milk or Heavy Cream: It creates silky smoothness in the sauce, though heavy cream makes it richer than milk.
  
• Ketchup, Yellow Mustard, and Worcestershire Sauce: This classic burger trio makes the dish tangy and more flavorful.
  
• Optional Toppings: I enjoy chopped pickles, diced tomatoes, green onions, shredded lettuce, and crumbled bacon!

How to Make Cheeseburger Pasta

This cheeseburger pasta is an easy one-pot meal! I actually made it last night, and my family loved it. It comes together in about 35 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner.

I've shared the full recipe at the bottom of this post, but here's a rundown of the steps.

1. BROWN. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and fully cooked. Break it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain the excess fat if needed.

2. ADD ONION & GARLIC. Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.

3. SEASON & FLAVOR. Season with salt and pepper, then add ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to coat the beef mixture evenly.

4. ADD PASTA. Pour in the beef broth and canned tomatoes (with their juices). Stir to combine. Add the uncooked pasta and stir everything together.

5. SIMMER. Cover the skillet or pot and bring to a boil, then turn the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. ADD DAIRY. Pour the milk or heavy cream over the cooked pasta and add the shredded cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. If it’s too thick, I add a little more milk to reach the desired consistency.

7. GARNISH. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings. My go-tos are chopped pickles, diced tomatoes, green onions, shredded lettuce, or crumbled bacon.

Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Pasta

This cheeseburger pasta skillet recipe makes dinner so easy, and it's tough to mess up. But my tried-and-true tips will make it even more delicious!

• Quality is key. I always use 85% lean ground beef for the best flavor and texture. This fat content provides enough richness without being overly greasy.
  
• Pick the perfect pasta. Opt for small shapes like rotini or pasta shells. They hold sauce well and mimic the cheeseburger experience.
  
• Be generous! Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper. You want it well-seasoned! For extra flavor, add a little onion powder or steak seasoning. I also like to add a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.
  
• Use the best broth. Use beef broth for a richer flavor or chicken broth for a milder taste.
  
• Make it extra creamy. For an extra creamy sauce, mix cheddar with mozzarella cheese. This combination melts beautifully. And for a little extra tang, you can swirl in some cream cheese. Mmm!
  
• Thin it out. If the sauce becomes too thick, I add more milk or broth until it thins out a bit.

What to Serve with Cheeseburger Pasta

Feel free to pick your favorite sides for this pasta dish. But I like to serve cheeseburger pasta with the following easy recipes:

Garlic Bread

Garlic Butter Green Beans

Classic Wedge Salad

Roasted Asparagus

Breadsticks

How to Store

Have leftover pasta? No worries! With these simple storage tips, you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

To Store: Allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I wouldn’t freeze this recipe since the sauce consistency will change.

To Reheat: Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

More Easy One-Pot Recipes You'll Love

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Shells

One-Pot American Goulash

One-Pot Ground Turkey Pasta

One-Pot Cheeseburger Casserole