Cheeseburger Pasta
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Updated: 08/04/25
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This easy, cheesy One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner—packed with all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a comforting, family-friendly pasta dish that’s ready in no time and saves on dishes!
This cheeseburger pasta recipe is so simple and yet so flavorful, the kids will be begging you to make it every week. Savory beef, rich cheese and comforting pasta make this dish one that everyone will love, which is great if you’ve got picky eaters! One pot meals are always here to save the day, and I know this cheeseburger pasta will be one you come back to time and time again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cheeseburger pasta is a one pot dish.
- Have supper on the table in 30 minutes .
- This dish combines classic cheeseburger flavors with the comfort of pasta, it really can’t be beat!
Ingredients for Cheeseburger Pasta
- Ground beef – Using an 80/20 lean ground beef is a great place to start. You could also swap for ground turkey, chicken or pork if you prefer those flavors.
- Olive oil – Helps in the pan frying process of the beef, onion and garlic. You can also use vegetable oil or canola oil if that’s what you have on hand.
- Yellow onion – Diced yellow onion adds a bit of punch to this dish. You can also use a white onion if that is what you have on hand.
- Garlic – Fresh, minced garlic adds depth of flavor to any dish.
- Seasoning – Kosher salt and ground black pepper are all you need to season this dish.
- Tomato paste – Offers depth of flavor and a rich tomato flavor.
- Beef broth – Use a low sodium beef stock so you can better control just how salty this dish is.
- Water – Added liquid helps the noodles to cook in this one pot dish.
- Cheddar cheese – Buy a block and shred it yourself, it really does melt the best! Use cheddar, or whatever you love to put on cheeseburgers.
- Pasta – Use small shells for this dish. You can also use any other small short pasta like macaroni or ditalini.
Variations
- Sliced mushroom – Add mushrooms to cook with the beef and onions.
- Tomato – Add diced tomato near the end so it keeps some of it’s structure.
- Crumbled bacon – Add cooked bacon and fold in with the cheese.
- Pickles – Don’t knock it ’til you try it! It is a classic cheeseburger topping, after all!
- Parsley – A garnish of chopped parsley offers a pop of green.
How To Make Cheeseburger Pasta
- Heat oil and brown ground beef and onions over medium high heat. During the last minute of cooking, add minced garlic and drain off excess fat.
- Reduce heat to medium and add salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Stir until combined.
- Add broth, water and pasta. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until pasta is cooked through.
- Remove pan from heat and stir in cheddar cheese. Cover and let melt before serving.
Pro Tips
- Maintain a simmer the whole time so the pasta cooks evenly.
- If you plan to freeze this dish, be sure to cook pasta to al dente because it will soften more as it thaws and is heated.
- If the noodles are not completely submerged in broth and water, it’s okay! Do not add more water to cover them or there will end up being too much liquid.
Storage and Reheating
Fridge: Store leftover cheeseburger pasta in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: If you want to freeze some leftovers for another time, I recommend freezing in individual portions in airtight containers that you can easily thaw and reheat. The pasta probably won’t have the same texture and might be a little soft after freezing, but it is still a good way to grab a quick lunch for the workday!
Reheat covered on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a little extra broth or water so the pasta doesn’t dry out while reheating.
Creamy, cheesy pasta with ground beef is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face tonight. The comfort of this dish is like no other, I know you’re going to love it!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta
One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is a quick, cheesy, family-friendly dinner with all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a comforting pasta dish.
Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup yellow onion diced
- 1 Tablespoon garlic minced
- ½ Teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth low sodium
- 1 cup water
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 16 ounces pasta shells
Instructions
- In a large skillet or dutch oven, heat oil and brown ground beef and onions over medium high heat. During the last minute of cooking add garlic. Drain off grease.
- Reduce heat to medium and add in salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Stir until combined.
- Add in broth, water and pasta shells. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil then cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until pasta is cooked through.
- Remove pan from heat and stir in cheddar cheese. Cover and let melt.
Tips
Fridge: Store leftover cheeseburger pasta in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: If you want to freeze some leftovers for another time, I recommend freezing in individual portions in airtight containers that you can easily thaw and reheat. The pasta probably won’t have the same texture and might be a little soft after freezing, but it is still a good way to grab a quick lunch for the workday!
Reheat covered on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a little extra broth or water so the pasta doesn’t dry out while reheating.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 580kcal (29%), Carbohydrates: 60g (20%), Protein: 34g (68%), Fat: 22g (34%), Saturated Fat: 10g (63%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 80mg (27%), Sodium: 771mg (34%), Potassium: 815mg (23%), Fiber: 3g (13%), Sugar: 3g (3%), Vitamin A: 366IU (7%), Vitamin C: 3mg (4%), Calcium: 236mg (24%), Iron: 3mg (17%)
How To Serve Cheeseburger Pasta
Cheeseburger pasta is filling on it’s own, but adding a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables will help to round out the meal. Throw in some homemade crescent rolls or garlic bread and you’re all set.
A nostalgic dish like this is also great with raw veggies and homemade dip just like when you were a kid!
A great dessert idea that the kids love are no-bake Dirt Cups. We love a dessert “salad” in our house and Oreo Fluff is a favorite!
More Great One Pot Pasta Recipes
- Always a popular family favorite, Homemade Hamburger Helper is just as easy the classic boxed version but so much healthier. Cheesy and rich, you will be lucky if you have any leftovers.
- Nothing is better than a heart Chili Mac. Ready to eat in about 20 minutes, this dish combines your favorite flavors from a pot of chili with added noodles and cheese.
- Ground beef, tomatoes, cheese and macaroni are perfectly seasoned in kid-friendly American Goulash. Raid the pantry and get cooking!
- Creamy, mildly spicy sauce makes One Pot Chicken Spaghetti a hit at the dinner table every time I serve it. Ready in just 35 minutes, this hearty meal will satisfy everyone tonight.
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