One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s quick, comforting, and ridiculously satisfying, this One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe is going to be your new best friend. I absolutely love how this recipe brings together all the rich, cheesy goodness of a classic cheeseburger with the cozy, creamy texture of pasta—all in one pot. When I first tried this, it quickly became a go-to for busy weeknights because not only is it simple, but it also feels like a big, warm hug on a plate. Stick with me—I’ll share all the secrets to making it perfectly every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe lies in its simple yet delicious ingredients that you may already have on hand. I love that each component adds a layer of flavor or texture, and knowing some tips about them can really set you up for success.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Using room temperature cheese helps it melt smoothly and blend perfectly into the pasta.
• Ground Beef (85% lean): This is a great balance between flavor and fat content, which keeps the dish juicy without being greasy.
• Yellow Onion: Adding this diced onion brings sweet, aromatic depth to that classic cheeseburger flavor.
• Garlic: Minced garlic enhances the savory notes without overpowering the dish.
• Worcestershire Sauce: This little secret ingredient amps up the umami and adds complexity.
• Tomato Paste: It provides richness and a slight tang that mimics the ketchup in cheeseburgers.
• Beef Broth: This is your cooking liquid and flavor base—opt for low sodium if you want to control saltiness.
• Elbow Macaroni (uncooked): The pasta that captures all the cheesy sauce so wonderfully.
• Sour Cream: Using it at room temp ensures it blends in smoothly, adding creaminess and tang.
• Whole Milk: Also room temperature for best texture; it lightens the sauce just right.
• Chopped Parsley: Fresh parsley is the perfect bright garnish that cuts through the richness.

Variations

I like to think of this One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe as a flexible foundation—feel free to make it your own. Over time, I’ve tweaked it with different cheeses, added veggies, and even swapped meats depending on what’s in my fridge or what my family is craving.

• Cheese Swaps: I’ve found mixing sharp cheddar with a bit of mozzarella creates a fantastic gooey stretch, perfect for cheese lovers.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in some diced bell peppers or mushrooms when you cook the beef—my family hardly notices, and it adds great flavor and nutrition.
• Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter twist, these work well; just watch the seasoning to keep it flavorful.
• Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce can really brighten things up if you enjoy a bit of heat.

How to Make One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Cheese

Start by shredding your cheddar cheese and letting it come to room temperature—this little step makes all the difference for a smooth, melty sauce later. While you’re at it, dice your onion and mince the garlic so everything is ready when the pan heats up. I usually prep everything first; it means no rushing and no burnt garlic moments!

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions

Heat a large pot over medium heat and add your seasoned ground beef along with the diced onion. As you cook and crumble the beef, that sizzling aroma is just about the best smell of dinner prepping. Once the beef is browned and the onions are translucent, drain any excess grease to keep things from getting too greasy—something I learned after a few too-rich batches.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Add your minced garlic and cook for just about a minute until fragrant. Then stir in Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste, mixing until everything looks glossy and combined. These ingredients are what give this dish its signature cheeseburger flavor that’s more than just ground beef and cheese.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta in the Broth

Pour in the beef broth and uncooked elbow macaroni, give it a good stir, then bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 5 minutes. Then uncover, stir briefly to prevent sticking, cover again, and cook for another 5 minutes or until the pasta is just al dente. This hands-off method is a game-changer—I love that the pasta cooks right in all that savory goodness.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Cheese

Turn your heat to low, then stir in the room temperature sour cream with half of the milk. I usually add the other half of the milk only if the mixture feels too thick. Next, gradually sprinkle in about 2½ cups of your shredded cheddar, stirring constantly so it melts evenly and the sauce comes together creamy and smooth.

Once the cheese has melted into a rich sauce, top the pasta with the remaining cheese, cover the pot again, and let it heat for 2-3 more minutes until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. That melted layer on top? It’s seriously irresistible.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a fresh bite that cuts through all that cheesy richness. Serve it straight from the pot—you won’t even need extra plates!

How to Serve One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

For me, a handful of chopped fresh parsley is non-negotiable—it adds that fresh, vibrant finish that balances the richness. Sometimes, I toss on a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of garlic butter on top can’t hurt!

Side Dishes

This dish is quite hearty on its own, but I often pair it with a crisp side salad or steamed green veggies, like broccoli or green beans, to add some lightness and crunch. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also work beautifully to mop up any extra cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve served this for casual dinner parties, I like to dish it into individual ramekins, sprinkle the cheese on top, then pop them under the broiler for a minute to get a golden crust. It looks impressive but stays easy and comforting—perfect for special occasions without the fuss!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it chills, the pasta tends to soak up the sauce, so it’s a bit thicker, but it reheats beautifully.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta before with decent results—just cool it completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you thaw and reheat, the texture is still satisfying, though the cheese might separate slightly. Stir well during reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Sometimes I cover the pot to heat evenly and finish with a quick stir to bring back that creamy cheeseburger goodness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe is truly one of those meals that feels like a warm, tasty hug from the inside out. I love how quick and effortless it is—just one pot, a handful of ingredients, and you’ve got dinner that everyone will rave about. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving comfort food in a hurry, this recipe has you covered. Give it a try; I promise it’ll become one of your favorites, just like it did for me!

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