Cheeseburger Pasta: (One-Pot Recipe)

Cheeseburger Pasta is the ultimate comfort food dish! It’s like having all the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger combined with creamy, cheesy pasta, what’s not to love? This one-pot meal is a lifesaver on busy nights, with everything coming together in just about 30 minutes. The best part? It’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner or an easy family meal, this dish is always a hit!

Looking for more one-pot meals? Try our Mexican Beef and Rice, Easy Rotel Pasta, or Hamburger Hash.

Closeup spoon shot of cheeseburger pasta.

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This Cheeseburger Pasta is an easy, comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s like a homemade hamburger helper but with real ingredients and the cheeseburger flavor we all love. It’s a one-pot meal that the whole family will enjoy, and it comes together quickly with pantry staples. Whether you’re making it for the first time or it’s your go-to for easy weeknight dinners, this is sure to be a hit for everyone at the table! This is a fantastic recipe for those nights when you need a hearty meal that comes together fast and satisfies the entire family.

What you’ll love about this Cheeseburger Macaroni Recipe: 


  • ONE-POT MEAL – This easy one-pot cheeseburger pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, with minimal cleanup.
  • FAMILY-FRIENDLY – The cheeseburger flavor and cheesy goodness make it a hit with picky eaters.
  • EASY RECIPE – It’s quick, comforting, and made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Close up shot of a fork in cheeseburger macaroni.

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this amazing Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

  • Ground beef
  • Onion- I love using a fresh onion, but I’ve used onion powder before with great results. 
  • Garlic- You can use garlic powder instead. 
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Tomato paste
  • Beef broth
  • Milk
  • Yellow mustard
  • Elbow macaroni
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Ingredients for cheeseburger pasta.

INGREDIENT NOTES:

  • Ground Beef: I prefer 80/20 ground beef for flavor, but lean ground beef can be used also. 
  • Cheddar Cheese: I used cheddar, but can use your favorite cheese.
  • Elbow Macaroni: You can swap for another short pasta like rotini or penne.

HOW TO MAKE CHEESEBURGER PASTA STEP-BY-STEP:

Check out the quick visual guides below. See the printable recipe card at the end for full instructions and ingredients.

STEP 1: In a large skillet, or large pot, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.

STEP 2: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and tomato paste, cooking for a couple of minutes.

STEP 3: Pour in the beef broth and milk, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the mustard and uncooked elbow macaroni, making sure the pasta is fully submerged in the sauce.

STEP 4: Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Process shots for cheeseburger pasta.

STEP 5:Remove from heat, and stir in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack until the melty cheese creates a rich, cheesy sauce.

STEP 6: Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

PRO TIP:

For an extra flavor boost, try adding a tablespoon of steak seasoning while browning the beef! It adds depth to the dish and pairs perfectly with the cheesy sauce.

Cheeseburger pasta on a white plate.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It can be kept for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or stovetop until warmed through. Add a splash of milk or broth if it looks dry.

Freezing: You can freeze the cooked dish in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed. The pasta may become mushy.

Additions & Substitutions

ADDITIONS:

  • Bacon Cheeseburger Twist: Add crumbled, cooked bacon to the mix for a bacon cheeseburger version.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

  • Ground Chicken: Use ground chicken or lean beef for a lighter option.
  • Tomato Sauce: Swap tomato paste for tomato sauce for a more intense tomato flavor.

FAQs about this Homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni:

Yes, you can use any short pasta shapes such as rotini, penne, or fusilli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions to ensure it is cooked al dente.

Absolutely! You can add vegetables such as diced bell peppers, mushrooms, peas, or spinach. Add them when you sauté the onions and garlic for extra flavor and nutrition.

Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring that your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.

What should I serve with my Cheeseburger Macaroni?

Serve this simple Cheeseburger Pasta: with fried potatoes, a simple side salad or green beans for a complete meal. For added flavor, serve it with your favorite burger toppings like pickles, ketchup, or mustard!

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

I’m excited for you to try this Cheeseburger Pasta: (One-Pot Recipe)!! After you make it, please leave a rating to let me know your thoughts on it – I’m eager to hear if you loved it as much as we do!

A big spoonful of cheeseburger macaroni.

Cheeseburger Pasta

Vicky Hadley~Little Chef Within
Cheeseburger Pasta is the ultimate comfort food dish! It’s like having all the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger combined with creamy, cheesy pasta, what’s not to love? 
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 311 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish optional

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, or large pot, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  • Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and tomato paste, cooking for a couple of minutes.
  • Pour in the beef broth and milk, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the mustard and uncooked elbow macaroni, making sure the pasta is fully submerged in the sauce.
  • Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
  • Remove from heat, and stir in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack until the melty cheese creates a rich, cheesy sauce.
  • Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

Pro Tips:

For an extra flavor boost, try adding a tablespoon of steak seasoning while browning the beef! It adds depth to the dish and pairs perfectly with the cheesy sauce.
To ensure your pasta cooks evenly and quickly, stir it occasionally while it simmers. This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.

Nutrition

Calories: 311kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 20gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 77mgSodium: 1009mgPotassium: 420mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 506IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 213mgIron: 2mg
Keyword 30 minute meals, beef, comfort food, easy, one-pot meal, pasta dishes
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2 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    My family loved this recipe! It was very easy to make and my picky daughter asked for seconds. Will make again soon.

5 from 1 vote

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