One Pot Cheesy Cheeseburger Pasta
One Pot Cheesy Cheeseburger Pasta is a quick, comforting, and delicious meal combining juicy ground beef, tender pasta, and melty sharp cheddar cheese in a creamy tomato-based sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes using just one pot, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, and anyone craving the flavors of a homemade cheeseburger transformed into a convenient pasta dish.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be gluten-free (with pasta substitution), dairy-free (with alternatives)
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni or small pasta
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Extras
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Pickles
- Bell peppers
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
- Paprika, chili flakes, or hot sauce for spice
- Gluten-free pasta (for gluten-free option)
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if needed to keep things from getting greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: To the browned beef, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent, releasing their sweet, savory aroma.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, and milk or cream. Stir to combine, then add the uncooked pasta. Make sure the pasta is evenly submerged; this ensures it cooks perfectly as it soaks up the flavorful liquid.
- Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Stir in Cheese and Season: Remove the pot from heat, then fold in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and silky. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting for your preferred cheeseburger flavor.
- Serve Warm: Dish out immediately, or get creative with your toppings like ketchup, mustard, pickles, or shredded lettuce to customize each portion.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar for the best melt and classic cheeseburger flavor.
- Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Adjust liquid quantities as needed depending on your pasta type for perfect texture.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time to speed up cooking on busy nights.
- Let the pasta sit covered for a few minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: cheesy pasta, cheeseburger pasta, one pot meal, quick dinner, ground beef pasta, creamy pasta, family dinner, comfort food