If you're craving all the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger but would prefer not to be standing over a hot grill, this one pot cheeseburger pasta is about to be your new go-to.
This cheeseburger pasta is hearty, cheesy, and comes together in just one pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This pasta dish tastes like comfort food while still being easy enough to throw together at once.
I can't get enough of making one pot pasta recipes, and who can blame me? They're ridiculously easy and the pot does everything for you! I always lean on my one pot garlic parmesan pasta, or another classic is my farfalle butternut squash pasta. Classic, delicious, and done in no time.
TL;DR Recipe Summary
- 👩🏼🍳 Cook Level: Beginner / Easy
- ⏱️ Cook Time: Around 20 minutes (perfect for busy weeknights)
- 😋 Taste: Cheesy, savory, comforting, with a juicy burger flavor twist
- 🍽️ Best Served With: A crisp green salad, herby garlic bread, or sautéed green beans to balance the richness.
Jump to:
Key Tips and Reminders
- Use the right pasta shape - Short pasta like elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini work best since they hold onto the cheesy sauce and beef mixture. Avoid long pastas like spaghetti, which won't absorb the flavors as well.
- Cook the pasta al dente - Since everything cooks together in one pot, check the pasta a minute or two earlier than the package suggests. This way, it stays tender but not mushy as it soaks up the sauce.
- Keep it creamy - Add the cheese in gradually, off the heat, to prevent clumping or graininess.
The Main Ingredients
- Ground Beef - The star of the dish and what gives the pasta its classic cheeseburger flavor. Browning the beef first builds a flavorful base. I also tend to use an 85/15 ratio to get more creaminess and flavor.
- Pasta - I like a "shellbow" for this, or known as lumacine. Ideal for one pot meals since it has grooves to catch the cheese and broth.
- Cheese - I prefer a blend of cheddar and monterey jack, but you can virtually use whichever cheese prefer. Cheddar is classic.
- Shallot - Adds depth and a subtle sweetness to balance the savory beef.
- Garlic Cloves (and garlic powder) - Enhances the overall flavor and gives the dish that cozy, home-cooked taste.
- Beef Broth - Used to cook the pasta directly in the pot. It takes a lot of extra cooking and dirty pots out of the equation when it is done in just one pot together.
- Tomato Paste - I love the sweet flavor that the tomato paste gives, which sort of mimics the flavor of ketchup on a burger.
- Heavy Cream- Keeps the sauce smooth and creamy, helping the cheese melt evenly into the pasta.
- Seasonings - Essential for giving the pasta that familiar cheeseburger seasoning profile. I like to use salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika.
Be sure to check out the recipe card at the end of this post for more information about quantities, measurements, and specific cooking instructions.
Simple Swaps and Substitutions
- Ground Meat - Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles if you want a lighter option or to make it vegetarian.
- Cheese - Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can mix in mozzarella for extra meltiness, pepper jack for a little kick, or American cheese.
- Pasta - For gluten-free, use your favorite GF short pasta - just keep an eye on cook time.
- Broth - Beef broth gives the most flavor, but chicken broth or veggie broth will work well too.
- Add-ins - Toss in frozen peas, diced bell peppers, or even chopped spinach right before adding the cheese. I would also maybe suggest some relish on top to give more burger vibes.
How to make a one pot cheeseburger pasta
Step 1: Add olive oil to a large frying pan on medium to medium high heat, then start sautéing the minced onion and garlic.
Once the onions begin to become translucent, add in the tomato paste and stir to combine. Add in the ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, then cook the ground beef until there is no more pink.
Step 2: Once the ground beef is fully cooked, add in the pasta, the beef broth, and the heavy cream. Stir to combine. Cover, then let cook for 17-18 minutes on a medium low heat until most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 3: Add the cheese, stir to combine and until the cheese melts. Top with a fresh sprinkle of fresh herbs and serve.
Cheeseburger Pasta FAQs
Add any leftovers to an airtight container and place in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Add the pasta to a pot with two tablespoons of water to get it back to being nice and creamy. If you're in a pinch, you can easily microwave with a small pinch of extra cheese on top.
I love using a dutch oven for these types of recipes as it's really easy to clean and is great for browning the meat. I love my Staub 4qt round cocotte for this reason, as it has self-basting spikes on the inside of the lid to keep the pasta and food moist and insanely flavorful.
I would suggest throwing in a dollop of greek yogurt to mix in along with the cheddar cheese. You can also add in some black beans or chickpeas.
Looking for more one pot recipes? Try these!
Did you love this recipe? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you're just as in love with this recipe as I am, please share a comment below and rate it! Better yet, share this recipe with family and friends!! Thank you!
One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta
Equipment
- Large Dutch Oven or Large Pot
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 medium Shallot minced
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 2 cups Beef Broth
- ¾ cup Heavy Cream
- 16 oz Dried Pasta shells, elbows, or lumachine
- 1 cup Shredded Cheese
Instructions
- Add olive oil to a large frying pan on medium to medium high heat, then start sautéing the minced onion and garlic.
- Once the onions begin to become translucent, add in the tomato paste and stir to combine. Add in the ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, then cook the ground beef until there is no more pink.
- When the ground beef is fully cooked, add in the pasta, the beef broth, and the heavy cream. Stir to combine. Cover, then let cook for 17-18 minutes on a medium low heat until most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add the cheese, stir to combine and until the cheese melts. Top with a fresh sprinkle of fresh herbs and serve.
Janice says
A fantastic weeknight dinner that everyone (including my kids!) can enjoy! We aren’t the biggest ground beef family so we swapped it for turkey and was still great!
Morgan Peaceman says
Thank you! I love the idea of using ground turkey too!