There's nothing quite like the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger in a warm, creamy pasta dish. This one-pot cheeseburger pasta combines juicy ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce—all made in a single pan for easy cleanup.
I first created this dish on a hectic weeknight when I needed something quick, satisfying, and kid-approved. It was an instant hit, and now it’s a go-to meal in our household. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, this recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want a hearty, home-cooked dinner without the hassle.
Why You'll Love This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta
Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite comfort food. This one-pot cheeseburger pasta is packed with everything you love about a classic cheeseburger but in a creamy, cheesy pasta form.
First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. Since everything cooks in a single pot, you won’t have to worry about multiple pans, draining pasta, or extra dishes piling up in the sink.
It’s also super quick—ready in under 30 minutes! Perfect for those nights when you don’t have the time or energy to spend hours in the kitchen but still want something homemade and delicious.
Not to mention, it’s budget-friendly. Using simple pantry staples like pasta, ground beef, cheese, and broth, you can make a meal that feeds the whole family without breaking the bank.
And let’s talk about flavor. The combination of savory beef, creamy cheese, and a hint of smoky paprika makes this dish absolutely irresistible. It’s like eating a cheeseburger and mac and cheese all in one bite!
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this one-pot cheeseburger pasta comes from a handful of simple ingredients that, when combined, create an ultra-creamy, flavorful dish.
Ground beef is the heart of this dish. I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness. If you prefer leaner meat, you can use ground turkey or even ground chicken, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Pasta is what makes this a true comfort meal. Short pasta like rotini, elbow macaroni, or shells work best because they hold onto the sauce well. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti, as it doesn’t absorb the sauce as nicely.
Cheddar cheese gives this dish that classic cheeseburger taste. I highly recommend using freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded, as it melts much smoother and creates a creamier sauce. Colby Jack or American cheese also work great for an extra-melty texture.
Beef broth adds depth of flavor and helps cook the pasta right in the same pot. You can substitute it with chicken broth if needed, but beef broth enhances the cheeseburger vibe.
Ketchup and mustard bring in that signature burger flavor. A little bit of Worcestershire sauce also adds a slight umami kick, making the sauce even richer.
If you have one, a large skillet or Dutch oven works best for cooking everything evenly and keeping the pasta submerged in the sauce while it simmers.
How To Make This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

This recipe couldn’t be easier—just a few simple steps, and dinner is served!
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Break it apart as it cooks, and once it’s no longer pink, drain any excess grease. This keeps the dish from becoming too oily while still locking in all that delicious beefy flavor.
Next, stir in the seasonings. Add minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the beef. Let them cook for a minute to release their aromas and deepen the flavor.
Pour in the beef broth, milk, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Stir everything together, then add the uncooked pasta right into the pot. This method allows the pasta to absorb all the delicious flavors as it cooks. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Cover the pot and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom. Once the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, reduce the heat to low.
Now for the best part—the cheese! Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into a creamy, cheesy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh touch. It’s also fantastic with a sprinkle of crushed pickles or crispy bacon on top for extra cheeseburger goodness!
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), they store beautifully for later.
Let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the sauce may thicken after freezing, so you might need to add a little milk when reheating.
To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If reheating in the microwave, add a splash of broth or milk to keep it creamy, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Variations and Substitutions
This one-pot cheeseburger pasta is incredibly versatile, so feel free to customize it to your taste!
For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when cooking the beef. A little bit of hot sauce mixed into the cheese sauce also does wonders.
Want to make it healthier? Swap the ground beef for ground turkey and use whole wheat pasta for added fiber. You can also sneak in some veggies like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
For an extra bacon cheeseburger vibe, stir in crumbled bacon before serving. It adds a smoky crunch that takes the dish to the next level!
If you're dairy-free, try using dairy-free cheese and unsweetened almond or oat milk in place of regular milk. The sauce won’t be quite as creamy, but it will still be delicious.
And if you love that classic burger taste, top each serving with a drizzle of burger sauce or a few chopped pickles for an extra punch of flavor.
No matter how you make it, this one-pot cheeseburger pasta is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try tonight—you won’t regret it!
PrintOne-pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe
This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is a delicious, quick, and easy meal that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with tender pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for weeknights, this one-pot dish saves time and minimizes cleanup while delivering maximum flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, One-Pot Meals
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in garlic, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer.
- Add macaroni, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Use different cheese varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack for extra flavor.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or crispy bacon for a tasty twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
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