One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta
The One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is a cozy, satisfying, and quick meal that combines the rich flavors of a classic cheeseburger with tender pasta and a creamy melted cheese sauce, all cooked together in one pot. Ideal for busy weeknights, it offers minimal cleanup, customizable variations, and kid-friendly comfort food that’s both budget-friendly and delicious.
- Author: Emily
- 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 substitutions
Meat and Protein
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked penne or rotini pasta
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk or cream
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional spices (e.g., chili powder, paprika) to taste
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a pot over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, releasing rich flavors and forming a savory base.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef, cooking until softened and fragrant to build a flavorful base.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in beef broth, milk (or cream), ketchup, mustard, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine, then add the uncooked pasta, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
- Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Melt the Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and blended into a creamy sauce that coats every bite.
- Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and any preferred spices. Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped parsley or green onions.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best melting ability and classic cheeseburger flavor.
- Do not overcook the pasta; keep it al dente to avoid mushy texture.
- Stir gently but often during cooking to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Brown the beef well to add depth of flavor through caramelization.
- Adjust liquid ratios of broth and milk to achieve desired creaminess and consistency.
- Customize by adding vegetables, using different cheeses, or making it gluten-free or vegetarian.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: one pot, cheeseburger pasta, easy dinner, quick meal, comfort food, ground beef, cheddar cheese, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner, kid-friendly