Cheesy, hearty, family favorite
This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta has all the flavors you love from a classic cheeseburger—juicy beef, melty cheese, and savory goodness—wrapped up in a cozy, creamy pasta dish. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something comforting but don’t want a sink full of dishes. Everything cooks in one pot, which means big flavor with minimal cleanup. Ready in about 30 minutes, this easy one-pot dinner is kid-friendly, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to become a repeat favorite.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
📝 Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow, shells, or rotini)
- 2½ cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Colby Jack cheese
Optional Toppings
- Chopped pickles
- Diced tomatoes
- Green onions
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large skillet or deep sauté pan
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
🍝 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook 5–6 minutes until fully browned. Drain excess grease if needed. 🍔
- Add aromatics: Stir in onion and garlic. Cook 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Build the pasta: Add pasta, beef broth, milk, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir well.
- Simmer: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens. ✨
- Make it cheesy: Lower heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and creamy 🧀
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
💡 Pro Tips
- Extra creamy: Stir in 2 tablespoons cream cheese at the end
- Swap the beef: Ground turkey works great too
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce
- Leftovers: Sauce thickens—add a splash of milk when reheating
❄️ Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring halfway through.