This rich and savory Cheeseburger Pasta is everything you love about a classic cheeseburger packed into a comforting bowl of pasta. Made in just one pot, it’s perfect for weeknights when you need something hearty and satisfying without the fuss. With tender ground beef, cheddar cheese, a tangy ketchup-mustard blend, and soft elbow macaroni, every bite bursts with nostalgic cheeseburger flavor. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Top it with pickles or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for an extra punch of flavor!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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1/2 onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups beef broth
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1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
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2 tablespoons ketchup
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1 tablespoon yellow mustard
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8 oz elbow macaroni (uncooked)
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1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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Optional: pickles, diced tomatoes, chopped parsley for garnish
Directions:
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In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess grease if necessary.
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Add diced onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
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Stir in beef broth, tomato sauce, ketchup, and mustard. Bring to a simmer.
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Add uncooked macaroni, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
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Cover and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
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Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
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Garnish with optional toppings like diced pickles, chopped parsley, or a sprinkle of extra cheese.
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Serve warm and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 475 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Ultimate Guide to One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta
When it comes to weeknight meals, nothing beats a comforting dish that’s quick to make, family-friendly, and packed with bold flavor. Enter Cheeseburger Pasta a savory, one-pot masterpiece that brings together the classic flavors of an American cheeseburger in the cozy form of creamy pasta. It’s no wonder this dish has surged in popularity among busy home cooks and comfort food lovers alike.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this mouthwatering meal: its origins, why it works so well, variations, storage tips, and how it fits into your weekly dinner rotation. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, Cheeseburger Pasta offers the perfect mix of simplicity and indulgence.
What Is Cheeseburger Pasta?
Cheeseburger Pasta is exactly what it sounds like a hearty, savory fusion of two comfort food classics: the cheeseburger and macaroni pasta. Made typically with ground beef, cheddar cheese, a ketchup-mustard-tomato base, and elbow macaroni, this dish mimics the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger with every bite. The ingredients are cooked together in a single pot, allowing the flavors to meld into a creamy, crave-worthy dish.
This recipe doesn’t just taste like a cheeseburger; it celebrates it. From the umami-rich beef to the tang of mustard and sweetness of ketchup, every bite feels familiar and satisfying, yet entirely new.
Why Everyone Loves Cheeseburger Pasta
Cheeseburger Pasta has become a staple in many households, and for good reason:
1. One-Pot Convenience
This recipe is made in one skillet or pot, which means fewer dishes to clean up afterward. That makes it especially appealing for weeknights or whenever you’re short on time.
2. Family-Friendly
Kids love it. Adults love it. Even picky eaters find something to enjoy in the creamy texture and familiar flavors. It’s truly a dish that brings the family together around the dinner table.
3. Customizable
You can tweak the recipe in endless ways. Prefer turkey over beef? Want to add a little heat with hot sauce or jalapeños? Craving extra veggies? No problem. Cheeseburger Pasta is a flexible canvas for creativity.
4. Budget-Friendly
Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or common fridge items, making this meal easy on the wallet. It’s a fantastic way to stretch ground beef into a full meal with only a few additions.
The Cheeseburger Flavor Experience
The genius of Cheeseburger Pasta lies in how it captures the iconic cheeseburger flavor in a seemingly unrelated dish. The ground beef forms the protein foundation, while a savory blend of ketchup, mustard, and tomato sauce adds that classic tangy-sweet burger taste. Cheddar cheese ties it all together with its melty, creamy richness, perfectly coating the pasta and beef.
Each element of the cheeseburger is represented:
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Beef: The rich, juicy base
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Cheese: The creamy, salty topping
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Bun substitute: Pasta, which soaks up all the saucy goodness
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Condiments: Ketchup and mustard for zing and sweetness
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Extras: Onions for a flavorful backbone; optional pickles add crunch and brightness
The result? A well-balanced, crowd-pleasing meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make.
Perfect for Meal Prepping
Cheeseburger Pasta also excels as a meal prep option. Because it reheats well and stays flavorful, it’s an ideal dish to make ahead and store for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Simply portion it into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
If you plan to freeze it, you can do so after cooking and cooling completely. Store in freezer-safe containers and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore the creamy texture.
Make It Your Own: Variations to Try
One of the best things about Cheeseburger Pasta is how easily it adapts to different tastes or dietary needs. Here are some creative spins on the original:
Low-Carb/Keto Version
Replace the pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets to cut carbs while still enjoying all the meaty, cheesy goodness.
Spicy Cheeseburger Pasta
Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for a spicier take on the classic. Pepper jack cheese can also be used for extra heat.
Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta
Crumbled bacon stirred in at the end brings a smoky, crispy edge that’s irresistibly good.
Cheeseburger Mac & Cheese
Use a roux-based cheese sauce instead of just melting cheese into the mix for a thicker, creamier consistency. You can even add multiple cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or American cheese.
Vegetarian Option
Swap out the beef for plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu. Add mushrooms or lentils for texture and extra nutrients.
Add-ins
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Pickles for crunch
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Tomatoes for brightness
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Spinach or bell peppers for extra veggies
Serving Suggestions
While Cheeseburger Pasta is perfectly satisfying on its own, pairing it with a fresh side can elevate the meal. Here are a few great accompaniments:
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Simple green salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness
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Garlic bread or toasted rolls to mop up any leftover sauce
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Roasted broccoli or green beans for a nutritious boost
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Dill pickles on the side to enhance the cheeseburger theme
This dish is also fantastic for casual dinner parties, potlucks, or game night gatherings. It’s easy to make in large batches, and you won’t have leftovers for long.
Conclusion:
Cheeseburger Pasta is more than a quick and tasty dinner it’s the ultimate comfort food hybrid that ticks all the boxes. Easy to make, deliciously indulgent, and endlessly versatile, it’s no surprise this dish has become a staple for families, students, and busy professionals alike.
Whether you’re whipping up a cozy meal after a long day, meal-prepping for the week ahead, or impressing guests with a nostalgic twist on classic flavors, Cheeseburger Pasta delivers every time. Give it a try and discover why this dish is quickly becoming a weeknight favorite across kitchens everywhere.
