One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy dinner without the fuss, you’re going to love this One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe. I first made it on a busy weeknight when I needed something quick, and wow—it quickly became one of my family’s favorite go-to meals. It’s like a grown-up, cheesy upgrade to your classic cheeseburger, all cozyed up with tender pasta, and best of all, it all comes together in one single pot. Trust me, this recipe will save you time, clean-up, and give you those warm fuzzy vibes we all want after a long day.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients for this One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe come together beautifully, blending meaty, cheesy, and creamy flavors seamlessly. When I shop for this, I like to grab good-quality cheddar and fresh beef because those really make the difference in richness and texture.

• Cheddar Cheese: Using room-temperature shredded cheddar helps it melt smoothly into the pasta.
• Ground Beef: I prefer 85% lean for that perfect balance of flavor and a little nice fat to keep the dish juicy.
• Yellow Onion: Diced small enough to cook down wonderfully and add sweetness.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic really enhances the depth of flavor here.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A little umami magic that brings out the beefy goodness.
• Tomato Paste: Adds a subtle tang and richness without overpowering the cheeseburger vibe.
• Beef Broth: The cooking liquid for the pasta and flavor boost.
• Elbow Macaroni: Uncooked directly into the pot—no precooking saves time!
• Sour Cream: For that creamy, tangy layer that makes this dish irresistible.
• Whole Milk: I add it in stages to control the creaminess.
• Chopped Parsley: A fresh touch to brighten up every cheesy bite.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on what I have around or our mood. Feel free to get creative! This One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe adapts wonderfully to whatever you toss in.

• Add Veggies: I sometimes toss in chopped bell peppers or spinach for a punch of color and nutrition, and it blends right in.
• Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or swapping Worcestershire for a splash of hot sauce makes it zesty.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free sour cream and vegan cheese alternatives, and you still get creamy satisfaction!
• Cheese Blend: Try mixing mozzarella or Monterey Jack with cheddar for a melty twist that’s just as dreamy.

How to Make One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Cheese and Beef

Start by shredding your cheddar cheese and letting it come to room temperature—it melts much better this way. Season your ground beef lightly with salt and pepper, then cook it in a large pot over medium heat, breaking it up as it browns. Add the diced onions as it cooks so they soften right alongside the beef. When it’s all browned and cooked through, drain any excess grease for a cleaner, less greasy dish. This little trick really keeps the pasta from getting oily.

Step 2: Build Flavor with Garlic, Worcestershire and Tomato Paste

Stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—about a minute. Then add Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste; give everything a good stir to blend all that savory goodness together. This step brings out that deep, beefy cheeseburger flavor that sets this pasta apart.

Step 3: Add Broth and Pasta, Simmer to Perfection

Pour in the beef broth and to that, add your uncooked elbow macaroni. Stir well so nothing sticks to the bottom. Cover the pot and simmer gently on medium-low, timing 5 minutes. Then uncover and stir briefly before covering again for another 5 minutes or until the pasta is just al dente. If your noodles need a little extra time, no problem—just keep a close eye so they don’t get mushy.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Lower the heat to low and stir in the room-temperature sour cream along with half of your milk. Mix it gently so everything blends smoothly. Now, crumble in about 2 ½ cups of that shredded cheddar gradually, stirring as you go, until you get a luscious, uniform sauce. Top with the remaining cheese, cover, and let it melt for 2-3 minutes—ooey-gooey perfection!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish by sprinkling chopped parsley on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve it right from the pot to your plate—comfort food at its finest!

How to Serve One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I always top this with a generous handful of fresh chopped parsley—it adds a fresh, herby note that cuts through all that cheesy richness. Sometimes, I add a little dash of smoked paprika for some smoky warmth, which my family really enjoys.

Side Dishes

This is such a hearty dish that I like to keep side dishes simple. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted broccoli pairs perfectly. For a fun twist, garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are always crowd-pleasers alongside this pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this in individual mini casserole dishes topped with extra cheese and parsley, then popped under the broiler just until bubbly on top. It dresses up wonderfully and is always a hit at casual dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I store leftovers, I transfer the pasta to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It keeps well for 3-4 days and reheats nicely, though the cheese may thicken a bit, so a splash of milk when reheating helps bring back that creamy texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta in portions for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing in freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Reheating

I prefer reheating on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk to help the cheese sauce loosen up. Microwaving works too, but stirring halfway through is key to even heating and creamy results.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my meal rotation. It’s proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated or messy. I love sharing it with friends and family because everyone gets that nostalgic cheeseburger flavor with the welcoming hug of creamy pasta. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weekly dinner, just like I did!

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