Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe: How to Make

#Jumptorecipecard

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American Comfort Food

If you’re craving the hearty warmth of pasta and the bold, familiar flavors of a cheeseburger, this Cheeseburger Pasta recipe is your next go-to meal. It’s cozy, cheesy, and perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. With seasoned ground beef, gooey cheddar, tender pasta, and a rich tomato base, this dish is the best of both worlds — all in one skillet!

Why You’ll Love Cheeseburger Pasta

Quick and easy — ready in under 30 minutes
Comforting and family-friendly
Full of classic cheeseburger flavor
One-pot convenience means less cleanup
Customizable with your favorite toppings

What Is Cheeseburger Pasta?

Cheeseburger Pasta is exactly what it sounds like — a mouthwatering mix of a cheeseburger and pasta. Think juicy beef, melted cheese, tangy tomato sauce, and a touch of spice, all tossed with elbow macaroni. It’s comfort food with a fun, flavorful twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Essential Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt & pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins:

4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
1/2 cup diced pickles
1/2 tsp mustard or ketchup (for a real burger vibe)
Sliced mushrooms or bell peppers
American or pepper jack cheese for variety

How to Make Cheeseburger Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Break it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Add Flavor

Stir in the diced onion and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir to combine, then season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.

Step 4: Add Pasta

Stir in the elbow macaroni. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce is thickened.

Step 5: Stir in the Cheese

Remove from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy. Add any extra toppings or garnishes you like.

🔁 Cheeseburger Pasta Variations

Vegetarian Version:

Swap ground beef with lentils, soy crumbles, or plant-based meat alternatives. Still hearty, still cheesy, and just as satisfying!

Other Twists:

Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner dish
Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella
Add pickles, bacon, or a drizzle of ketchup on top
Top with crispy onion strings for crunch

Serving Suggestions

Cheeseburger Pasta is hearty on its own, but these sides make it a full meal:

Green salad with vinaigrette for balance
Garlic bread for crunch and comfort
Roasted vegetables (like broccoli or asparagus)
A dill pickle spear for a real burger feel

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months
Reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth or water

A Family Favorite

Kids love the cheesy, familiar flavors, and adults love the ease. It’s a crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks, casual dinners, or weeknight meals. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable, making it easy to please everyone at the table.

Common Cheeseburger Pasta Mistakes to Avoid

Underseasoned Meat: Season ground beef well as it cooks for a flavorful base.
Mushy Pasta: Cook pasta al dente; it will absorb more sauce.
Greasy Dish: Drain excess fat from ground beef after browning.
Grainy Cheese Sauce: Add cheese off heat or on low, slowly, for a smooth sauce. Avoid high heat.
Missing “Cheeseburger” Flavor: Include onion, garlic, mustard, ketchup, or Worcestershire sauce for authentic taste.
Bland Sauce Base: Simmer sauce ingredients briefly to meld flavors before adding pasta.
Wrong Consistency: Adjust with milk/broth if too thick, or simmer uncovered if too thin.
Skipping Fresh Toppings: Add chopped tomatoes, pickles, lettuce, or green onions for the full experience.
Not Tasting: Always taste and adjust seasonings throughout cooking.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a cheeseburger fan, pasta lover, or just someone looking for a simple meal that hits the spot, this Cheeseburger Pasta checks all the boxes. It’s cheesy, hearty, and full of flavor — the kind of dish you’ll crave again and again.

So go ahead, whip up this skillet full of goodness and watch it disappear.

Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe Card