If you love the bold, familiar flavors of a classic cheeseburger and the comfort of a warm pasta dish, this Cheeseburger Pasta brings the best of both together in one easy meal. Made in a single skillet, it combines seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, a savory tomato base, and melted cheese into a creamy, satisfying dinner that feels nostalgic and filling.
This recipe is designed for busy days when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Everything cooks in one pan, the ingredients are simple and budget-friendly, and the result is a dish that both kids and adults genuinely enjoy. It’s rich without being heavy, cheesy without being greasy, and hearty enough to serve on its own.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal-prepping for the week, or looking for a dependable comfort meal, this cheeseburger pasta fits easily into real life.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan cooking with minimal cleanup
- Familiar cheeseburger flavors everyone loves
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Creamy, cheesy texture without baking
- Easy to customize with add-ins
- Reheats well for leftovers
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main 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
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- Cooked bacon, chopped
- Diced pickles
- ½ tsp mustard or ketchup
- Bell peppers or mushrooms
- Monterey Jack or American cheese
How to Make Cheeseburger Pasta
Before You Begin
Wash and dry produce if using optional vegetables. Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment, heat level, and pasta shape.
Step 1 — Prepare Ingredients
Gather all ingredients and measure everything before starting. Dice the onion, mince garlic, and keep pasta and cheese ready to add. Use standard kitchen tools.
Step 2 — Brown the Beef
Warm a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, stirring occasionally, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat carefully.
Step 3 — Add Aromatics
Add onion and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes, stirring as needed to prevent sticking or browning too fast.
Step 4 — Build the Sauce
Stir in tomato sauce and broth. Mix gently to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Adjust heat if it begins to boil too rapidly.
Step 5 — Cook the Pasta
Add uncooked macaroni. Stir to distribute evenly. Cover and simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Cook until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Add small amounts of broth if pan becomes too dry.
Step 6 — Add Cheese & Finish
Remove from heat. Stir in cheese gradually until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 7 — Rest & Serve
Let the pasta rest a few minutes before serving so the sauce thickens naturally. Serve warm with optional toppings.
How to Serve Cheeseburger Pasta
Serve cheeseburger pasta hot, straight from the skillet, while the cheese is still creamy and smooth. For a classic burger-inspired meal, add a simple green salad or coleslaw on the side. Garlic bread or dinner rolls work well for scooping up the sauce. For extra flavor, top each bowl with chopped pickles, crispy bacon, or sliced green onions just before serving.
Easy Variations
- Creamy Cheeseburger Pasta: Add ¼ cup milk or cream before the cheese
- Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta: Stir in cooked bacon at the end
- Lighter Version: Use ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese
- Vegetarian Option: Swap beef for lentils or plant-based crumbles
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store up to 4 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: Freeze portions up to 3 months
- Reheating: Warm gently with a splash of broth or milk
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking pasta until mushy
- Adding cheese over high heat
- Skipping seasoning while cooking
- Not stirring while simmering
- Forgetting to drain excess grease
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cheeseburger pasta ahead of time?
Yes. Cheeseburger pasta can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. For best texture, reheat gently with a little broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, shells, or rotini work best because they hold the sauce well and cook evenly in one pan.
How do I keep the sauce creamy?
Remove the skillet from heat before adding cheese and stir slowly. High heat can cause the cheese to separate or become grainy.
Can I make this without tomato sauce?
Yes. You can replace tomato sauce with a small amount of cream or milk for a more traditional cheesy pasta flavor.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Very much so. The flavors are mild and familiar. You can skip optional add-ins like pickles or mustard if serving picky eaters.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly. Pre-shredded cheese can work, but the sauce may be slightly less creamy.
How do I add more “cheeseburger” flavor?
A small splash of ketchup, mustard, or Worcestershire sauce adds depth without overpowering the dish.
Does this freeze well?
Yes, but the texture is best when enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. Reheat slowly to restore creaminess.
Conclusion
This Cheeseburger Pasta is comfort food done right—simple, filling, and deeply satisfying. With one pan, everyday ingredients, and familiar flavors, it’s a recipe that fits effortlessly into busy schedules while still feeling homemade. Once you make it, it’s likely to become a regular request at your table.
Cheeseburger Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Before You Begin
- Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your stove and pasta shape.
- Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic. Cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in tomato sauce and broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add uncooked macaroni, cover, and simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Remove from heat and gradually stir in cheese until melted and creamy.
- Rest briefly, taste, adjust seasoning, and serve warm.
About the Author
Isaac shares easy, family-friendly recipes made with simple ingredients, focusing on clear instructions and reliable results for everyday home cooking.
