One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is the dinner dream you never realized you needed—until your first forkful. Imagine everything you love about a juicy cheeseburger, melded into a creamy, cheesed-up pasta that cooks in a single pan and is table-ready in half an hour. It’s hearty, comforting, and brilliantly fuss-free—an instant favorite in any household!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This is seriously all about simple ingredients that work overtime. Each element adds a hit of flavor, a signature cheeseburger texture, or a splash of color—so don’t skip these essentials when building your One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta!

• Extra Lean Ground Beef (455g / 1lb): Provides that classic, robust burger flavor with less grease for a lighter finish.
• Onion (finely chopped): Adds sweetness and aromatic depth, bringing true cheeseburger magic to the base.
• Fresh Tomatoes (2 medium, peeled and chopped): Brings juiciness and freshness, helping create a luscious sauce.
• Tomato Paste (2 tablespoons): Concentrates the tomato flavor, thickens the sauce, and adds rich color.
• Paprika (1 teaspoon): Gives a smoky warmth and that signature “grilled” undertone.
• Onion Powder & Garlic Powder (½ teaspoon each): Boost the savory background notes.
• Mustard Powder (½ teaspoon): Echoes the tangy zing of a burger condiment for true authenticity.
• Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and brightening every flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce (½ tablespoon): Infuses that irresistible umami depth you get in the best burgers.
• Sukrin Gold or Sweetener (1 tablespoon): A burst of subtle sweetness, balancing the acidity in the tomato sauce.
• Uncooked Penne Pasta (300g / 10.5oz): The pasta base, perfect for soaking up all the saucy, cheesy goodness. Use your favorite pasta shape if you’d like!
• Chicken Stock (3 cups plus up to 1 more as needed): Cooks the pasta and infuses savory flavor throughout the dish.
• Chopped Pickles (2-3 tablespoons): Pops of tang and crunch just like those irresistible burger toppings.
• Cheddar Cheese (120g / 4oz): The melty, gooey heart of this dish—reserve a little extra to sprinkle on top!
• Fresh Chopped Italian Parsley: For a hit of color and freshness at the end.
• Spray Oil: Keeps everything moving in the pan with just a hint of richness.

Variations

The beauty of One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is how easy it is to tweak—so dive into your fridge and pantry and make it your own! Whether you’re going for a classic or working around dietary needs, these spins will keep dinnertime fun and fresh.

• Swap the Protein: Replace beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
• Go Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta shape and make sure your stock is GF as well.
• Try Different Cheeses: Not a cheddar fan? Monterey Jack, Swiss, or even pepper jack add their own cheesy personality.
• Add Veggies: Toss in diced bell pepper, zucchini, or even spinach for an extra hit of color and nutrition.
• Turn Up the Heat: Add chili flakes or a diced jalapeño if your crew likes it spicy.

How to Make One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

Step 1: Build Your Burger Spice Mix

In a small bowl, mix together your paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Pre-mixing your spices ensures even flavor, so every bite of pasta tastes like your very best cheeseburger.

Step 2: Brown the Beef & Onion

Spray a large nonstick frying pan with a bit of spray oil and crank the heat to medium-high. Add your ground beef and chopped onion. Sauté until the beef is nicely browned and the onion is soft and golden—this is what brings that classic burger flavor to your One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta.

Step 3: Layer in the Big Flavors

Stir in your pre-mixed spices, fresh chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and sweetener. Give everything a thorough toss so the beef is coated in all that saucy, savory, tangy goodness—the kitchen will already start smelling amazing!

Step 4: Pasta & Stock Time

Add the uncooked penne (or your pasta shape of choice) straight into the pan. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat so it bubbles gently. Let it cook for about 12–14 minutes, stirring now and then. If the pasta soaks up all the liquid before it’s perfectly tender, pour in a bit more stock from your extra cup.

Step 5: Add Pickles & Melt the Cheese

Once your pasta is bumping right up against al dente, stir in those chopped pickles and most of your cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until everything is coated in a velvety, cheesy sauce—suddenly it transforms from good to irresistible!

Step 6: Finish & Serve

Turn off the heat. Sprinkle your skillet with the reserved cheddar and a flurry of fresh chopped parsley, then serve straight from the pan for maximum cozy, family-style appeal. That’s it—your One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is ready to vanish!

How to Serve One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

Garnishes

Give your One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta a finishing touch by scattering the reserved cheddar on top—let it melt and create those dreamy pools of gooey goodness. A sprinkle of chopped Italian parsley or even diced pickles (if you love a tangy punch) makes each serving look irresistibly fresh and vibrant.

Side Dishes

This cozy one-pot meal is plenty hearty on its own, but if you’re feeling the burger shop vibes, serve it with a crisp green salad (think iceberg, tomatoes, and onions), homemade oven fries, or even sweet potato wedges. Simple steamed veggies or roasted green beans balance out the richness, too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful touch, present portions in shallow bowls with a few extra pickle slices and a zigzag of yellow mustard or ketchup on top! Go for a “deconstructed burger” dinner board, or spoon smaller servings into ramekins and top with a mini slider bun for appetizer fun at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let your One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta cool, then transfer to an airtight container—refrigerate for up to 3 days. It stays beautifully creamy and flavorful; in fact, the flavors meld wonderfully overnight.

Freezing

To freeze, portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results (and do note, cheesy sauces can sometimes separate, but a quick stir fixes everything).

Reheating

Gently reheat your One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash more stock or water to loosen up the sauce if needed. You can also reheat single servings in the microwave—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between so it stays creamy and luscious.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort food with a twist—and want to wow your family with something new—give One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta a spot in your weeknight rotation. It’s easy, nostalgic, and guaranteed to bring on the smiles. Try it soon, and don’t be surprised if it instantly becomes a regular request!

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