Delicious One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

Craving the flavors of a cheeseburger but want a quicker, fuss-free alternative? Look no further than this delicious One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta recipe! This easy-to-follow skillet meal captures all the savory goodness of a classic cheeseburger in a hearty pasta dish that the whole family will love. With seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and gooey cheddar cheese all cooked in one pan, dinner prep and clean-up are a breeze.

I created this One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta on a busy weeknight when my family was hankering for cheeseburgers but I needed a convenient, wholesome meal option. The addition of fire-roasted diced tomatoes lends a unique smoky flavor that sets this dish apart. Even picky eaters will be asking for seconds, thanks to the irresistible combination of ingredients in this comforting pasta skillet. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish that reheats beautifully for meal prep, this recipe is a winner.

Quick Benefits

• Convenient One-Pot Meal: Saves time and cleanup with everything cooked in a single skillet.
• Kid-Friendly and Comforting: Perfectly combines the flavors of a cheeseburger in a hearty pasta dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit personal tastes by adding various vegetables, spices, or cheese options.
• Great for Meal Prep: Reheats beautifully for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe Recipe

• One-Pot Wonder: Enjoy all the delicious flavors of a cheeseburger in a single skillet meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• Kid-Friendly and Adult-Approved: A comforting and hearty dish that will satisfy both picky eaters and food enthusiasts alike.
• Secret Ingredient: The fire roasted diced tomatoes add a subtle smoky depth, elevating the dish with a touch of summer cookout nostalgia.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping lunches or dinners for the week ahead.
• Endless Customization: Get creative and make this recipe your own by adding extra veggies, condiments, or different types of cheese for unique flavor profiles.
• Casual Dining Experience: Serve straight from the skillet and let your family or guests customize their bowls with their favorite burger toppings for a fun and interactive meal.
• Versatile Options: Swap ingredients to suit dietary preferences – use different pasta shapes, ground turkey, plant-based meat, or adjust spice levels to cater to everyone’s tastes.

Ingredients for Delicious One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (95% lean)
• 1 ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 can (14.5 oz) fire roasted diced tomatoes
• 2 scallions (thinly sliced)
• 1 ½ cups low-fat cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 package (8 oz) elbow macaroni

Pro Tips for Delicious One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

Pro tip: To enhance the flavors even more, consider browning the ground beef well before adding the seasonings. This will create a deeper, richer flavor profile for your cheeseburger pasta.

Pro tip: When adding the cheese, turn off the heat and let the residual heat melt the cheese into the pasta. This will prevent the cheese from becoming stringy or clumping together, ensuring a creamy and smooth texture throughout the dish.

How to Make Delicious One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Skillet

Prepare a large nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef

Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned (5–7 minutes), breaking into small pieces as it cooks.

Step 3: Add Seasonings

Stir in garlic powder and smoked paprika with the browned beef, cook for 30 more seconds.

Step 4: Add Broth and Pasta

Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, macaroni, and salt to the pot. Bring to a simmer.

Step 5: Cook Pasta

Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the macaroni is tender and the sauce thickens.

Step 6: Add Cheese

Remove skillet from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.

Step 7: Serve

Divide into 6 equal portions and serve. Enjoy!

Storage Tips

After preparing the One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as the pasta may absorb liquid while stored. To restore the creamy texture without drying out the pasta, heat it in the microwave for about a minute with a damp paper towel covering the top.

For longer storage, consider freezing portions of the cheeseburger pasta in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Properly stored, the dish can keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to enjoy this comforting meal at a later time.

To maintain the flavors and textures of the dish, ensure that the cheeseburger pasta is cooled completely before storing. Additionally, label containers with the date to keep track of freshness and consider portioning out servings for easy reheating and serving convenience.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have elbow macaroni on hand, feel free to substitute it with other small pasta shapes like penne or rotini. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the pasta is cooked to the desired tenderness.

For a lighter option, consider using ground turkey instead of ground beef. Since turkey is leaner, you may need to add a bit of oil during browning to prevent sticking and ensure flavor. This swap is a great way to reduce the fat content while still enjoying the delicious flavors of the dish.

To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for added flavor. This simple adjustment allows you to cater to different dietary preferences while still enjoying a hearty and satisfying cheeseburger pasta dish.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and interactive serving idea, set up a DIY Cheeseburger Pasta bar for your guests. Arrange small bowls of diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, crispy bacon bits, pickles, and extra shredded cheddar cheese around the skillet of pasta. Let everyone customize their own bowl with their favorite burger toppings for a personalized twist on this comforting dish.

For a more elevated presentation, serve individual portions of the Cheeseburger Pasta in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins. Top each serving with a sprinkle of scallions for a pop of color and freshness. Pair this dish with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to round out the meal. The individual servings make for a charming presentation that’s perfect for a cozy dinner party or family gathering.

FAQs for Delicious One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of elbow macaroni?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other small pasta shapes, like penne or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the pasta is tender.

Can I prepare this cheeseburger pasta ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can prepare this meal ahead of time. When reheating, do so on the stove or in the microwave, and add a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this recipe?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative and will work well in this dish. You may need to add a touch of oil during browning as turkey is leaner than beef.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for added flavor.

Conclusion

One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta truly is a game-changer when it comes to quick and delicious weeknight dinners. The ease of preparation and the comforting flavors make it a winner for busy families looking for a satisfying meal without the hassle of multiple dishes to clean up. The versatility of this recipe allows for endless variations to suit your taste preferences, making it a go-to dish that never gets old.

So next time you’re craving the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger but want a simpler alternative, remember to whip up a batch of One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings all the elements of a classic cheeseburger into a cozy pasta skillet. With its rich flavors and minimal cleanup, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Give it a try and enjoy the hearty goodness of One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta with your loved ones tonight!

Delicious One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta: A hearty skillet meal featuring seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and melty cheddar cheese that captures the flavors of a classic cheeseburger.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time20 Minutes

Total Time30 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (95% lean)
• 1 ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 can (14.5 oz) fire roasted diced tomatoes
• 2 scallions (thinly sliced)
• 1 ½ cups low-fat cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 package (8 oz) elbow macaroni

Instructions

1. Prepare Skillet: Prepare a large nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat.
2. Brown Ground Beef: Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned (5–7 minutes), breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add Seasonings: Stir in garlic powder and smoked paprika with the browned beef, cook for 30 more seconds.
4. Add Broth and Pasta: Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, macaroni, and salt to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
5. Cook Pasta: Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the macaroni is tender and the sauce thickens.
6. Add Cheese: Remove skillet from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
7. Serve: Divide into 6 equal portions and serve. Enjoy!