This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet is the ultimate comfort food mash-up, bringing together all the classic flavors of a juicy cheeseburger and swirling them into a creamy, hearty skillet dinner. Packed with tender pasta shells, savory beef, gooey cheddar, and a tangy tomato sauce, this easy weeknight meal is as fun to eat as it is satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy and familiar, this dish is destined to become your go-to favorite with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet so magical is how the simplest everyday ingredients join forces to create a rich, crave-worthy meal. Each item on the list plays a specific role, from bold beefy flavor to those luscious, cheesy bites you’ll keep coming back for.

Ground beef: Brings classic cheeseburger essence and hearty protein to the skillet.
Onion (small, diced): Adds sweetness and depth to the base for irresistible flavor in every bite.
Garlic (minced): A simple way to amp up the savory, mouthwatering aroma.
Beef broth: Infuses the pasta with rich, meaty flavor and helps cook everything in one pot.
Diced tomatoes (undrained): Add a tangy burst and extra sauciness to complement the cheese.
Tomato paste: Deepens the tomato flavor, thickening the sauce for luscious results.
Worcestershire sauce: The secret boost of umami that makes this taste unmistakably “cheeseburger.”
Mustard powder: A pinch of zest and zing that ties back to your favorite burger condiments.
Uncooked pasta shells: Perfect for catching every drop of cheesy, beefy sauce.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into irresistibly gooey pockets, giving the skillet its signature cheeseburger feel.
Milk: Makes the final sauce extra creamy and smooth.
Ketchup: Adds a ketchup kick that echoes the spirit of a great burger.
Salt and pepper: Essential finishing touches to balance all the flavors.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of freshness and color right before serving.

How to Make One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Onion

Start by grabbing your biggest, sturdiest skillet and set it over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the meat with your spatula as it browns. You want the beef fully cooked through and the onion soft and golden, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. If things get a bit greasy, don’t hesitate to drain off any extra fat so your One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet isn’t too heavy.

Step 2: Add the Garlic

Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for just one minute. Stir constantly and keep your nose close – when you catch that fragrant garlicky aroma, you know it’s ready for the next step. Garlic burns quickly, so don’t walk away!

Step 3: Stir in Liquids and Pasta

Now, the “one-pot” magic truly begins. Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes (juice and all), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, and uncooked pasta shells directly to the skillet. Stir everything together so the pasta is generously coated in liquid and sauce. Crank up the heat and bring it all to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender

Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the skillet. Let the One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet bubble away for 12 to 15 minutes, giving it a good stir every so often so the pasta doesn’t stick. By the end, your shells should be perfectly tender and most of the liquid absorbed—exactly what you want for spoon-worthy comfort food.

Step 5: Make it Creamy and Cheesy

It’s time for the star ingredients! Add in the shredded cheddar cheese, milk, and ketchup. Stir until the cheese melts into creamy, decadent ribbons and the sauce becomes luscious and orange. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed, dialing in perfect balance. The skillet should be bubbling, cheesy, and impossible to resist.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

If you like a hint of freshness, top your finished skillet with a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Serve it up hot—spooned straight from the skillet to plates for maximum coziness.

How to Serve One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet

Garnishes

An extra sprinkle of cheddar, a smattering of scallions, or a little fresh parsley are all simple ways to brighten up your One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet. For burger lovers, chopped pickles or a drizzle of your favorite burger sauce over the top will make every bite sing. Let everyone at the table add their own touch!

Side Dishes

Pairing this skillet dinner is a breeze—think crisp green salads, peppery arugula, or roasted broccoli for color and crunch. Garlic bread or a warm dinner roll is ideal for mopping up every last drop of that cheesy sauce. If you want to channel classic burger-joint vibes, serve with sweet potato fries or thinly sliced pickles on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet family-style, straight from the skillet, for a relaxed and inviting meal. Or, ladle it into individual ramekins, topping each with an extra bit of cheddar and popping them under the broiler for a bubbly finish. For a party twist, scoop into lettuce cups or hollowed-out bell peppers for a low-carb, high-fun option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. The flavors even deepen, making for the most comforting next-day lunches.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze, portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure you label and date them! When properly sealed, the pasta will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just know that the texture of the pasta may soften upon thawing, but the cheesy goodness remains intact.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave individual portions on medium power until hot, stirring halfway through for even heating. Or, warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Always stir well to reincorporate the cheese and prevent hot spots.

FAQs

Can I make One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet with ground turkey?

Yes! Ground turkey is a lighter alternative to beef and still delivers delicious flavor. For best results, use dark meat turkey and don’t skip the cheese and seasonings, as they’re key to that “cheeseburger” experience.

What type Main Course

Medium pasta shells are ideal because they hold the cheesy, beefy sauce perfectly, but you can also use elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini with great results. Just check doneness as pasta shapes vary in cook time.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta in the same quantity. Keep in mind that gluten-free pasta sometimes cooks a bit faster, so start checking for doneness a few minutes early.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! Toss in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even chopped spinach along with the onion for more color and nutrition in your One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet. Just sauté them with the beef and onion to soften before adding the liquids.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan?

Stir the pasta a few times while it simmers to help prevent sticking. Make sure there’s always enough liquid covering the pasta as it cooks, and don’t forget to scrape the bottom occasionally so nothing clings and burns.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that promises comfort and big, nostalgic flavors with little effort, One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet should be at the top of your list. Give it a try, make it your own, and get ready for high-fives all around the table—this one’s destined to become a family favorite!

One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 30 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in an easy and delicious pasta dish. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta and Sauce:

2 cups beef broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon mustard powder
8 ounces uncooked pasta shells
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons ketchup
Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add Flavor: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, and uncooked pasta.
Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Finish: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, milk, and ketchup until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For a lighter version, use ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese.
Add chopped pickles or a drizzle of burger sauce on top for extra cheeseburger flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American