If you are craving the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger but want to skip the bun and mess, the Easy Cheeseburger Pasta (One Pan) Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This delightful dish combines all the classic cheeseburger tastes with the ease and heartiness of a pasta dinner, all cooked in just one pan for minimal cleanup. It’s a fantastic way to feed family and friends something satisfying, cheesy, and packed with flavor in under 30 minutes. Trust me, once you make this recipe, you’ll be reaching for it again and again when you need a quick, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a black cast iron pan filled with raw ground meat that has a pink color and soft texture. On top of the meat, there is a mound of finely chopped white onions spread mostly in the center. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. Around the pan, small white bowls hold different spices and chopped ingredients, visible but slightly out of focus. A woman's hand is seen holding a small white bowl near the top right corner, as if to add more ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Easy Cheeseburger Pasta (One Pan) Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to bring out the distinct, mouthwatering flavor of a cheeseburger, while also adding wonderful texture and color. These staples transform simple pantry items into a cheesy, meaty masterpiece that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

1 lb ground beef: Provides the savory, meaty foundation essential to cheeseburger flavor.
1 onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth that balances the richness of the beef.
2 cloves garlic, minced: A punch of aromatic flavor that enhances the overall profile.
2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow, shells, or rotini): Perfect shapes to hold sauce and cheese without overpowering the dish.
3 cups beef broth: Infuses hearty flavor and cooks the pasta right in the pan.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into creamy cheesiness, making every bite comforting.
1 can diced tomatoes (optional): Adds a touch of acidity and freshness if you prefer a saucier pasta.
1 tbsp ketchup: Brings sweetness and acidity reminiscent of your favorite burger topping.
1 tbsp mustard: Offers a slight tang to balance richness and brighten the flavors.
1 tsp paprika: Introduces a gentle smokiness that mimics grilled flavor.
1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish perfectly.
1/2 tsp pepper: Adds just enough spice to keep things interesting.

How to Make Easy Cheeseburger Pasta (One Pan) Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Onion

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and adding the ground beef. Stir and break it apart as it cooks to get that wonderful browned texture. Once it’s mostly cooked, toss in the diced onions and cook together until the onions soften and the beef is completely browned. Be sure to drain any excess fat to keep the dish from feeling greasy while maintaining rich flavor.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Cook Briefly

Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Garlic cooks quickly, so sauté it for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. This step releases the garlic’s full flavor, which complements the meat beautifully and makes your kitchen smell irresistible.

Step 3: Stir in Pasta, Broth, and Flavorings

Now the magic begins. Add your uncooked pasta right into the skillet, then pour in the beef broth along with ketchup, mustard, and the optional diced tomatoes. Finish by sprinkling paprika, salt, and pepper over everything. Stir well to combine so every bit is coated with those classic cheeseburger-inspired flavors. This simple mix cooks down into a rich, saucy base as the pasta softens.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook Until Pasta is Tender

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the pasta is perfectly tender and has absorbed much of the flavorful broth. This method ensures the pasta cooks right inside the beefy sauce, no extra pots required.

Step 5: Finish with Cheddar Cheese

Remove the lid and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the hot pasta. Stir thoroughly until the cheese melts into a creamy, gooey sauce that clings to every noodle. This final step transforms the dish into a cheesy, dreamy comfort meal your whole family will adore.

How to Serve Easy Cheeseburger Pasta (One Pan) Recipe

A silver pan filled with one layer of shell pasta coated in a thick creamy orange sauce, mixed with small bits of brown ground meat, topped with chopped bright green onions scattered evenly across the surface. A black spoon is scooping some pasta from the pan. The setting is on a white marbled texture with a white and black striped cloth partly visible under the pan. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation and punch up the classic cheeseburger vibe, sprinkle chopped pickles or a spoonful of pickle relish on top. You can also add diced tomatoes or fresh herbs like parsley for a burst of color. For an extra indulgent touch, a drizzle of ketchup or mustard on the plate is a nostalgic winner.

Side Dishes

This Easy Cheeseburger Pasta (One Pan) Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even some crunchy oven-baked fries. The freshness of a simple salad balances the rich and cheesy pasta, creating a well-rounded meal that satisfies on every level.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the pasta in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and broiled quickly for a bubbly crust. Alternatively, scoop portions into toasted bread bowls or stuff it inside large baked bell peppers to turn this comfort food into a visually exciting dish perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Easy Cheeseburger Pasta (One Pan) Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop and meld more deeply overnight, making for a tasty next-day meal that’s still super quick to reheat.

Freezing

You can freeze this pasta dish, though be aware that the texture might change slightly. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge. Warm it slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through and creamy once again, just like the first time you made it.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar is classic for this recipe, feel free to experiment with mozzarella for extra stretchiness, pepper jack for a little kick, or even a blend of cheeses to suit your taste.

Is it okay to substitute ground turkey or chicken?

Yes, you can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. Just adjust the seasoning slightly, as poultry has a more delicate flavor compared to beef.

Can I make this vegetarian?

You can! Use plant-based ground meat or sautéed mushrooms instead of beef, and swap beef broth for vegetable broth to keep the rich depth of flavor without meat.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta shapes like elbows, shells, and rotini hold onto the sauce well, but you can use your favorite pasta. Just mind the cooking time since different shapes cook differently.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Toss in diced bell peppers, peas, or corn alongside the onions, or stir in spinach at the end for a pop of color and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cheeseburger Pasta (One Pan) Recipe is a delicious shortcut to all the flavors you love in a cheeseburger, packed into a creamy pasta dish that’s quick, comforting, and made in just one pan. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want an easy dinner that feels like a special treat. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a staple in your home cooking rotation!