One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, easy, and downright delicious dinner that won’t bury you in pots and pans, I’ve got just the thing for you. This One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe is one of those magic meals where everything cooks together in a single pot, delivering creamy, cheesy, beefy goodness with minimal fuss. I absolutely love this because it’s like a homemade version of that classic Hamburger Helper, but so much better—rich, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something satisfying.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

To get that perfect cheeseburger pasta flavor, you’ll want fresh, room-temperature dairy ingredients and good-quality beef broth for depth. I always dice my onion finely so it melts into the sauce, and the tomato paste is a secret weapon that amps up the umami.

• Cheddar cheese: Shredded and at room temperature, so it melts beautifully without clumping.
• Ground beef (85% lean): This balance keeps it juicy but not greasy.
• Salt and pepper: To season your beef just right.
• Yellow onion: Diced finely to add sweetness and depth.
• Garlic cloves: Minced for that essential savory hit.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy, savory kick you might not expect but will love.
• Tomato paste: Thickens the sauce and contributes rich color and flavor.
• Beef broth: The cooking liquid that infuses the pasta with flavor.
• Elbow macaroni: Uncooked—cooks perfectly right in the pot.
• Sour cream: At room temp, it makes the sauce super creamy and tangy.
• Whole milk: Also at room temperature, to loosen the sauce if needed.
• Chopped parsley: For a fresh, colorful garnish.

Variations

One thing I love about this One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have or prefer—feel free to make it your own! I’ve tried a few spins myself, and each still comes out fantastic.

• Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for plant-based meat crumbles or cooked lentils—I promise, you won’t miss the meat.
• Cheese Variations: Sometimes I add a little smoked gouda or Monterey Jack for an extra melty, smoky twist.
• Spicy Kick: I sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to warm things up.
• Veggie Boost: Adding frozen peas or diced bell peppers right before adding the sour cream makes it a little heartier and colorful.

How to Make One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Season the Beef

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat, and toss in your ground beef seasoned with salt and pepper. I like to crumble it finely as it cooks so you get little beefy bites throughout the dish. Once it starts browning, add diced onions and keep cooking until the onions soften and the beef is fully browned. Don’t rush—this step builds the flavor base!

Step 2: Add Garlic and Flavor Boosters

When the beef and onions are ready, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to a minute—just enough to release that lovely aroma without burning it. Next, mix in Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste. This combination adds a tangy, umami-packed punch that makes the sauce taste rich and layered.

Step 3: Simmer Pasta in Broth

Pour in the beef broth and add the uncooked elbow macaroni. Give it a good stir so the pasta is evenly distributed, and bring it all gently to a simmer. I cover the pot and let it cook for 5 minutes, then uncover and stir to prevent sticking. After that, back on goes the lid for another 5 minutes. You want the pasta to be just al dente because it’ll continue to soften a bit when we add cheese and sour cream.

Step 4: Stir in Creamy Ingredients and Cheese

Turn the heat down to low and stir in the room-temperature sour cream along with half the milk. You might not need all the milk, so add the rest little by little until you reach a creamy but not soupy consistency. Gradually sprinkle in about 2½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring as you go. Once the cheese is melted and the sauce feels smooth and luscious, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and cover again for a couple of minutes so it melts into a bubbly, delicious layer.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish off your One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe by scattering freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. I love how it balances the richness and makes every bite feel a little brighter.

How to Serve One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of a sprinkle of fresh parsley because it adds color and a hint of freshness that contrasts nicely with the creamy pasta. Sometimes I add a pinch of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes if I want a little smoky warmth or spice.

Side Dishes

This pasta is hearty on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, I pair it with a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. A simple garlic bread on the side also makes the meal feel extra cozy.

Creative Ways to Present

For family gatherings, I like serving this One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe in a big casserole dish topped with extra cheese and broiled until bubbly and golden. It’s fun to turn it into a cheesy baked pasta bake! I’ve also served it in individual ramekins sprinkled with breadcrumbs and baked for a bit of a crispy crust that everyone loves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta does absorb more sauce and thickens, so it’s great for lunches or quick dinners the next day.

Freezing

Freezing cheesy pasta can be tricky because of the dairy, but I’ve had good luck freezing this dish in portion-sized containers. When thawed, the texture is a bit softer, but still tasty. To freeze, cool completely and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out. Microwaving works too—just stir halfway through and add a little extra liquid if it thickens too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and packed with that classic cheeseburger flavor but don’t want a complicated recipe, this One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe is going to be your new go-to. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a big, comforting hug on a plate—and the fact that it all cooks in one pot means less cleanup and more time to enjoy it. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat.

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