One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta: Your Ultimate Easy & Delicious Family Dinner

Discover the magic of a hassle-free meal with our incredible One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta recipe. Say goodbye to piles of dirty dishes and hours in the kitchen, and hello to a quick, satisfying, and utterly delicious dinner that your entire family will rave about. This isn’t just any pasta dish; it’s a gourmet experience crafted in a single pot, bringing the beloved flavors of a classic cheeseburger straight to your dinner table. Forget those mediocre boxed versions from the store – this homemade one-pot wonder elevates convenience to an art form, making it an absolute hit for both the chef and everyone gathered around the table.

Why This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is a Weeknight Hero

There’s a special kind of joy that comes from preparing a meal that requires minimal effort yet yields maximum flavor. This one-pot cheeseburger pasta perfectly embodies that sentiment. It’s designed for busy evenings, spontaneous gatherings, or any time you crave a hearty, comforting meal without the culinary fuss. The beauty of a one-pot meal lies not just in its simplicity during cooking, but also in the bliss of a quick and easy cleanup afterward. More time enjoying your family, less time scrubbing pots and pans – that’s a win in every book!

And speaking of family, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its familiar, comforting flavors appeal to all ages, making it an ideal choice for picky eaters and adventurous palates alike. It’s the kind of meal that brings smiles and satisfaction, embodying the true spirit of home cooking without demanding all your precious time. From the first savory bite to the last cheesy strand, this cheeseburger pasta promises a delightful experience, affirming that easy-to-make and crowd-pleasing truly equals a happy family.

Bringing the Iconic Cheeseburger Flavor to Your Pasta Bowl

Imagine your favorite cheeseburger, juicy and flavorful, transformed into a comforting pasta dish. That’s exactly what this recipe delivers! It captures the essence of a classic cheeseburger with every forkful, offering a rich and savory experience that’s deeply satisfying. The combination of perfectly seasoned ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option), tangy mustard, rich ketchup, and melted cheddar cheese creates an unmistakable flavor profile that will instantly transport you to your favorite diner. It’s comfort food taken to the absolute max, offering warmth and deliciousness in every bite.

The journey to this ultimate comfort dish begins in just one large Dutch oven or a deep skillet. First, you’ll brown your chosen ground meat with fragrant aromatics like diced onions and minced garlic. This initial step builds the foundation of flavor, ensuring a rich base for your pasta. Once the meat is perfectly browned and the kitchen is filled with inviting aromas, the rest is remarkably simple. All the remaining ingredients are tossed into the pot, simmering together for just 15-20 minutes until the pasta is tender and the sauce is rich and thick. That truly is all it takes to create a meal that tastes like it took hours!

Customization and Healthy Swaps for Every Lifestyle

One of the best aspects of this cheeseburger pasta recipe is its incredible versatility. While delicious as is, it’s also remarkably adaptable to various dietary preferences and ingredient availability. If you’re looking to make this dish a little more “waistline-friendly,” consider swapping traditional ground beef for lean ground turkey. This simple change can significantly reduce the fat content without sacrificing flavor, especially with all the robust seasonings and sauces in play. You can also opt for whole wheat pasta, which adds a boost of fiber and nutrients, or choose a low-fat cheddar cheese to further lighten the meal.

But customization doesn’t stop there. Feel free to incorporate your favorite vegetables to add extra nutrients and texture. A handful of diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even some spinach wilted in at the end can seamlessly blend into the sauce, making it an even healthier and more colorful dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese too – a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or even a touch of smoked gouda, can introduce exciting new dimensions of flavor. With so much deliciousness packed into every spoonful, we promise you won’t even notice it’s “skinny”!

Pro Tips for the Perfect One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

Don’t Skip Browning the Meat: Thoroughly browning the ground beef or turkey with the onions and garlic is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors. This step creates the foundation for the entire dish.
Choose Your Pasta Wisely: While fusilli pasta is suggested, other short pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, cavatappi, or penne will also work wonderfully. Ensure they are suitable for one-pot cooking and absorb liquid well.
Mind the Simmer: Keep the heat on low once all ingredients are added. This allows the pasta to cook evenly and absorb the flavors without sticking to the bottom or evaporating the liquid too quickly.
Adjust Consistency: If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash more broth or water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
Fresh Toppings Make a Difference: The fresh scallions and diced Roma tomatoes added at the end not only provide a pop of color but also a burst of fresh flavor and texture that complements the rich pasta beautifully.

Now, grab a fork, because it’s truly time to dig into this sensational One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta!

Yield: 8

One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

Prep Time
5 minutes

Cook Time
25 minutes

Total Time
30 minutes

An easy to make one pot cheeseburger pasta that requires barely any dirty dishes and cooks up so quickly! This cheeseburger pasta is way better than the stuff you find in a box at the store. One-pot cheeseburger pasta is sure to be a hit with the cook and the family!

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb. ground beef or turkey (lean or extra lean)
1 onion, diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
2 cups broth (chicken or vegetable)
2 cups water
14 oz fusilli pasta
1 tablespoon mustard
1/4 cup ketchup
1 pinch red pepper flakes
2 scallions, chopped
2 roma tomatoes, diced
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil, ground beef, onions, and garlic. Season with the salt and pepper and sauté for 5 -7 minutes. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, water, pasta, mustard, ketchup, and red pepper flakes, cook for 13 – 16 minutes on low heat, until the pasta is tender.
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Use the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top along with the scallions and tomatoes, cover and let the cheese melt completely. Serve immediately.

Notes

Recipe can easily be halved for a family of 4, but you may want to make the entire quantity as is makes for great leftovers.
Recipe adapted from No. 2 Pencil

Have you made this recipe?

If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and a comment below. You can also share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #LITTLESPICEJAR, I’d love to see what you made!

Serving Suggestions & Storing Leftovers

This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is a meal in itself, hearty and filling. However, if you’re looking to round out your dinner, it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette would also be excellent for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce. For an extra touch of “cheeseburger,” consider offering classic burger toppings on the side, such as extra pickles, fresh onion rings, or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits.

Worried about leftovers? Don’t be! This recipe makes for fantastic next-day meals. Simply store any remaining pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to restore its creamy consistency. It’s perfect for meal prep, making your lunches just as exciting as your dinners!

Embrace the Ease and Flavor!

In a world where time is a precious commodity, finding recipes that deliver immense flavor with minimal effort is a true treasure. This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta stands out as a beacon of culinary simplicity and deliciousness. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to reclaim your evenings, enjoy more moments with loved ones, and savor a meal that truly warms the soul. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this dish promises a rewarding experience from start to finish. Give it a try tonight and let the ultimate comfort food redefine your weeknight dining!

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