One-pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like the irresistible combination of juicy beef, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta – all made in one pot! This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, delivering bold flavors with minimal cleanup. It's a hit with kids and adults alike, making it the ultimate family-friendly dinner.

I first whipped up this dish on a chilly Tuesday when I was craving comfort food but didn’t want a pile of dishes to clean. What started as a spontaneous experiment has become a regular feature on our menu – and I'm thrilled to share it with you.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

Get ready to discover your new favorite weeknight meal! This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is about to become a staple in your dinner rotation.

First and foremost, this dish is incredibly easy to make. With just one pot and under 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for those evenings when you’re juggling a million things but still want a home-cooked meal.

Not only is it quick, but it’s also a budget-friendly option. The ingredients are simple, affordable, and likely already in your pantry and fridge. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to create a meal that tastes amazing.

If you’re catering to picky eaters, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of cheesy pasta and seasoned beef tastes like a cheeseburger in comfort-food form – who could resist?

Finally, there’s the minimal cleanup. One pot means fewer dishes, and that’s a win in any cook’s book.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient works together to create a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and downright delicious. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Ground beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture. If you prefer a leaner option, go for 90/10, but you may need to add a splash of oil to prevent sticking.
• Pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne, macaroni, or rotini are ideal for this dish. Their size and ridges trap the sauce, ensuring every bite is coated in cheesy goodness.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar delivers the best flavor. Shred it fresh for optimal melting – pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
• Beef broth: This forms the base of the sauce, infusing the pasta with savory richness as it cooks. If you don’t have beef broth, chicken broth or even water with a beef bouillon cube works in a pinch.
• Tomato paste: Just a couple of tablespoons add a tangy depth that mimics the flavors of ketchup, a cheeseburger essential.
• Heavy cream: This ingredient takes the sauce from good to great, making it velvety smooth. For a lighter option, you can substitute with whole milk or half-and-half.

Special equipment? Just a large, sturdy pot or Dutch oven is all you’ll need.

How To Make This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

Cooking this dish is as straightforward as it gets, and the one-pot method ensures that every component comes together seamlessly. Here’s how to make it:

1. Brown the beef: Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease, then return the beef to the pot.
2. Add the seasonings and liquids: Stir in the tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Next, pour in the beef broth and bring it to a simmer.
3. Cook the pasta: Add your pasta directly into the pot. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid (about 10-12 minutes).
4. Make it cheesy: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up.
5. Serve and enjoy: Spoon the pasta into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and dig in while it’s hot and bubbly.

Storage Options

One of the best things about this One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is how well it keeps. Here’s how to store and reheat it for later enjoyment:

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: This dish freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to revive the creamy texture. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile, making it easy to customize based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Here are some ideas:

• Swap the protein: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat work just as well as ground beef.
• Experiment with cheese: While cheddar is classic, you can mix things up with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a smoky Gouda.
• Add veggies: Sneak in nutrition by stirring in finely chopped spinach, peas, or diced bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
• Gluten-free option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your beef broth is gluten-free.

Feel free to get creative – this dish is as forgiving as it is delicious.

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