The One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is the definition of comfort food made easy. Combining the familiar flavors of a juicy cheeseburger with the creamy, melty richness of a pasta dish, this meal is sure to become a family favorite. Made in a single pot with ground beef, veggies, pasta, and cheese, it’s the ideal solution for busy nights when you need something fast, hearty, and satisfying.
Every bite delivers beefy, cheesy goodness with just the right touch of spice from jalapeños and the brightness of cherry tomatoes. It’s a wholesome one-pot dinner that’s not only loaded with flavor, but also packed with nutrients from colorful vegetables. Make it your own with your favorite toppings – bacon, mustard, or even relish! It’s customizable, crave-worthy, and freezer-friendly.
Full Recipe:
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1 tablespoon avocado oil (or cooking oil of choice)
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1 lb ground beef (88/12% lean preferred)
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon chili powder
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¼ teaspoon onion powder
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¼ teaspoon paprika
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¼ cup chopped onion
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1 chopped bell pepper
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1 diced jalapeno (seeds and ribs removed)
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2-3 cloves garlic, minced
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1½ to 2 cups beef bone broth
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½ cup milk
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½ cup jarred tomato sauce (marinara or arrabbiata)
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8 oz uncooked pasta (rigatoni, penne, or elbows recommended)
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½ cup chopped cherry tomatoes
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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Green onion for garnish
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Heat oil in a large pot or wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook until halfway browned, then drain any excess fat.
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Stir in garlic powder, chili powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix well.
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Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and jalapeno. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
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Pour in beef broth, milk, and tomato sauce. Season again with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
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Add uncooked pasta, pressing it into the liquid. Simmer uncovered on medium-high, stirring frequently, until pasta is al dente (8-12 minutes, depending on type). Add more broth if needed.
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Turn off heat. Stir in cherry tomatoes and cheddar cheese until fully melted.
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Garnish with green onion and optional pickled jalapenos. Serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 559 kcal | Servings: 5 servings
What Is One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta?
One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is the ultimate comfort food mash-up: a warm, cheesy pasta dish that captures all the familiar flavors of a classic cheeseburger. Imagine ground beef simmered with spices, mixed with pasta and melted cheddar, rounded out by creamy tomato sauce and veggies, all cooked in a single pot. It’s fast, family-friendly, and packed with savory goodness—perfect for weeknights when time and dishes are both in short supply.
This dish doesn’t just satisfy your craving for burgers and pasta—it’s a clever way to sneak vegetables into a meal even picky eaters will love. With minimal prep and even easier cleanup, this one-pot wonder hits the mark in both taste and convenience.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
If you’re a fan of hearty meals that don’t require a million dishes or hours in the kitchen, this recipe is for you. First and foremost, it’s incredibly satisfying. The combination of protein-rich beef, gooey cheese, and al dente pasta is hard to beat. Add the warmth of paprika and chili powder, the crunch of peppers, and the rich umami of tomato sauce, and you’ve got something truly special.
Secondly, the one-pot aspect isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a game-changer. Everything, from searing the meat to boiling the pasta and finishing with cheese, happens in one large skillet or pot. That means fewer dishes, less stress, and more time to enjoy your meal.
Lastly, it’s versatile. You can tailor it to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Swap regular pasta for gluten-free or whole wheat. Add bacon for a bacon cheeseburger variation. Or go spicy with hot sauce or extra jalapeños. It’s a canvas for creativity.
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
This recipe draws inspiration from the nostalgic comfort of Hamburger Helper—those quick, stovetop meals many of us grew up eating. But unlike boxed dinners, this version is made entirely from scratch with whole ingredients, fewer preservatives, and no mystery seasonings. It’s a way to enjoy that familiar flavor with the confidence of knowing exactly what’s going into your food.
Cheeseburger pasta has been reimagined over the years by home cooks and food bloggers alike, but this version stands out for its careful balance of creaminess, spice, and fresh flavor. The addition of cherry tomatoes and jalapeños adds brightness and a hint of heat that elevates it beyond the ordinary.
A Healthy Comfort Food Option
You might not expect a dish called “cheeseburger pasta” to have any health benefits, but this recipe proves that comfort food can be balanced. By including vegetables like onion, bell pepper, and tomatoes, it adds fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants to the meal. Using bone broth instead of canned broth contributes extra nutrients like collagen and minerals, while sharp cheddar allows you to use less cheese without sacrificing flavor.
You can also make smart swaps to increase the dish’s nutritional value. Use whole wheat or brown rice pasta for extra fiber and complex carbs. Choose leaner cuts of beef, or even ground turkey or plant-based alternatives. If dairy is an issue, it’s easy to use a dairy-free milk and vegan cheese to suit your dietary needs.
Tips for the Best Results
While this recipe is quite forgiving, there are a few tips that will help you get the best outcome every time. First, choose the right type of pasta. Shapes like elbows, shells, cavatappi, and penne are ideal because they catch and hold onto the cheesy sauce. Avoid quick-cooking lentil or chickpea pastas for this one-pot method—they may become mushy or fall apart.
Be mindful of the liquid. Since the pasta is cooked directly in the sauce, it absorbs a lot of moisture. If your pot is very wide or your vegetables release less water than expected, you may need to add more broth as you go. The goal is to simmer the pasta until just tender while retaining a silky sauce that clings to every bite.
Also, don’t rush the cheese. Add it off the heat, and stir gently until melted. High heat can cause cheese to separate or become greasy, which would ruin the luxurious texture you’re aiming for.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This dish stores and reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to five days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors deepen over time, making the reheated version even more delicious.
For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to three months. Let it cool completely before sealing in freezer-safe containers or bags. Label with the date for convenience. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
Whether you’re cooking for one, a couple, or a family, this meal can easily be scaled up or down. Make a big batch for the week ahead, or whip up a quick dinner with what’s already in your pantry.
Flavor Variations to Try
One of the best things about this dish is how easy it is to make it your own. Here are a few fun ways to remix the flavor:
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Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta: Cook chopped bacon until crispy and stir it in with the cheese at the end. Adds a smoky, salty punch.
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Pickle Topping: Garnish with chopped dill pickles or drizzle a bit of pickle juice over the top. The tang cuts through the richness beautifully.
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Spicy Kick: Add more jalapeños, a dash of cayenne, or hot sauce for a bolder bite.
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Mustard and Ketchup Swirl: A teaspoon of mustard or a dollop of ketchup stirred in gives an authentic “burger” flavor.
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Loaded Version: Top with diced avocado, sour cream, or shredded lettuce for a “fully loaded” effect—just like your favorite burger.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
Picky eaters, especially kids, tend to love anything with cheese and pasta—and this recipe delivers both. The recognizable cheeseburger taste helps even the most cautious eaters dive in with confidence. And since it’s easy to leave out the jalapeños or other strong flavors, you can adjust it to suit everyone at the table.
It’s also a hit at potlucks, casual dinner parties, and family gatherings. Serve it buffet-style with optional toppings so guests can customize their bowl. You can even offer burger-themed sides like garlic bread “buns” or a simple green salad with a burger-style vinaigrette.
Why This Recipe Works
At its core, One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta works because it taps into familiar cravings while simplifying the cooking process. It bridges the gap between fast food indulgence and wholesome home-cooked meals. The layers of flavor come together quickly in one vessel, with very little hands-on time, and it satisfies a wide range of dietary needs with just a few adjustments.
It also proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. By focusing on smart techniques—like sautéing aromatics, seasoning well, and controlling the heat—you can transform simple pantry staples into something crave-worthy.
Conclusion
One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta isn’t just another dinner recipe—it’s a life-saver on busy nights, a nostalgic nod to classic comfort food, and a modern solution to fuss-free, family-friendly meals. It brings together bold flavors, hearty textures, and customizable options into one pan and onto your plate in under an hour.
Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this is the kind of recipe that’ll quickly become part of your regular rotation. Serve it on a weeknight, make it ahead for a cozy Sunday meal prep, or bring it to the table for a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s as satisfying as it is simple.
