Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet is the ultimate comfort food—savory, cheesy, and made in just one pan for easy cleanup. Inspired by the flavors of a classic cheeseburger, this hearty dish features ground beef, pasta, and melted cheese in a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights and satisfying enough to please the whole family.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beefoniongarlicketchupmustardbeef brothuncooked pasta (elbow or shell)picked relish or chopped picklescheddar cheesemilkcream cheeseolive oilsalt and pepper

directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

Stir in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.

Add ketchup, mustard, beef broth, and uncooked pasta. Stir everything to combine.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through, stirring occasionally.

Uncover and stir in cream cheese, milk, and shredded cheddar. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Add chopped pickles or relish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.

Serve hot, optionally garnished with extra cheese or pickles.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Swap ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Use Velveeta for an extra creamy texture.

Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for more veggies.

Top with crispy bacon bits for a bacon cheeseburger twist.

Make it spicy with diced jalapeños or hot sauce.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk or water, or microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use any type of pasta?

Yes, but short pasta like elbows or shells work best for catching the sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well, just add a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

Is this kid-friendly?

Very! It’s cheesy, beefy, and tastes like a cheeseburger—most kids love it.

Can I use plant-based meat?

Absolutely, plant-based ground meat substitutes work well in this recipe.

What kind of cheese is best?

Sharp cheddar adds great flavor, but you can mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack too.

Can I add tomatoes?

Yes, diced tomatoes or tomato paste can deepen the flavor.

How do I keep the cheese from clumping?

Make sure the cream cheese is softened and add shredded cheese gradually while stirring.

Is this a good meal prep option?

Yes, it stores and reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep.

What’s the best way to freeze this?

Cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure your skillet is large enough to handle the extra volume.

Conclusion

One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet brings all the flavors of a cheeseburger into a creamy, comforting pasta dish with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or craving a hearty weeknight meal, this recipe delivers on flavor, convenience, and satisfaction in every cheesy bite.