One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet Recipe

If you’re looking for a meal that delivers big flavor, hearty comfort, and minimal cleanup all at once, you have to try this One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet. Ready in under 40 minutes, this clever meal combines all the familiar, crave-worthy taste of your favorite cheeseburger—juicy beef, tangy ketchup, melty cheese—right into a creamy, dreamy pasta skillet dinner. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar on even the busiest weeknight, without dirtying a stack of pans.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s magical about this recipe is how a handful of everyday ingredients create pure weeknight bliss. Each one brings its own role—think savory beef for richness, pasta for that perfect chew, and classic cheeseburger fixings that tie those flavors together in every bite.

• Ground Beef: The star of our skillet, grounding the dish with satisfying, meaty flavor—use lean or regular, but drain excess fat if needed.
• Onion: Diced small, it melds into the sauce and brings aromatic sweetness that rounds out the beef.
• Garlic: Just a couple of cloves, minced, to give the sauce savory depth—fresh is best, but jarred works in a pinch.
• Uncooked Pasta: Short shapes like rotini or penne hold the sauce and cook right in the skillet, soaking up every drop of flavor.
• Beef Broth: Infuses the pasta as it cooks, so you get hearty, robust flavor in every bite (low-sodium is a great choice here).
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds a pop of freshness and color, balancing out all the rich, cheesy notes.
• Ketchup: Here’s the clever twist—just a couple of tablespoons bring the tangy zip of a cheeseburger in sauce form.
• Mustard: Classic yellow mustard delivers that nostalgic cheeseburger essence, brightening up the whole skillet.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheddar is non-negotiable—fold some in for creaminess, sprinkle more on top for gooey bliss.
• Salt and Pepper: Absolutely essential for seasoning—taste and add as you go for best results.
• Optional Pickles: For topping! Sliced dill pickles give every bite a zippy finish, just like the real thing.

How to Make One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon, letting it brown until no pink remains. Toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic, and let them cook with the beef for another two or three minutes, just until the onion is soft and fragrant. If there’s extra fat in the pan, go ahead and drain it off—keeping things as creamy (not greasy) as possible is the goal.

Step 2: Build the Burger Flavors

Now comes the fun part: stir in ketchup and mustard right into the skillet. Instantly, you’ll notice those unmistakable cheeseburger smells wafting up! Pour in your diced tomatoes (including their juice); this brings both moisture and that “special sauce” tang that makes this dish pop.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Broth

Sprinkle the uncooked pasta evenly over everything in the skillet, then pour in the beef broth. Stir well to make sure the noodles aren’t clustered or sticking to the bottom. Let the mixture come to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet, and cook for about 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is just al dente, stirring once or twice as it cooks and adding more broth if it seems dry.

Step 4: Make It Extra Cheesy

When your pasta is tender and most of the sauce is absorbed, it’s time for the cheddar. Sprinkle most of the cheese into the skillet and stir until everything is gooey and luscious. Save a handful of cheese to sprinkle over the top, then cover the skillet for a couple of minutes to let that cheesy topping melt into a bubbly, irresistible crust.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle it with freshly cracked pepper and a little more salt if you like. This is the moment to add your favorite burger toppings—think chopped pickles, green onions, or even a swirl of ketchup. Invite everyone to dig in straight from the pan for maximum cozy vibes, or dish it up into bowls for easy, family-style serving.

How to Serve One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet

Garnishes

For a true cheeseburger experience, top your bowl with plenty of sliced dill pickles, a scatter of chopped green onions, or even a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. If you want more zing, a squirt of extra mustard or ketchup drizzled on top is pure diner magic. Freshly chopped parsley or chives provide a lovely color contrast and a tiny pop of freshness, too.

Side Dishes

Honestly, this One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet is so satisfying, you hardly need extras—but pairing it with a crisp, tart pickle spear or a quick green salad adds a nice balance. Classic roasted or baked potato wedges lean into the “burger and fries” theme, while steamed broccoli or green beans make it feel a bit lighter and brighter.

Creative Ways to Present

Channel your inner diner chef and spoon the skillet pasta into shallow bowls or even paper baskets, burger-joint style. For parties or potlucks, set up a build-your-own topping bar—everyone can personalize their bowl with shredded lettuce, diced onions, jalapeños, or hot sauce. For kids, consider dividing it into muffin cups and topping with cheese before melting for adorable, hand-held pasta bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days, making it a wonderful, reheatable lunch or second dinner. The flavors often deepen after a day, so don’t be afraid to enjoy those leftovers!

Freezing

If you want to stash some for later, scoop portions into freezer-safe containers or bags (make sure to leave a bit of space for expansion). Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results, since this preserves the creamy texture and keeps the pasta from turning mushy.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to keep things creamy, or warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir often so the cheesy sauce doesn’t stick, and add a sprinkle of fresh cheese just before serving to revive that gooey, just-cooked feel.

FAQs

Can I make One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet with ground turkey or chicken?

Absolutely! Both ground turkey and chicken work well as lighter alternatives, though you might find the finished dish is a bit less rich than with beef. If you opt for lean meat, consider adding a splash of olive oil for extra flavor and moisture.

What kind of pasta works best?

Short, sturdy shapes like rotini, penne, or shells are ideal because they soak up the sauce and mimic the bite of burger buns. Avoid very thin or delicate pasta, as it can overcook and get mushy in the skillet method.

Is this recipe spicy?

By default, One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet is not spicy at all—it’s family-friendly and mild. If you want a little heat, feel free to add a pinch of chili flakes, diced jalapeños, or even a splash of hot sauce during the final cheese-melting step.

Can I prepare this dish ahead for a party?

Definitely! You can make the skillet up to a day in advance, then store it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stove or in the oven, adding a touch of extra cheese to bring everything back to life.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the skillet?

The key is to stir the mixture once or twice while the pasta cooks, especially at the beginning when it’s most likely to stick. Keeping the heat low and making sure there’s enough broth in the pan helps too—if it seems dry, just add a splash more liquid.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably satisfying about the marriage of cheeseburger flavors and creamy pasta, and once you try this One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet, you’ll understand why it’s on permanent weeknight rotation in so many homes. Give it a place at your table, and let it become one of those magic meals you turn to whenever you need something easy, cheesy, and guaranteed to please!

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