One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

Okay, I have to admit — this recipe is basically my love letter to *lazy weeknight dinners*. Imagine all the juicy flavor of a cheeseburger, but in a cozy, creamy pasta bowl that takes just one pot to whip up. No messing with multiple pans, no endless dishes—just pure cheesy, beefy goodness that practically cooks itself while you get your life together. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever survived without it. And the best part? That melty cheese paired with tender noodles and perfectly browned ground beef will have everyone hovering around the stove, fork in hand, ready to dive in ASAP. Seriously, this one is a total game-changer!

Quick Facts

• Yield: Serves 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz uncooked pasta (elbows, rotini, or shells work great)
• 2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp mustard (Dijon or yellow)
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

For the Sauce / Garnish (optional):

• Chopped pickles or pickle slices
• Chopped fresh parsley or chives
• Ketchup or mustard for drizzling

How I Make It

Step 1:

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion first and sauté for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Then add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon. Cook until nicely browned and no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if there’s a lot—too greasy can dull the flavors.

Step 2:

Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Let it cook for 1 minute until you can really smell that savory punch. Season with salt and pepper now, but be gentle if your broth is salty.

Step 3:

Add the uncooked pasta and pour in the beef broth and milk. Give everything a good stir, scraping up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 4:

Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low, cover partially, and simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick. The pasta will soak up the liquid, becoming tender and creamy.

Step 5:

When the pasta is cooked through, turn off the heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Stir vigorously to melt the cheese into a luscious, gooey sauce that clings to every bite.

Step 6:

Give it a taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. If you want to amp up that classic cheeseburger vibe, toss in some chopped pickles or drizzle ketchup and mustard on top before serving.

Variations & Tips

• Swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Add a handful of frozen peas or diced tomatoes during simmering for veggies.
• Use different cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a twist.
• If the pasta’s soaking too quickly, add a splash more broth while cooking.
• For spicier vibes, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

How I Like to Serve It

This cheesy, comforting dish is perfect for those chilly weeknights when you want something hearty but fuss-free. Pair it with a crisp green salad or simple steamed veggies to balance the richness. It also works great for casual gatherings—just set it on the table, and watch friends dig in with big smiles and even bigger appetites!

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

Closing: I keep making this one-pot wonder because it delivers that perfect cheeseburger flavor with zero hassle—comfort food at its finest!