Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet Flavorful One-Pan Meal

December 10, 2025November 11, 2025 by Julie

Looking for a quick, tasty meal? Try my Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet! This one-pan wonder combines all your favorite cheeseburger flavors with pasta for a creamy, comforting dish. With easy ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a filling dinner in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe is here to simplify your cooking while delivering big taste. Let’s dive in and create this delicious meal together!

Why I Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal.
Kid-Friendly: The cheesy, comforting flavors of cheeseburgers appeal to both kids and adults alike.
Customizable: You can easily modify this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 pound ground beef

– 8 ounces pasta (elbow macaroni or similar)

– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

In this recipe, ground beef gives the dish its classic cheeseburger taste. Choose a good-quality beef, as it enhances the flavor. For pasta, I like elbow macaroni, but you can use any small pasta. The cheese is key; I always go for sharp cheddar for that rich flavor.

Seasoning and Sauces

– 1 cup beef broth

– 1 tablespoon ketchup

– 1 tablespoon mustard

– Salt and pepper to taste

Beef broth adds depth to the dish. Ketchup and mustard give it that familiar cheeseburger zing. I recommend using fresh salt and ground pepper for the best taste. Adjust these to your liking.

Optional Garnishes

– Fresh parsley

– Other garnish ideas

Fresh parsley adds a nice color and a slight herb taste. You can also try adding chopped green onions or even crispy bacon bits for extra flavor. These garnishes make the dish look great and taste even better.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

– Sautéing onions

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and turns slightly golden. This adds a sweet flavor to your dish.

– Adding garlic

Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Stir it in and cook for another minute. You want the garlic to smell good but not burn. This step boosts the flavor even more.

Cooking the Beef

– Browning the ground beef

Now, add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula. Cook until the beef is browned all over. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir it often for even cooking.

– Draining excess fat

After browning, you might see some fat in the skillet. If there’s a lot, carefully drain the excess. This keeps your meal from being too greasy and helps the flavors shine.

Combining Ingredients

– Stirring in tomatoes and broth

Next, stir in 1 cup of diced tomatoes and 1 cup of beef broth. Also, add 1 tablespoon of ketchup and 1 tablespoon of mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This creates a rich sauce for the pasta.

– Adding pasta and cooking

Finally, add 8 ounces of pasta to the skillet. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta should be al dente when done. This step combines all the flavors and cooks the pasta perfectly.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Dish

To avoid mushy pasta, use the right cooking time. Keep an eye on the pasta. Cook it until it is al dente. This means it should still be firm when you bite it. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. If you see it getting too soft, take it off the heat.

Adjusting seasonings can elevate your dish. Taste the mix before serving. If it needs more flavor, add salt and pepper. Ketchup and mustard can also be tweaked to your liking. Try adding a dash of hot sauce for a kick. Experiment until you find the perfect balance for your taste.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing with sides makes your meal more fun. A fresh salad can add crunch and color. You might also serve garlic bread for a nice touch. Chips or pickles are great for added texture. These simple sides can make your meal feel complete.

Best plating practices can impress your family and guests. Use a wide, shallow bowl for a nice look. Layer the pasta and beef mix, then sprinkle cheese on top. Add chopped parsley for a pop of color. A good presentation makes the dish even more inviting.

Cooking Equipment

For this dish, a large skillet works best. A non-stick skillet helps prevent sticking. It also makes cleaning easier. If you have a deep skillet or a Dutch oven, that can work well too.

You need simple utensils for preparation. A spatula helps for mixing. A sharp knife works great for chopping onions and garlic. A cutting board is also a must. These tools will help you cook with ease and fun.

Pro Tips

Brown the Beef Well: Ensure the ground beef is nicely browned for depth of flavor. Don’t rush this step!
Choose the Right Pasta: Elbow macaroni is great, but feel free to experiment with other small pasta shapes for a fun twist.
Adjust the Cheese: For extra creaminess, use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack along with cheddar.
Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also a burst of flavor that brightens the dish.

Variations

Different Proteins

You can switch out ground beef for other proteins. Ground turkey or chicken works well. Both are leaner and still tasty. You can also use beef alternatives, like plant-based crumbles. These give a similar texture and flavor. For a vegetarian option, try lentils or mushrooms. They add depth and richness to the dish. Both options are healthy and satisfying.

Alternative Cheeses

Cheddar cheese is classic, but you have other choices. Try pepper jack for a spicy kick. It adds heat and flavor without extra effort. You can also use mozzarella for a milder taste. If you want creaminess, cream cheese or sour cream are great options. They make the dish smooth and rich. Mix them in when the pasta is done cooking for the best results.

Spice up the Recipe

Spices can change the whole dish. Add garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika for more flavor. If you want heat, sprinkle in cayenne or red pepper flakes. Start with a little and taste as you go. Adjust to your liking for the perfect kick. This way, you can make it mild or spicy, just how you want it.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh. Let the pasta cool before sealing. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of beef broth if it seems dry. This helps bring back moisture.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze this dish for up to three months. Allow it to cool completely before freezing. Place it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, move it to the fridge to thaw overnight. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave until it’s hot throughout.

Shelf Life

In the fridge, the cheeseburger pasta lasts about four days. Check for changes in color or smell. If it looks dry or has an off odor, it’s best to toss it. Always trust your senses. Fresh food tastes better!

FAQs

Can I use whole grain pasta?

Yes, you can use whole grain pasta. It adds fiber and nutrients. Whole grain pasta has a nutty taste and a firmer texture. Cooking times may vary slightly. Check the package for specific times. Usually, it takes about 1-2 minutes longer to cook than regular pasta.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

This recipe is freezer-friendly. To prepare for freezing, let the dish cool first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It can stay fresh for up to three months. For thawing, move it to the fridge overnight. You can also reheat it straight from the freezer on low heat.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

You can prepare this recipe in advance. Cook the pasta and sauce, then cool it down. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to serve, just reheat on low heat. Stir in extra cheese for creaminess when serving.

This article covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips for making a delicious pasta dish. You learned about different proteins and cheeses you can use. We also discussed storage tips to keep your meal fresh. Remember, cooking is all about exploring and finding what you enjoy. Don’t be afraid to make changes and try new things. Enjoy your cooking journe

$- 1 pound ground beef - 8 ounces pasta (elbow macaroni or similar) - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese In this recipe, ground beef gives the dish its classic cheeseburger taste. Choose a good-quality beef, as it enhances the flavor. For pasta, I like elbow macaroni, but you can use any small pasta. The cheese is key; I always go for sharp cheddar for that rich flavor. - 1 cup beef broth - 1 tablespoon ketchup - 1 tablespoon mustard - Salt and pepper to taste Beef broth adds depth to the dish. Ketchup and mustard give it that familiar cheeseburger zing. I recommend using fresh salt and ground pepper for the best taste. Adjust these to your liking. - Fresh parsley - Other garnish ideas Fresh parsley adds a nice color and a slight herb taste. You can also try adding chopped green onions or even crispy bacon bits for extra flavor. These garnishes make the dish look great and taste even better. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Sautéing onions Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and turns slightly golden. This adds a sweet flavor to your dish. - Adding garlic Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Stir it in and cook for another minute. You want the garlic to smell good but not burn. This step boosts the flavor even more. - Browning the ground beef Now, add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula. Cook until the beef is browned all over. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir it often for even cooking. - Draining excess fat After browning, you might see some fat in the skillet. If there's a lot, carefully drain the excess. This keeps your meal from being too greasy and helps the flavors shine. - Stirring in tomatoes and broth Next, stir in 1 cup of diced tomatoes and 1 cup of beef broth. Also, add 1 tablespoon of ketchup and 1 tablespoon of mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This creates a rich sauce for the pasta. - Adding pasta and cooking Finally, add 8 ounces of pasta to the skillet. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta should be al dente when done. This step combines all the flavors and cooks the pasta perfectly. To avoid mushy pasta, use the right cooking time. Keep an eye on the pasta. Cook it until it is al dente. This means it should still be firm when you bite it. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. If you see it getting too soft, take it off the heat. Adjusting seasonings can elevate your dish. Taste the mix before serving. If it needs more flavor, add salt and pepper. Ketchup and mustard can also be tweaked to your liking. Try adding a dash of hot sauce for a kick. Experiment until you find the perfect balance for your taste. Pairing with sides makes your meal more fun. A fresh salad can add crunch and color. You might also serve garlic bread for a nice touch. Chips or pickles are great for added texture. These simple sides can make your meal feel complete. Best plating practices can impress your family and guests. Use a wide, shallow bowl for a nice look. Layer the pasta and beef mix, then sprinkle cheese on top. Add chopped parsley for a pop of color. A good presentation makes the dish even more inviting. For this dish, a large skillet works best. A non-stick skillet helps prevent sticking. It also makes cleaning easier. If you have a deep skillet or a Dutch oven, that can work well too. You need simple utensils for preparation. A spatula helps for mixing. A sharp knife works great for chopping onions and garlic. A cutting board is also a must. These tools will help you cook with ease and fun. Pro Tips Brown the Beef Well: Ensure the ground beef is nicely browned for depth of flavor. Don't rush this step! Choose the Right Pasta: Elbow macaroni is great, but feel free to experiment with other small pasta shapes for a fun twist. Adjust the Cheese: For extra creaminess, use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack along with cheddar. Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also a burst of flavor that brightens the dish. {{image_2}} You can switch out ground beef for other proteins. Ground turkey or chicken works well. Both are leaner and still tasty. You can also use beef alternatives, like plant-based crumbles. These give a similar texture and flavor. For a vegetarian option, try lentils or mushrooms. They add depth and richness to the dish. Both options are healthy and satisfying. Cheddar cheese is classic, but you have other choices. Try pepper jack for a spicy kick. It adds heat and flavor without extra effort. You can also use mozzarella for a milder taste. If you want creaminess, cream cheese or sour cream are great options. They make the dish smooth and rich. Mix them in when the pasta is done cooking for the best results. Spices can change the whole dish. Add garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika for more flavor. If you want heat, sprinkle in cayenne or red pepper flakes. Start with a little and taste as you go. Adjust to your liking for the perfect kick. This way, you can make it mild or spicy, just how you want it. Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh. Let the pasta cool before sealing. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of beef broth if it seems dry. This helps bring back moisture. You can freeze this dish for up to three months. Allow it to cool completely before freezing. Place it in a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to eat, move it to the fridge to thaw overnight. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave until it’s hot throughout. In the fridge, the cheeseburger pasta lasts about four days. Check for changes in color or smell. If it looks dry or has an off odor, it's best to toss it. Always trust your senses. Fresh food tastes better! Yes, you can use whole grain pasta. It adds fiber and nutrients. Whole grain pasta has a nutty taste and a firmer texture. Cooking times may vary slightly. Check the package for specific times. Usually, it takes about 1-2 minutes longer to cook than regular pasta. This recipe is freezer-friendly. To prepare for freezing, let the dish cool first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It can stay fresh for up to three months. For thawing, move it to the fridge overnight. You can also reheat it straight from the freezer on low heat. You can prepare this recipe in advance. Cook the pasta and sauce, then cool it down. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to serve, just reheat on low heat. Stir in extra cheese for creaminess when serving. This article covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips for making a delicious pasta dish. You learned about different proteins and cheeses you can use. We also discussed storage tips to keep your meal fresh. Remember, cooking is all about exploring and finding what you enjoy. Don't be afraid to make changes and try new things. Enjoy your cooking journey!$