When I first made this Best One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe, I couldn’t believe how quickly it disappeared at the dinner table! It’s like everything you love about a classic cheeseburger magically combines with the cozy comfort of pasta.

And the best part? You only need one pot to pull it off! Less mess, less cleanup, and full-on flavor. The creamy cheese, savory beef, tangy pickles, and a hint of ketchup and mustard make every bite exactly what you crave in comfort food.

If you, like me, love easy recipes that pack big flavor, this one is going to become your new favorite. Trust me; it’s a weeknight miracle that might just convert you into someone who looks forward to dinner cleanup!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Before we dig into the details, can we just take a moment to appreciate how amazing this dish is? Here’s why this one-pot cheeseburger pasta is a game-changer:

1. Super Easy to Prepare

This recipe is a weeknight hero. Everything cooks in one pot, which means fewer dishes to clean up afterward. Plus, the instructions are so simple, you’ll have dinner ready in under an hour. It’s perfect for those days when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

2. Packed With Comfort Food Flavors

Imagine the rich, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese meeting the savory, meaty delight of a cheeseburger. That’s exactly what this dish delivers with its golden cheddar cheese, ground beef, and tangy pickles. It’s indulgence at its finest.

3. Perfect for Families

Kids and adults alike will love this! It’s filling, satisfying, and feels like a big food hug. Plus, you can sneak in some veggies like diced tomatoes or spinach for a healthier twist without the kids realizing it.

4. Customizable to Fit Dietary Needs

Want it dairy-free or gluten-free? No problem! There are simple substitutions you can make to adjust the recipe, so everyone at the table gets to enjoy this deliciousness.

5. Great for Leftovers

It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it again the next day. Meal prep lovers, this pasta is definitely for you.

Cooking Time

Here’s a quick overview of the time commitment for this recipe:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

You’ll be sitting down to eat a hearty, delicious bowl of cheeseburger pasta in no time!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing dish:

1 pound ground beef (lean)
2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1/3 cup pickles, chopped
2 1/2 cups beef broth
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Variations and Equipment

Variations

This dish is already amazing, but here are a few ways you can mix it up to suit your preferences:

Make it Dairy-Free: Swap out the cheddar cheese and milk with dairy-free alternatives (like cashew cream or vegan cheese).
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta made from lentils or chickpeas. Adjust the cooking time for the pasta accordingly.
Boost the Flavor: Add Worcestershire sauce or a splash of hot sauce for an extra punch of flavor.
Add Veggies: Toss in diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrients.

Equipment You Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip this up:

Large Pot: For everything from browning meat to cooking pasta.
Wooden Spoon/Spatula: To stir and break up the ground beef.
Measuring Cups: For accuracy (but honestly, eyeballing works too).
Cutting Board & Knife: To chop your onions, garlic, and pickles.

How to Make One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta?

This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is a comforting, quick meal that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a creamy pasta form. It’s simple to make and perfect for busy nights when you’re craving something hearty and delicious.

Step 1: Brown the Beef 🍳

Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned and crumbled. Make sure to break up the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks. This step usually takes about 6–8 minutes.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic 🧄

Once the beef is browned, add the diced onions and minced garlic to the pot. Stir everything together and cook until the onions turn translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant. The kitchen is going to smell amazing at this point!

Step 3: Add the Dry Pasta and Liquid 🍝

Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Mix the elbow macaroni into the pot, followed by the beef broth and milk. Stir everything well to make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.

Step 4: Season and Simmer 🔥

Sprinkle in salt and black pepper, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. This ensures the pasta cooks evenly without sticking. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta becomes nice and tender.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese 🧀

Now for the fun part! Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, ketchup, and mustard. Mix everything together until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce that coats the pasta.

Step 6: Toss in the Pickles 🥒

Finally, fold in the chopped pickles. They add that signature cheeseburger tang and a delightful crunch. Give it one last stir, and voilà, your dish is ready!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the simmering process. Overcooked pasta will become mushy.
Sharp Cheddar = More Flavor: For a bolder cheesy taste, use sharp cheddar cheese instead of mild.
Save Time with Pre-Chopped Veggies: If you’re in a hurry, buy chopped onions and pre-minced garlic.
Taste as You Go: Adjust the seasoning (salt, pepper, ketchup, and mustard) to your preference once the pasta is fully cooked.

How to Serve One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta?

This dish is so flavorful; it shines on its own. But if you want to take it to the next level:

Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color.
Serve alongside a crisp green salad or garlic bread to balance the richness.
Add a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Pro tip: Serve it straight out of the pot for a rustic, family-style dinner.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the approximate nutritional facts per serving:

Calories: 450
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 20g

(Note that values may vary depending on the ingredients you use.)

Make Ahead and Storage

This dish is incredible fresh, but it also reheats wonderfully.

Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Freeze It: Allow the pasta to cool completely, then portion it out into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

If you’re meal prepping, make the pasta a day ahead, but only stir in the cheese when reheating. This keeps the texture creamy and fresh!