One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

If you crave everything comforting about a cheeseburger but want the simplicity of a cozy pasta dinner, One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is your new weeknight hero. It’s got all the juicy, cheesy flavors you love, tossed with penne and ready in just over 30 minutes—with just one pot to clean!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta lies in its simple, everyday ingredients—each playing a role in creating that signature cheeseburger taste and creamy, crave-worthy sauce. Don’t skip anything: every element helps build flavor or texture!

• Extra Lean Ground Beef: Gives you all the meaty satisfaction without excess fat or grease.
• Onion: Adds a natural sweetness and depth that’s essential to any good cheeseburger.
• Fresh Tomatoes & Tomato Paste: Bring rich, tangy notes for the “ketchup” vibe and a silky, thick sauce.
• Paprika, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Mustard Powder: This spice blend recreates classic burger flavors with warmth, zing, and savoriness.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Infuses savory umami magic—think ketchup meets steak sauce!
• Sukrin Gold (or sweetener of choice): Just a touch balances out all the savory, tangy flavors.
• Penne Pasta: Holds onto all that saucy, cheesy goodness—use any pasta you love, but penne is a classic here.
• Chicken Stock: Adds depth and lets the pasta soak up loads of flavor as it cooks right in the pot.
• Chopped Pickles: The little zingy, crunchy secret that gives each bite a pop of authentic cheeseburger character!
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts creamy and gooey—save a sprinkle for the finale for irresistible cheesiness.
• Fresh Italian Parsley: Brightens the dish and gives a little pop of color and freshness at the end.
• Spray Oil: Helps brown the beef and onion without sticking or extra calories.

Variations

One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is endlessly adaptable! Don’t be afraid to swap things, add veggies, or tweak seasonings to make it your own—there’s truly no wrong way to get your cheeseburger fix.

• Turkey or Chicken Swap: Replace the beef with lean ground turkey or chicken to lighten it up and create a slightly different but still delicious flavor.
• Go Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne, red pepper flakes, or even diced jalapeños for a punch of heat reminiscent of a spicy burger.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even grated zucchini for sneaky nutrition and extra color.
• Cheese It Up: Use a blend of cheeses—Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or smoked gouda all melt beautifully and make things extra gooey.

How to Make One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

Step 1: Mix the Signature Spice Blend

In a small bowl, stir together your paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. This savory mix gives One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta that classic burger flavor in every single bite.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion

Spritz a large frying pan with spray oil and set over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, breaking up the meat as you go. Sauté until the beef loses its pink and the onion softens—your kitchen should already smell amazing!

Step 3: Build Up Those Flavors

Add the spice blend you made, along with chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and sweetener. Stir everything really well so the meat and onion are evenly coated in your burger-style seasoning blend.

Step 4: Add Pasta and Simmer

Stir in the penne pasta, then pour in the chicken stock (start with 3 cups). Bring up to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat a bit so it bubbles steadily. Let it simmer 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding more stock from the extra cup if needed, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Stir in Cheese and Pickles

Time for the grand finale! Toss in the chopped pickles and most of the cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese melts to coat every piece of pasta and beef in velvety sauce. That pickle tang and creamy cheese—SO good together!

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle over chopped parsley and the last bit of reserved cheddar cheese. Take the pan right to the table for a fun, family-style meal or scoop into bowls—either way, serve hot while it’s irresistibly gooey!

How to Serve One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

Garnishes

I love finishing One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta with extra chopped pickles, a handful of freshly grated cheddar, and a flurry of Italian parsley for color. For true burger vibes, go wild and add a drizzle of your favorite burger sauce or even a few crispy onions on top!

Side Dishes

Since this dish is hearty on its own, simple sides work best. Try a crunchy green salad, classic coleslaw, or a side of steamed green beans. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also perfect for mopping up any cheesy sauce lingering in your bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta family-style in the pan for a fun, casual dinner, or pile portions into individual ovenproof bowls and broil with extra cheese for a melty, golden finish. For parties, scoop into slider buns for “pasta burgers”—a guaranteed hit with kids and grown-ups alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making lunch the next day extra delicious!

Freezing

This pasta is freezer-friendly for up to 2 months! Cool completely, portion into resealable containers, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture—the pasta will be slightly softer after freezing but still totally satisfying.

Reheating

Heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce and keep things creamy. Stir in a little fresh cheese at the end for next-level cheesy goodness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is beloved in my house—it’s that perfect blend of comfort and ease, and it never fails to put smiles on faces. Give it a try on your next busy night and watch how quickly it disappears from the table—enjoy, friends!

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