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One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Omnivore

Description

This One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is a cozy, weeknight-friendly mashup of a classic cheeseburger and creamy skillet pasta. Everything cooks in a single pot beef, pasta, and sauce so you get melty cheddar, savory beef, and a rich, comforting sauce with minimal cleanup. It’s fast, family-pleasing, and endlessly customizable with your favorite burger toppings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2% works best)
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup pickles, chopped (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary and return the beef to the pot.
  2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until the onion softens and turns translucent.
  3. Season the beef mixture with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to evenly coat the meat and onions with the spices.
  4. Pour in the beef broth and milk, stirring to combine and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.
  5. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni and stir, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid so it cooks evenly.
  6. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has thickened into a creamy sauce.
  7. Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  8. If using, fold in the chopped pickles for a tangy, cheeseburger-style bite. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
  9. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot straight from the pot.

Notes

  • For a thicker, richer sauce, let the pasta sit off the heat for 3–5 minutes before serving; it will continue to absorb liquid.
  • Use freshly shredded cheddar for the smoothest melt pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
  • Adjust the seasoning at the end; the saltiness will depend heavily on your broth, cheese, and any added pickles.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, One-Pot, Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop, One Pot
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 450 kcal (approximate)
  • Sugar: 4 g (approximate)
  • Sodium: 780 mg (approximate, will vary with broth, salt, and cheese brands)
  • Fat: 22 g (approximate)
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g (approximate)
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g (approximate)
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g (approximate, depending on ground beef)
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g (approximate)
  • Fiber: 2 g (approximate)
  • Protein: 27 g (approximate)
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg (approximate)

Keywords: one pot cheeseburger pasta, skillet cheeseburger pasta, creamy cheeseburger pasta, one pot pasta, easy weeknight dinner

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Find it online: https://averyrecipes.com/one-pot-cheeseburger-pasta/