Name: One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: ½ teaspoon olive oil; ½ onion, diced; 1 pound ground beef; 2 teaspoons garlic, minced; 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, canned; 2 ½ cups beef broth; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 8 ounces elbow macaroni, dry; 2 ounces cream cheese; 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

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The One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is the perfect dish for a cozy night in or a quick weeknight dinner. As I was experimenting in the kitchen, I wanted to create something that combined all the flavors of a cheeseburger in a comforting pasta dish. The concept hit me when I had a craving for both pasta and burgers, and I thought, why not combine the two? The result is a creamy, cheesy, and hearty dish that’s made in just one pot, saving you time on both cooking and cleaning. It’s one of those meals that brings everyone together, whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. I love how the simple ingredients come together to create a rich flavor that warms your soul. If you’re looking for something that’s easy to whip up yet satisfying, look no further than this delightful dish!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
25 mins

Prep Time:
5 mins

Cook Time:
20 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
550 kcal

Protein:
26 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
30 g

Tools Used:
Saucepan, Oven, Large Pot, Mixing Bowl, Chef’s Knife, Frying Pan, Wooden Spoon, Cutting Board

Why This One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Is a Winner

It’s a One-Pot Wonder

One of the best things about the One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is that it all comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. You get to enjoy all the flavors of a cheeseburger without the fuss of multiple pans. This recipe is perfect for busy evenings or lazy Sundays when you want something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Comfort Food at Its Best

This dish is pure comfort food. The creamy texture from the cheese combined with the heartiness of the ground beef and pasta makes every bite satisfying. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for those chilly winter nights when you want to indulge a little without the guilt.

Family-Friendly Meal

Kids and adults alike love the One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta. With its familiar flavors and cheesy goodness, it’s a surefire hit for family dinners. Plus, it’s an excellent way to sneak in some vegetables if you want to add things like bell peppers or spinach to the mix!

Quick and Easy

No one wants to spend too much time cooking on a busy weeknight. This recipe allows you to create a delicious meal in under 30 minutes from start to finish. Just chop, sauté, and let everything simmer together, and you’ll have a delightful dinner ready in no time.

Versatile and Customizable

The One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home. Whether you want to add extra spices, switch out the cheese, or even use a different type of pasta, the possibilities are endless. It’s a dish that you can make your own!

Ingredients You’ll Need for One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

The ingredients for the One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta come together beautifully, creating a rich and hearty dish. Each element plays a crucial role in delivering that classic cheeseburger flavor with a pasta twist. With a combination of fresh ingredients and pantry staples, this dish is not only convenient but also deeply satisfying.

½ teaspoon olive oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic, bringing depth to the dish.
½ onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a savory base flavor.
1 pound ground beef: The star protein that gives this dish its cheeseburger goodness.
2 teaspoons garlic, minced: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its aromatic properties.
14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, canned: Adds moisture and a slight acidity to balance the dish.
2 ½ cups beef broth: Provides a rich base for the pasta to absorb flavors.
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: A key ingredient that adds a savory depth and umami flavor.
1 teaspoon paprika: For a touch of warmth and smokiness.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
½ teaspoon pepper: Adds a subtle kick.
2 tablespoons ketchup: Sweetness and tanginess, reminiscent of classic cheeseburgers.
8 ounces elbow macaroni, dry: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the creamy sauce.
2 ounces cream cheese: Adds creaminess and enhances the sauce’s richness.
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully to create that gooey, cheeseburger experience.

Putting Together One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

Cooking the One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is straightforward, making it a great choice for both novice and seasoned cooks. You’ll love how quickly the flavors meld together in one pot!

Start by placing a large dutch oven or a big 5 to 7 quart pot on the stove. Turn the heat to medium high and pour in the olive oil. Let it heat up for a moment.
Next, add the onion and the garlic to the pan. Stir them around as they heat, letting the onions soften and become translucent, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
Now, it’s time to add the ground beef. As it cooks, break it up with a spatula. You want the meat to be cooked through and browned, which will take about 7 to 10 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease from the beef once it’s browned.
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the beef broth over the cooked beef. Follow this with the Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, pepper, and ketchup. Use a spoon to give everything a gentle stir, mixing all those wonderful flavors together.
Now comes the fun part! Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot. Spread it out as evenly as possible and gently push it under the liquid, but don’t stir yet.
Bring the pot up to a boil. Once you reach a boil, cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low to let it simmer. Cook covered for about 8 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping. You want the pasta to be tender but still al dente.
As the pasta cooks, keep an eye on it. Stir every four minutes to give it a chance to cook evenly. When the pasta is done, it should be tender.
Once the pasta is ready, turn the heat to low and let it stand for about 2 to 3 minutes. This helps the pasta soak up a little more of that delicious sauce.
Now it’s time to add the cream cheese. Cube it into small pieces, and add it to the pot. Stir well to let it dissolve completely into the mixture, creating a creamy sauce.
Finally, sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese a little at a time. Stir after each addition, allowing the cheese to melt into the sauce until everything is beautifully combined. For an extra touch, serve topped with a bit more cheddar cheese and, if you like, some chopped pickles and fresh tomatoes.

Things Worth Knowing

Cook with Care: When browning the ground beef, make sure to break it up into small pieces. This ensures even cooking and a better texture.
Consistency is Key: Stirring the pasta occasionally as it cooks helps prevent it from sticking together and ensures even cooking.
Taste as You Go: Don’t forget to taste the pasta for tenderness. You want it to be al dente, so it has a nice bite to it.
Cheese Matters: For the best melting effect, use freshly shredded cheddar cheese instead of pre-packaged. It melts smoother and better.

How to Switch It Up

If you’re looking to personalize your One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta, here are some creative ways to switch it up and make it your own.

Switch the Protein: Consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter version.
Add Vegetables: Mix in your favorite vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
Change the Cheese: Try different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a bit of a kick.
Make it Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat.
Swap the Pasta: Use different pasta shapes like penne or rotini to change the texture and appearance.
Top it Off: Finish your dish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a burst of freshness.
Experiment with Sauces: Instead of ketchup, consider using BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.

Serving This One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

When it comes to serving the One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta, there are plenty of delightful ways to enjoy it! Here are some suggestions:

Pair with a Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta nicely.
Perfect for Lunchboxes: This pasta reheats well, making it an excellent option for leftovers to pack for lunch.
Garnish Creatively: Top with sliced pickles or fresh tomatoes for a burst of freshness that mimics the classic cheeseburger feel.
Comforting Dinner: Serve it as a comforting dinner alongside some garlic bread for a filling meal.
Seasonal Touch: In winter, it’s the ultimate cozy dish; in summer, lighten it up with a fresh side of veggies.
Great for Gatherings: Perfect for potlucks or casual gatherings, this dish is sure to please a crowd!

FAQ

Yes, you can prepare the One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta ahead of time! Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a bit of beef broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some garlic bread. You could also serve it with roasted vegetables or a side of pickles to enhance that cheeseburger flavor. The possibilities are endless!

Absolutely! The One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is very versatile. You can switch out the protein for ground turkey or chicken, add extra vegetables, or even use a different pasta shape. Feel free to experiment to make it your own!

After enjoying your One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be good for about 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to 2 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready!

Conclusion

The One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta truly captures the essence of comfort food, blending the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the heartiness of pasta. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that can easily become a family favorite. I encourage you to give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!