Cheeseburger pasta takes everything you love about a classic cheeseburger and turns it into a creamy, cheesy, one-pan pasta dinner. Seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a savory tomato-mustard sauce get blanketed in melted cheddar, then finished with your favorite burger toppings.
This easy cheeseburger pasta skillet is a homemade upgrade to boxed hamburger helper, made with real ingredients and ready in about 30 minutes. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up flavor while releasing starch that makes everything silky.
It is a budget-friendly, kid-approved dinner that comes together with pantry staples. Top it with pickles, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and a drizzle of burger sauce to make every bowl taste like a drive-thru favorite.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Category: Dinner
Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Pasta
- All the cheeseburger flavor in an easy pasta dinner
- Made in one skillet with no draining
- Ready in 35 minutes from start to finish
- Kid friendly and budget friendly
- Fun burger toppings make it a crowd-pleaser
Ingredients You’ll Need for Cheeseburger Pasta
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni or shells
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Pickles, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and burger sauce, for topping
How to Make Cheeseburger Pasta
- Brown the ground beef with the onion in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat for 7 to 8 minutes, breaking it up, and drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and milk and bring to a gentle boil.
- Stir in the uncooked pasta, cover, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Remove the lid and simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Take the skillet off the heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar until melted.
- Sprinkle with the remaining cheese, let it melt for a minute, and top with pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, and burger sauce.
Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Pasta
- Stir the pasta often as it simmers. It releases starch that thickens the sauce, but it can stick to the bottom if left alone.
- Shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
- Add the cheese off the heat so the sauce stays smooth and doesn’t turn oily.
- Adjust the liquid as needed. If the pasta looks dry before it is tender, add a splash more broth.
Variations to Try
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
- Stir in a spoonful of ketchup and relish for a Big Mac flavor
- Add bacon crumbles for a bacon cheeseburger twist
- Use a mix of cheddar and American cheese for extra meltiness
- Swap in whole wheat pasta for extra fiber
How to Store It
Store leftover cheeseburger pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or broth in the microwave or on the stove, since the pasta absorbs liquid as it sits.
For freezer meals, cool completely and freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make cheeseburger pasta without milk?
Yes. Replace the milk with additional beef broth, though the milk adds creaminess to the sauce.
What pasta works best for cheeseburger pasta?
Elbow macaroni, small shells, rotini, or cavatappi all work because they hold the sauce well.
Can I use cooked pasta for cheeseburger pasta?
You can, but cooking uncooked pasta in the sauce adds flavor and thickens it. If using cooked pasta, reduce the liquid.
How do I make cheeseburger pasta spicier?
Add cayenne, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the sauce for extra heat.
Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown the beef and onion and drain the fat.
- Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire, and seasonings.
- Add the tomatoes, broth, and milk and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the pasta, cover, and simmer 12 to 14 minutes.
- Tip: Stir often so it doesn't stick.
- Remove from the heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups cheddar.
- Top with the remaining cheese and burger toppings.
Notes
Shred cheese from a block for a smoother sauce