Name: Cheeseburger Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 2 cups elbow macaroni; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 3 cups beef broth; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; 4 ounces cream cheese; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

Cheeseburger Pasta is the ultimate one-pan weeknight dinner that combines two comfort food classics into one cozy, cheesy skillet. Imagine your favorite cheeseburger flavors mingling with tender pasta, all coated in a rich, savory sauce. It’s a dish that tastes indulgent yet is simple enough to whip up after a long day.

This meal hits all the right notes: creamy, meaty, and a little tangy with that melted cheese pull that makes every bite satisfying. It’s also incredibly kid-friendly, making it a repeat request in many households. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just craving something hearty, Cheeseburger Pasta delivers.

Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Pasta

This recipe brings together familiar ingredients in a fun, unexpected way. It only uses one pan, so cleanup is easy, and it can be on the table in under 30 minutes. The flavor is bold and nostalgic, like a cheeseburger from your favorite diner, but in warm pasta form. Perfect for meal-prepping or cozy nights in.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for Cheeseburger Pasta?

Elbow macaroni or small shells work best because they hold onto the cheesy sauce. However, any short pasta like rotini or penne will do the trick. Just avoid long noodles like spaghetti or fettuccine—they don’t quite give you that bite-sized burger feel.

Ingredients for the Cheeseburger Pasta

This meal uses simple pantry and fridge staples, making it an easy go-to dinner. You probably already have most of these on hand!

Ground beef: The star of the dish, giving it that juicy cheeseburger flavor.
Elbow macaroni: Holds the sauce perfectly and cooks quickly in the skillet.
Yellow onion: Adds a savory depth and a little natural sweetness.
Garlic: Boosts the umami and gives warmth to the sauce.
Tomato paste: Brings that ketchup-like tang and thickens the sauce.
Beef broth: Adds richness and helps the pasta cook in the pan.
Cheddar cheese: The cheeseburger essential—melts beautifully into the pasta.
Cream cheese: Makes the sauce ultra creamy and adds a little tang.
Dijon mustard: Gives that subtle burger bite and balances the richness.
Salt and pepper: For seasoning.

How To Make the Cheeseburger Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Add Flavor Builders

Stir in the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Then mix in the tomato paste and Dijon mustard, stirring to coat everything well.

Step 3: Simmer the Pasta

Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the dry pasta and reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.

Step 4: Make it Creamy and Cheesy

Stir in the cream cheese until melted. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and keep stirring until it’s gooey and combined.

Step 5: Taste and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with a sprinkle of extra cheese or chopped pickles on top if you’re feeling fancy.

How to Serve and Store Cheeseburger Pasta

Cheeseburger Pasta is best served hot straight from the skillet. It’s creamy, comforting, and hearty enough to be a full meal on its own. This recipe serves 4 to 6 people, depending on portion size.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk to bring the sauce back to life. It also freezes well for up to 2 months, making it a perfect make-ahead dinner.

What to Serve With Cheeseburger Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Crispy on the edges and buttery in the middle, this is perfect for scooping up any extra sauce.

Dill Pickle Spears

A tangy crunch that cuts through the richness and complements the cheeseburger vibe.

Garden Salad

Keep it light with a fresh salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette.

Roasted Broccoli

Adds a healthy green bite and roasts up quickly in the oven while the pasta cooks.

Corn on the Cob

Sweet, juicy corn pairs beautifully with savory pasta.

Sweet Potato Fries

Bring a touch of sweetness and crispness for a diner-style side.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Earthy and umami-rich, they add a deeper flavor note.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this comforting skillet, you’ll want to try these other cozy pasta recipes from the blog:

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini for a spicy Tex-Mex kick.
One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for bold, smoky flavor.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli if you love a creamy, veggie-filled dinner.
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli for something a little lighter but just as creamy.
Easy Baked Burrito Casserole for another weeknight favorite with big flavors.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add some jalapeños for heat or top with bacon? Did the kids love it as much as mine did?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other make dinner stress-free.

Explore beautifully curated weeknight meals on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for dinner inspiration!

Conclusion

Cheeseburger Pasta brings weeknight dinners to a whole new level of cozy. With the familiar flavors of a classic cheeseburger folded into a creamy pasta, this dish is satisfying, kid-approved, and perfect for leftovers. It’s the kind of meal you’ll find yourself making again and again. Enjoy!