One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Comfort Food Made Simple

One pot cheeseburger pasta is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table fast. It is warm creamy and full of flavors that remind you of your favorite cheeseburger. Everything cooks in a single pot which keeps dinner easy and cleanup simple. This recipe is perfect for busy evenings when you want comfort food without extra effort. It tastes rich and satisfying yet uses everyday ingredients you already have at home.

Ingredients Needed

Here is everything you need to make this hearty pasta dish

For the One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can diced tomatoes 14 ounces
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 cups milk
• 3 cups uncooked pasta shells
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Step by Step Instructions for One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

Start with the Beef

Warm a large pot over medium heat. Add olive oil. Add the ground beef and break it up as it cooks. Stir until it browns. Add the onion and garlic. Cook until the onion softens.

Season the Base

Sprinkle in paprika salt and black pepper. Stir well so the spices coat the beef.

Build the Sauce

Pour in the diced tomatoes beef broth and milk. Mix everything together. Add ketchup mustard and Worcestershire sauce for classic cheeseburger flavor.

Add the Pasta

Pour the uncooked pasta shells into the pot. Make sure the pasta sinks into the liquid. Stir briefly so nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.

Simmer Until Tender

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Lower the heat. Cover and simmer for fifteen minutes. Stir often so the pasta does not stick. Cook until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.

Finish with Cheese

Turn off the heat. Add the cheddar cheese. Stir until it melts and the sauce turns creamy. Let the pasta rest for three minutes so the flavors blend.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

One pot cheeseburger pasta is easy to adjust to your own taste. If you enjoy a little heat add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapenos. For extra richness mix in a spoon of cream cheese at the end. You can swap the cheddar for Monterey Jack or mozzarella if you like a milder flavor. Vegetables such as peas carrots or spinach blend in smoothly and add more color and nutrients. You can also use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter protein. The creamy sauce brings everything together so every version turns out delicious.

Nutritional Information

This dish is filling and comforting but it also provides a balanced meal. A single serving contains an average of about five hundred to six hundred calories depending on the cheese you use. It offers a good amount of protein from the beef and cheese as well as carbohydrates from the pasta. The milk adds calcium and the tomatoes provide helpful vitamins. While it is a hearty meal it can fit into a reasonable weekly routine when enjoyed with a fresh salad or lighter sides.

Serving Suggestions

One pot cheeseburger pasta tastes wonderful on its own but you can make the meal even better with a few simple additions. Serve it with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast to the warm creamy sauce. Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls pair nicely and help scoop up the extra sauce. If you want a bright touch add a spoon of chopped pickles or fresh tomatoes over the top before serving. A sprinkle of extra cheddar or a handful of chopped parsley can also add color. This dish reheats well so it is great for lunches the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions