One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta
One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines the savory flavors of a cheeseburger with pasta, melty cheddar cheese, and tangy tomato sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pot recipe delivers a hearty, cheesy meal perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Adaptable (Gluten Free option available)
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz elbow pasta
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: chili flakes, to taste
- Brown the Beef and Aromatics: Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary, then stir in finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the Liquids and Pasta: Pour in diced tomatoes, beef broth, ketchup, and mustard, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add the dry elbow pasta. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged, cover the pot, and reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cook the Pasta through Simmering: Let the pasta cook in the simmering liquid for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in Cheese and Seasonings: Remove the pot from the heat and immediately stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if desired. Give it one last stir to combine all the flavors perfectly.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the pasta to avoid mushy noodles.
- Use sharp cheddar for the best melt and authentic cheeseburger flavor.
- Drain excess fat from the ground beef to prevent greasiness.
- Add vegetables early by sautéing them with onions for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Cover the pot while simmering to trap steam and cook pasta evenly in the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: One pot, cheeseburger pasta, quick dinner, comfort food, easy recipe, weeknight meal, cheesy pasta, ground beef