Easy Cheeseburger Pasta

I make this easy cheeseburger pasta when I want a comforting dinner on the table fast, with flavors everyone recognizes and loves. It’s a simple, one pan meal that brings classic cheeseburger comfort straight to the skillet.

The pasta cooks right alongside seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and broth, soaking up all that savory flavor as it simmers. Finished with melted cheddar, it’s hearty, cheesy, and just right for busy weeknights.

It’s the kind of supper Grandma might have made when time was short but a warm, filling meal still mattered.

What You Need to Know

• Everything cooks in one pan for easy cleanup
• The pasta absorbs the broth for extra flavor
• Leftovers reheat well for lunches or quick dinners
• This recipe is easy to adjust with different pasta shapes

Ingredients Overview

• Lean ground beef: Adds classic cheeseburger flavor without too much grease
• Onion and garlic: Bring savory depth to the skillet
• Seasonings: Simple pantry spices keep the flavor familiar
• Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes: Create a rich, saucy base
• Pasta shells: Hold onto the sauce and melted cheese
• Beef broth: Cooks the pasta and adds hearty flavor
• Cheddar cheese: Melts into the pasta for that cheeseburger finish

How to Make One Pan Cheeseburger Pasta

Step 1: Dice the onion and set it aside. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 2: Add the ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and onion powder to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat, until the beef is fully browned and the onion is softened.

Step 3: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, uncooked pasta, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 4: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Serve warm.

Grandma’s Tips

• Stir the pasta once or twice while simmering so it cooks evenly
• Let the skillet rest a few minutes before serving so the sauce thickens

Modern Updates

• Swap the pasta shape for rotini or elbows if needed
• Use a blend of cheddar and Colby Jack for extra creaminess

More Comfort Food Dinner Recipes

• Easy Ground Beef Taco Casserole (Cheesy Recipe)
• Grandma's Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese Recipe
• Grandma's Old Fashioned Pimento Cheese from Scratch
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole (Quick and Easy)

FAQs

What is cheeseburger pasta?

Cheeseburger pasta is a comfort food dish made with ground beef, pasta, tomatoes, and melted cheese. It brings the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into an easy, family friendly pasta dinner.

Can cheeseburger pasta be made in one pan?

Yes, this easy cheeseburger pasta is cooked entirely in one skillet. The pasta cooks directly in the broth, making cleanup quick and simple.

What pasta works best for easy cheeseburger pasta?

Medium shells work especially well because they hold the sauce and cheese, but other short pasta shapes can be used if needed.

Is cheeseburger pasta good for meal prep?

Cheeseburger pasta reheats well and makes a great next day meal. Add a small splash of broth when reheating to keep it creamy.