One Pot Cheesy Cheeseburger Pasta
One Pot Cheesy Cheeseburger Pasta is a quick and comforting dinner that combines seasoned ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, melted cheddar cheese, and a creamy sauce all cooked together in a single pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, this family-friendly dish delivers bold cheeseburger flavors with minimal fuss and easy cleanup.
- Author: Kathy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Contains Gluten, Contains Dairy
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (dry)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
- 1 1/2 cups milk or cream
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: paprika or chili flakes, to taste
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink, stirring frequently to break it apart. Drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions soften and become fragrant, creating a savory base.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, ketchup, and mustard, stirring to combine. Add the dry elbow macaroni, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid for even cooking.
- Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in Cheese and Milk: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and milk or cream until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Season to Taste and Serve: Add salt, pepper, and any additional spices as desired. Stir well and serve hot for a comforting cheeseburger pasta experience.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- Don’t skip the beef broth; it adds deeper flavor than water.
- Watch the pasta closely to prevent overcooking.
- Drain excess fat from the browned beef to keep the sauce from becoming oily.
- Mix cheese in quickly while pasta is hot for a smooth, creamy sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: one pot, cheeseburger pasta, ground beef, cheddar cheese, quick dinner, comfort food, easy recipe, family dinner