Go Back
- 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 pound ground beef - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 3 cups beef broth - 1 cup uncooked penne pasta - 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - ½ cup pickles, diced (optional) - Fresh parsley or chives, chopped for garnish To make One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta, gather your ingredients first. This step keeps everything organized and saves time. You want fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Start with olive oil. This will help cook the beef and add some healthy fat. Ground beef is the star of this dish, giving it that classic cheeseburger taste. Finely chopped onion and minced garlic add depth and flavor. The spices play a big role too. Smoked paprika brings warmth, while garlic and onion powders add a nice kick. Salt and pepper enhance everything. Next comes the beef broth. It forms the base of your sauce and cooks the pasta. Use uncooked penne pasta, as it will soak up all the delicious flavors. Cheddar cheese is essential for that creamy, cheesy goodness. Cherry tomatoes add freshness, and pickles (if you like) give a nice tang. Don’t forget fresh herbs for garnish. They add color and a burst of flavor. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Enjoy cooking! - Heat the Oil in a large pot: Start by warming 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. This helps to build flavor right from the start. - Add Garlic after the onion is translucent: Once the onion is soft and clear, add 2 minced cloves of garlic. Cook it for about a minute. This step adds a great aroma. - Brown the Beef until cooked through: Add 1 pound of ground beef to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon. Cook it for about 6-8 minutes until it's brown and no longer pink. If there’s extra fat, drain it. - Season the Mixture with spices: Mix in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Add salt and pepper to your taste. Stir well to blend all the flavors. - Add Broth and Pasta, then boil and simmer: Pour in 3 cups of beef broth and bring it to a boil. Then, add 1 cup of uncooked penne pasta. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Stir it often so it doesn’t stick. - Fold in Cheddar Cheese for creaminess: When the pasta is soft, take the pot off the heat. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir it in until it melts and makes the dish creamy. - Incorporate Fresh Ingredients for flavor: Gently mix in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and ½ cup of diced pickles, if you like. They add freshness and a nice crunch. - Taste and Adjust seasoning: Take a moment to taste your dish. Add more salt and pepper if needed. This step ensures your pasta is just right. - Serve It Up with a garnish of herbs: Scoop the pasta into bowls and sprinkle some chopped parsley or chives on top. This adds a pop of color and flavor. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. - Use fresh ingredients for better taste. Fresh onions and garlic boost flavor. - Recommended seasonings for extra zing include smoked paprika and garlic powder. These add depth and warmth. - Avoiding sticky pasta by stirring is key. Stir your pasta every few minutes. This keeps it from clumping together. - Tips for browning beef correctly: cook over medium heat and break it apart well. This helps it brown evenly and prevents steaming. - Serving suggestions for visual appeal include using a colorful plate. You can add cherry tomatoes for a pop of color. - Best garnishes to complement the dish are fresh parsley or chives. They add a bright touch and fresh flavor. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. This makes it lighter but still tasty. If you need gluten-free options, try gluten-free pasta. It cooks well and holds the flavors nicely. Want to change the flavor? Add different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack. Each cheese adds its own twist to the dish. If you want a plant-based meal, use vegan cheese and swap the beef for lentils or mushrooms. This keeps it hearty but meat-free. Serve your One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta with a fresh salad. A crisp garden salad pairs well with the creamy pasta. You can also transform this dish into a baked version. Just top with more cheese and bake until bubbly and golden. This makes for a wonderful family meal! For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. To store your leftovers properly, let the pasta cool down first. Transfer the cooled cheeseburger pasta into an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh for later. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. They seal well and are easy to clean. For freezing cheeseburger pasta, wait until it cools to room temperature. Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. In the fridge, your cheeseburger pasta lasts about 3 to 4 days. Always check for signs of spoilage. Look for an off smell or a change in texture. If you see mold, it’s best to throw it away. Keeping an eye on these signs ensures your meals are fresh and safe. Can I make One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta ahead of time? Yes, you can make One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta ahead. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat it in a pot over low heat. You may need to add a splash of beef broth to bring back the creaminess. How do I make this recipe dairy-free? To make this recipe dairy-free, swap the cheddar cheese for a dairy-free cheese. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor too. Check labels to ensure your ingredients are dairy-free. Can I add vegetables to the dish? Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. Just chop them small and add them when you brown the beef. This adds more flavor and nutrition to your meal. How can I prevent the pasta from overcooking? Stir the pasta often while it cooks. This helps it cook evenly and prevents sticking. Follow the package instructions for cooking time. Check the pasta a minute or two early to ensure it's al dente. What can I use instead of beef broth? You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute. For a richer flavor, try using water with a little soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. This will enhance the taste of the dish. Is there a substitute for cheddar cheese? Yes, you can use mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist. Cream cheese or goat cheese can also add a great flavor. Choose what you like best to create your own unique dish. Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe? Certainly! You can use any pasta shape you prefer. Fusilli, rotini, or even macaroni work well. Adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose to ensure it cooks perfectly. This blog post showed how to make a tasty one-pot cheeseburger pasta. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. By using fresh items and trying new cheeses, you can make this dish even better. Remember, you can swap ingredients for your taste or needs. Don't forget about proper storage tips for leftovers! Enjoy cooking and share this idea with others who love easy, delicious meals.

One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta recipe! Packed with savory flavors from ground beef, cheddar cheese, and fresh toppings, this dish is ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights, it’s a tasty family meal that all ages will love. Don't miss out on creating this creamy pasta delight; click to explore the full recipe and elevate your weeknight dinners!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound ground beef

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

3 cups beef broth

1 cup uncooked penne pasta

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

½ cup pickles, diced (optional)

Fresh parsley or chives, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

Heat the Oil: In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.

    Add Garlic: Incorporate the minced garlic into the pot and continue to sauté for an additional minute, just until fragrant.

      Brown the Beef: Increase the heat slightly and add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it into smaller pieces, cooking until it’s browned and completely cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). If there's excess fat, drain it from the pot.

        Season the Mixture: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the beef and combine the flavors.

          Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a lively boil. Once boiling, add the uncooked penne pasta. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook according to package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

            Cheesy Goodness: When the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, remove the pot from the heat. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts and creates a creamy consistency.

              Incorporate Fresh Ingredients: Gently mix in the halved cherry tomatoes and diced pickles (if using) to introduce bursts of freshness and flavor.

                Taste and Adjust: Give your cheeseburger pasta a taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

                  Serve It Up: Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.

                    - Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4