Print

Creamy One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet

creamy one-pot cheeseburger pasta skillet - featured image

A quick and easy one-pot meal combining the nostalgic flavors of a cheeseburger with creamy pasta, perfect for busy weeknights and comfort food lovers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 8 oz uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or small shells)
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%, or almond milk for lighter twist)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes, chopped pickles

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook about 8 minutes, breaking it apart until browned with no pink spots. Drain excess fat if needed, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor.
  2. Add diced onion to the beef and cook 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Stir in tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce, cooking for 1 minute to build savory depth.
  4. Add uncooked pasta and 2 cups beef broth to the skillet, ensuring pasta is submerged. Bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer pasta for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more broth or water if pasta looks dry before fully cooked.
  6. Once pasta is tender, stir in 1 cup milk and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring for 3-5 minutes until cheese melts into a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Optional: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or chopped pickles on top for authentic cheeseburger flavor.
  8. Serve hot immediately. Leftovers thicken overnight; add a splash of milk when reheating.

Notes

Stir gently but frequently once cheese is added to prevent clumping. Adjust milk quantity to achieve desired sauce consistency. Brown beef well for best flavor. Avoid overcooking pasta; al dente is ideal. Use gluten-free pasta and vegan cheese/milk for dietary adaptations.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, cheeseburger pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, easy recipe, comfort food, ground beef, skillet meal