Name: Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon ground mustard; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 cup beef broth; 2 cups elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping); 1/2 cup heavy cream; Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

A quick, one-pan meal that combines the flavors of a cheeseburger with pasta. Ground beef is cooked with cheese, onions, and a savory sauce to create a comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for busy nights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution. It brings together the beloved flavors of a juicy cheeseburger with the comfort of pasta, all in one convenient skillet. With minimal prep and easy cleanup, it’s perfect for busy families. The dish is incredibly versatile – add your favorite burger toppings to customize it to your taste. Kids and adults alike will clamor for seconds of this cheesy, savory, and satisfying meal that comes together in just 30 minutes.

Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef provides the hearty protein base for this dish, giving it that authentic cheeseburger flavor. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, though beef delivers the most authentic flavor.

Onion and garlic create the aromatic foundation that enhances the savory profile of the dish. They add depth and complexity to the flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.

Paprika and ground mustard work together to recreate that classic burger seasoning profile. The paprika adds a subtle smokiness while the ground mustard brings that distinctive burger joint tang.

Tomato paste concentrates rich tomato flavor without adding excess liquid, creating depth and umami in the sauce. It’s much more effective than using regular tomato sauce in this quick-cooking dish.

Soy sauce might seem unexpected, but it contributes essential umami and saltiness that mimics the savory quality of a perfectly seasoned burger.

Apple cider vinegar provides a touch of acidity that brightens all the flavors and balances the richness of the beef and cheese. It’s the secret ingredient that makes everything taste more vibrant.

Beef broth forms the flavorful cooking liquid for the pasta, allowing it to absorb all those wonderful cheeseburger flavors as it cooks. It also creates the base for the sauce.

Elbow macaroni is the classic choice for this dish, but any short pasta works beautifully. The hollow shape captures the sauce nicely and gives the dish that comforting mac and cheese quality.

Cheddar cheese brings the essential “cheeseburger” element to the dish with its sharp, tangy flavor and perfect meltability. For variation, try mixing in some American or pepper jack cheese.

Heavy cream transforms the dish from simply flavorful to luxuriously creamy, binding all the ingredients together into a silky sauce that coats each piece of pasta.

Directions

Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, remove any excess grease.
Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Season and Add Liquids:
Stir in the paprika, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. Add the tomato paste, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar, mixing well to coat the beef and onions. Pour in the beef broth, and bring to a simmer.
Cook the Pasta:
Add the elbow macaroni to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
Add the Cheese and Cream:
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream, mixing until the cheese is melted and the pasta is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve:
Serve the cheeseburger pasta hot, topped with additional shredded cheese and freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 hearty servings, perfect for a family dinner. Each serving contains approximately 450 calories.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

This dish can be easily doubled for larger families or if you want leftovers for lunch the next day. For smaller households, the recipe halves beautifully, though you may need to reduce the cooking time slightly for the pasta.

Variations

Veggie-Packed Version: Add diced bell peppers when sautéing the onions, and stir in a handful of baby spinach just before adding the cheese for added nutrition.

Spicy Cheeseburger Pasta: Add diced jalapeños and substitute pepper jack for half of the cheddar cheese for a kick of heat.

Pizza Burger Pasta: Add sliced pepperoni and stir in 1/2 cup of pizza sauce along with the broth for a pizza-burger crossover.

Mac and Cheeseburger: Double the cheese and cream for an extra indulgent, mac-and-cheese-like consistency.

Taco Cheeseburger Pasta: Substitute taco seasoning for the paprika and ground mustard, and top with crushed tortilla chips, diced tomatoes, and avocado.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often develop and improve overnight, making this dish excellent for meal prep.

Freezing: This dish can be frozen in airtight containers for up to 2 months. For best results, slightly undercook the pasta before freezing, as it will soften further when reheated.

Reheating on Stovetop: For the best texture, reheat leftover pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Microwave Reheating: For quick reheating, microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. The damp paper towel helps maintain moisture.

Reviving Dried Pasta: If leftovers seem dry, add a tablespoon or two of milk, cream, or broth when reheating to restore the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta works well in this recipe. Rotini, shells, farfalle, or penne are excellent alternatives to elbow macaroni. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for your chosen pasta.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

To lighten up this dish, use lean ground beef (90/10) or substitute ground turkey. You can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk, and use reduced-fat cheese. Adding extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach will also increase the nutritional value.

My pasta isn’t cooking evenly in the skillet. What should I do?

Ensure you’re using a large enough skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Stir the pasta occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and promote even cooking. If needed, add a splash more broth to ensure there’s enough liquid for the pasta to absorb.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this dish reheats well. For best results when making ahead, slightly undercook the pasta, as it will continue to soften when reheated. Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to refresh the sauce.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The familiar cheeseburger flavors make this a hit with children. For pickier eaters, you can omit the onions or process them very finely so they “disappear” into the sauce.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

While convenient, pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. For the creamiest results, purchase block cheese and shred it yourself. However, pre-shredded cheese will work if you’re short on time.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half, evaporated milk, or a mixture of milk and cream cheese can replace heavy cream. For a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream works surprisingly well.

My sauce is too thick. How can I thin it?

Simply add a splash of additional beef broth, milk, or water to reach your desired consistency. Remember to adjust seasoning if necessary after adding extra liquid.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini work well. Add them when sautéing the onions. For leafy greens like spinach or kale, stir them in just before adding the cheese so they wilt without overcooking.

Why is the recipe called a “skillet” dish?

This recipe is cooked entirely in one skillet from start to finish, including cooking the pasta in the sauce rather than separately. This one-pan approach creates more flavor as the pasta absorbs the sauce while cooking, and it minimizes cleanup.

Conclusion

This Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet brilliantly transforms America’s favorite sandwich into a comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The magic lies in its simplicity—one pan, familiar ingredients, and just 30 minutes from start to finish. What makes this recipe special is how it captures the essence of a cheeseburger in each bite while offering the comforting appeal of a pasta dish.

Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, hungry teenagers, or simply looking for a satisfying meal after a long day, this versatile recipe delivers every time. The combination of savory beef, tangy seasonings, and creamy cheese sauce creates a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Make it your own with the suggested variations, or keep it classic—either way, this skillet meal is sure to earn a permanent spot in your weeknight dinner rotation.