Craving the comfort of a cheeseburger but with the cozy twist of pasta? Cheeseburger Pasta is your answer. It delivers all the rich, meaty, cheesy goodness of a classic burger, nestled into perfectly cooked pasta. This skillet-style dinner is quick, easy, and always a hit with both kids and adults.

The creamy cheese sauce hugs each piece of pasta, while seasoned ground beef adds a hearty bite. It comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze and turning busy weeknights into something to look forward to. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want tasty leftovers, this dish deserves a spot in your rotation.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To bring your Cheeseburger Pasta to life, a few kitchen tools will make all the difference:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: This is where all the magic happens. Choose one with a lid and high sides to handle the beef, sauce, and pasta comfortably in one pan.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Great for breaking up the ground beef and stirring the sauce evenly.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision matters when balancing creamy cheese and savory seasoning.

Colander: If you’re pre-cooking pasta, drain it thoroughly to avoid soggy texture.
Cheese Grater: Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and gives better flavor than pre-packaged.

Using the right tools ensures every step from browning beef to blending cheeses goes smoothly—making this comforting classic even more enjoyable to prepare.

Ingredients for the Cheeseburger Pasta

Each ingredient in this recipe has a delicious role to play, balancing hearty textures with creamy comfort:

Ground Beef: The foundation of that signature “cheeseburger” flavor. Opt for lean beef to keep the dish hearty but not greasy.
Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth that enhances the savory meat base.

Garlic: A subtle aromatic that layers in warmth and richness.
Tomato Paste: Creates a deep, tangy base that mimics ketchup-like undertones without being overly sweet.
Beef Broth: Builds up the sauce’s body and infuses every bite with savory flavor.

Heavy Cream: Adds silky creaminess that pulls the beef and cheese together into a cohesive sauce.
Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show—melted into gooey, golden ribbons throughout the pasta.
Pasta (such as rigatoni, penne, or elbow): A sturdy noodle that holds onto the sauce and stands up to the beef.

Salt & Black Pepper: Enhances every element without overpowering the natural flavors.
Parsley (optional): A fresh sprinkle at the end gives color and brightness to this comfort classic.

How To Make the Cheeseburger Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned. Break it apart using a wooden spoon or spatula. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Base

Stir in the tomato paste and mix well with the beef. Let it cook for a minute or two to caramelize slightly—this deepens the flavor.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. This will start to thicken into a luxurious sauce.

Step 5: Add the Pasta

If you’re using pre-cooked pasta, fold it into the sauce now. If using dry pasta, you can add it directly and let it cook covered, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Add more broth if needed.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese

Once the pasta is tender, sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped parsley for a touch of color. Serve hot straight from the skillet for maximum coziness.

Serving and Storing Your Cheeseburger Pasta

This dish is best served hot, straight from the skillet, when the cheese is at peak gooeyness and the sauce coats every bite. Pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a well-rounded meal.

Leftovers? They reheat like a dream. Store your Cheeseburger Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to revive that silky texture. You can also warm it on the stovetop over medium heat.

Freezing is an option too. Let it cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe a bit healthier?

Try using ground turkey or chicken in place of beef, swap in whole wheat pasta, and use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You’ll still get a rich flavor with fewer calories.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Cheeseburger Pasta is great for meal prep. You can make the full dish and reheat later, or prepare the components separately and assemble when ready to eat.

What kind of pasta works best?

Short, sturdy shapes like rigatoni, penne, or elbow macaroni are ideal. They hold onto the sauce and match the meat-to-pasta ratio beautifully.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach can be sautéed with the onion and garlic for extra nutrition and texture.

How can I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when adding the tomato paste. You could also mix in some pepper jack cheese for heat.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved this Cheeseburger Pasta, check out these other comforting and flavor-packed pasta dishes from Life With Olivia:

• Creamy Spicy Buffalo Ranch Pasta for a kick of heat and bold flavor.
• Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce when you’re craving creamy meets savory.
• One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta for the ultimate weeknight indulgence.
• One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese that brings the best of two worlds together.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce if you love ultra-saucy pasta bowls.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Follow Life With Olivia on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you make it extra cheesy or add a spicy twist?

I always love seeing your takes on these dishes. Got questions or swaps to suggest? Share them below—let’s make dinner even better together.

Cheeseburger Pasta

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Cheeseburger Pasta is a one-skillet comfort food recipe that brings together creamy cheese, savory ground beef, and tender pasta. It’s rich, cozy, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. With a creamy sauce and bold flavor, it’s a family favorite that’s easy to make and satisfying to eat.

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Break apart with a spoon and drain excess fat if needed.

2. Add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.

3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

4. Pour in beef broth and heavy cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.

5. If using pre-cooked pasta, add it now. If using dry pasta, stir it in and cover the skillet. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente. Add extra broth if needed.

6. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is creamy.

7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.