Quick & Creamy One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

One pot cheeseburger pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner hero. It combines all the best things about a cheeseburger—savory beef, tangy relish, and gooey cheddar—into a creamy, satisfying pasta dish. And the best part? It cooks in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze!

I first whipped up this recipe after a long day when I was craving something hearty but didn’t want to babysit a stovetop full of pans. With a little experimentation, I realized how easy it is to turn ground beef and pantry staples into a homemade cheeseburger pasta skillet that tastes like a diner favorite. Now, it’s my go-to for those nights when I want big flavor with minimal effort.

How to Make One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

This recipe brings together all the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger, but with a creamy twist thanks to the melted cheddar and hot dog relish. Trust me, it’s a quick cheeseburger pasta dinner you’ll find yourself making again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy cheeseburger pasta recipe. Each ingredient plays a role in delivering all those bold, comforting flavors of a cheeseburger!

• 1 yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 lb. ground beef
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 8oz. can tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 lb. pasta shells (uncooked)
• 4 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 Tbsp hot dog relish
• 2 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)

For tools, grab a large, deep skillet with a lid and a wooden spoon. That’s it—this one pot ground beef pasta recipe keeps it simple!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to create this easy cheeseburger pasta dish, step by step. Follow along, and you’ll be dishing out bowls of creamy, cheesy goodness in just 30 minutes.

1. Sauté the onion and beef. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and ground beef. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and the onion is soft and translucent. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
2. Add the flour. Sprinkle the flour over the beef mixture. Stir and cook for 1 minute. (The flour will absorb the fat and help thicken the sauce later.) Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
3. Add liquids and pasta. Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, then stir to dissolve the flour from the bottom of the pan. Add the uncooked pasta shells and stir to combine. Don’t worry if all the pasta isn’t completely submerged—it’ll cook just fine.
4. Cover and simmer. Put a lid on the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir the pasta to loosen any stuck pieces, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. Melt the cheese. Turn off the heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar over the skillet. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
6. Add the relish and garnish. Stir in the hot dog relish for that signature cheeseburger flavor. (If you don’t have relish, mix dill pickle relish with yellow mustard.) Top with sliced green onions if desired, and serve hot!

Jake’s Tips for Perfect One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

Want to make this recipe even better? Here are my top tricks for nailing this homemade cheeseburger pasta skillet every time:

• Give the pasta a stir. While it simmers, make sure to stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the skillet or clumping together.
• Turn up the relish. The hot dog relish is the secret ingredient that makes this dish truly “cheeseburger-y.” Don’t skip it! If you can’t find it, mix dill pickle relish with a teaspoon of yellow mustard.
• Boost the flavor. Want an extra kick? Add a pinch of garlic powder, smoked paprika, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture before adding the liquids.
• Make it your own. Swap the pasta shells for macaroni, penne, or even rotini—any short pasta will work.

One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions about this recipe. If you’re wondering how to customize it or how to store leftovers, I’ve got you covered!

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Shells work best, but any short pasta like elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne will do. Just check the package for cooking times and tweak as needed.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Sure! Swap the ground beef for plant-based ground meat, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. It’ll taste just as amazing!

What can I serve with this one pot cheeseburger pasta?

It’s a meal on its own, but a simple green salad or steamed veggies make a great side dish. Garlic bread works if you’re feeling indulgent!

Wrapped Up in Cheesy Goodness

I hope you love this one pot cheeseburger pasta as much as I do! It’s quick, comforting, and cleanup is minimal—perfect for busy nights or anytime you’re craving a cozy dinner. If you give it a try, let me know how it turned out in the comments below. I’d also love to hear about any creative spins you put on the dish!

For more easy and flavorful meals, check out my other one-pot wonders and quick dinner recipes. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends or tag KitchenShortcuts.net when you post your creations on social media. Let’s keep the kitchen fun, easy, and delicious!