Name: Cheeseburger Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended); 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 cup diced yellow onion; 1/2 cup diced dill pickles; 1 can tomato sauce (15-ounce); 1/2 cup ketchup; 1 tbsp yellow mustard; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

When the family is craving a diner favorite but you want it on the table fast, Cheeseburger Pasta delivers with ground beef, cheddar, and tangy pickles all in one skillet. Simmering the savory sauce with Worcestershire and ketchup blends those classic burger flavors, while melted Monterey Jack makes every bite extra cozy. Ready in 40 minutes, this all-in-one dish is a surefire weeknight win that everyone will devour.

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A completed skillet of Cheeseburger Pasta with melted cheese and parsley garnish

Ingredients for Cheeseburger Pasta

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating this comforting ground beef pasta. I love how each one builds on the next to create that classic burger flavor we all crave.

All the raw ingredients for making Cheeseburger Pasta on a counter

For the pasta

Elbow Macaroni – The classic choice here, but feel free to use any short pasta you love.

For the beef mixture

Olive Oil – Just a bit to get things going in the skillet.

Ground Beef – An 80/20 blend works best for that perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
Kosher Salt – Essential for seasoning the beef just right.

Black Pepper – Adds a subtle kick to the dish.
Onion Powder – A quick flavor boost that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Garlic Powder – For that savory depth you’ll love.
Yellow Onion – Diced finely for a sweet, caramelized bite.

Dill Pickles – Adds tangy crunch—trust me, it’s a must!

For the sauce

Tomato Sauce – The base that ties everything together.
Ketchup – A classic cheeseburger flavor you can’t skip.
Yellow Mustard – Adds a zesty punch that’s oh-so-good.
Worcestershire Sauce – A secret weapon for umami richness.

For the cheese and garnish

Cheddar Cheese – Shredded and melty, just like on a burger.
Monterey Jack Cheese – For a creamy, gooey finish.
Fresh Parsley – Chopped and sprinkled on top for a bright, fresh touch.

Cook Time for Easy Cheeseburger Pasta

One of the best parts of this one pot cheeseburger pasta is how quickly it comes together on a busy night. From start to finish, you’re looking at just 40 minutes for a complete, family-pleasing meal.

That breaks down to about 15 minutes of quick prep and 25 minutes of hands-on cooking. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner idea when you need something satisfying without a lot of fuss.

If you’re looking for other quick ground beef solutions, you might also love my easy ground beef rice bowl for another simple meal.

How to Make Cheeseburger Pasta

Making this stovetop macaroni with cheeseburger flavors is a straightforward process. Just follow these simple steps for a delicious outcome.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain the pasta using a colander and set it aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder.

Use a wooden spoon to break the beef into small crumbles and cook for about 8 minutes, or until the meat is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Ground beef browning in a skillet for Cheeseburger Pasta

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Add 1 cup of diced yellow onion to the skillet with the cooked beef. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and translucent. Stir in 1/2 cup of diced dill pickles and cook for an additional 1 minute.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Pour 1 (15-ounce) can of tomato sauce, 1/2 cup of ketchup, 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard, and 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce into the skillet. Stir thoroughly to combine the ingredients.

Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend into a rich, creamy tomato sauce based pasta dish.

Simmering sauce for the Cheeseburger Pasta in a skillet

Step 5: Combine and Melt Cheese

Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the skillet and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top.

Cover the skillet and let it sit for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and gooey.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. Serve the cheeseburger pasta immediately while hot for the best experience.

The final plated serving of Cheeseburger Pasta with melted cheese

Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make this cheeseburger pasta recipe even more foolproof and customizable. Here are my favorite ways to make it your own.

Flavor Swap: For a different twist, try using a smoky bbq sauce in place of the ketchup. It gives the whole dish a grilled, summery feel that’s absolutely delicious.

Diet Tweak: You can easily make this with ground turkey or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Just be sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Prep/Texture Fix: For the best one pot ground beef macaroni skillet, don’t overcook your pasta initially. It will continue to soften slightly when you mix it with the sauce.
Storage/Reheat Tip: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. For another great make-ahead meal, check out my hearty cowboy casserole.

Nutrition and Health Benefits

While cheeseburger pasta is definitely a comfort food favorite, I believe in celebrating the nourishing qualities of real ingredients. This dish offers a good balance of protein, carbs, and even some veggies tucked in there.

Ground beef provides iron and B vitamins, while the tomato sauce brings lycopene and vitamin C. For a deeper look at the nutritional profile of beef, Harvard’s resource is wonderfully informative. And of course, using whole ingredients means you control what goes into your family’s meal.

Here’s a quick look at the nutrition per serving for this particular Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe:

Nutrient	Approximate Amount
Calories	520
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fat	24g

Remember, you can always lighten it up depending on your choices. If you love ground beef recipes, you might also enjoy my simple ground beef tacos for another protein-packed option.

A Lighter Version of Cheeseburger Pasta

If you’re looking for a healthier take on this easy Cheeseburger Pasta, I’ve got a few simple swaps that keep all the flavor. Sometimes I use lean ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter feel, and it works beautifully.

You can also use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for extra fiber. For the cheese, try a reduced-fat version or use a bit less. The pickles and seasonings still give you that tangy, savory beef pasta with pickles taste we all love.

Another great weeknight dinner idea is my spinach and feta turkey burgers if you want a lighter burger-inspired meal. For more pasta variety, this healthy pasta salad is always a hit at our house.

Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets

I know many of you are sugar conscious or managing dietary needs, so I always think about how to adapt my recipes. For a more diabetic-friendly version of this cheeseburger pasta, you can make a few gentle tweaks without losing that cozy comfort.

First, consider using a no-sugar-added ketchup or even a touch of tomato paste mixed with water. For those monitoring glycemic impact, whole grain pasta can be a great low glycemic index option. You might also try a natural sweetener like stevia in any condiment adjustments, though the dish is quite savory on its own.

Portion size is key for glucose-friendly eating, so serve it with a big green salad on the side. Remember, it’s all about balance and making small changes that work for your body.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Pasta

I love serving this one pot Cheeseburger Pasta straight from the skillet at the table—it makes everyone feel right at home. It’s a complete meal on its own, but a simple side salad or some steamed green beans round it out perfectly.

For drinks, iced tea or a light beer pair wonderfully with those savory flavors. Honestly, this dish always takes me back to summer cookouts and family gatherings, where good food and laughter just go together.

Cheeseburger Pasta served in a bowl with a fresh side salad

I remember one evening, my nephew tried this for the first time and said, “It’s like a cheeseburger you can eat with a spoon!” That’s the magic of this stovetop macaroni with cheeseburger flavors—it’s familiar, fun, and totally satisfying.

If you’re looking for another family-friendly pasta, my chili cheese pasta has a similar cozy vibe. And for a different twist on burger night, these irresistible crack burgers are always a crowd-pleaser.

Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve made this Cheeseburger Pasta countless times over the years, and through all those cozy family dinners, I’ve learned a few easy tricks to make it foolproof. Here’s what to watch for so your one pot dinner comes out just right every time.

First, be careful not to overcook the pasta—it should be al dente when you turn off the heat because it will keep absorbing that delicious creamy tomato sauce. I’ve also found that browning the ground beef properly makes a big difference; don’t rush this step or you’ll miss out on those rich, savory beef pasta flavors we all love.

Another tip: don’t skip letting the dish rest for a few minutes off the stove. It helps the sauce thicken and the cheese melt into gooey perfection. And if you’re adapting this for special diets, take a look at my healthy pasta salad for more bright, balanced ideas.

Lastly, I always remind friends to stir in the cheese off the heat to avoid that grainy texture. For deeper guidance on ingredient choices, the nutritional profile of beef is a great resource to explore. Trust me, a little attention to these details makes this easy Cheeseburger Pasta unforgettable.

How to Store Cheeseburger Pasta

This stovetop macaroni with cheeseburger flavors is one of those dishes that somehow tastes even better the next day—like it’s been gathering all its cozy, comforting vibes overnight. I often make a double batch so we can enjoy it for lunches, just like my mom used to do with her Sunday suppers.

Let the pasta cool completely before storing. I prefer airtight glass containers—they keep the flavors fresh and are so easy to grab from the fridge. It will stay delicious for up to 4 days, though in our house, it rarely lasts that long!

You can also freeze this Cheeseburger Pasta for up to 3 months. Just portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to bring back that saucy consistency.

If you’re looking for another make-ahead ground beef favorite, my cowboy casserole is always a hit. And for more easy, family-approved ideas, these sloppy joes are perfect for busy evenings.

Try This Cheeseburger Pasta Yourself

I truly hope you and your family love this Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe as much as we do. There’s something magical about bringing the joy of a backyard burger into a simple, comforting one pot meal—it just feels like home.

I’ll never forget the first time I made this for a potluck; friends kept asking for the recipe, and now it’s a regular in their dinner rotations too. Cooking should be about sharing, experimenting, and creating memories around the table.

If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. And if you’re craving more weeknight dinner ideas, don’t miss my hearty ground beef rice bowl, zesty spicy garlic penne, or these juicy chicken burgers. Happy cooking, friends!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the ingredients in cheeseburger pasta?

You’ll need ground beef, pasta, onion, garlic, beef broth, tomato sauce, pickles, cheddar, and American cheese. It’s a simple, savory combination that comes together in one pot for a creamy tomato sauce based pasta dish everyone adores.

How to make cheeseburger pasta?

Brown the beef with onions, then stir in the broth, pasta, and seasonings. Simmer until the pasta is tender, then melt in the cheese off the heat. For more step-by-step ground beef recipes, try my simple ground beef tacos—they’re just as easy and delicious.

How long does it take to cook cheeseburger pasta?

From start to finish, this easy Cheeseburger Pasta comes together in about 30 minutes. It’s one of those quick, satisfying meals that never fails on a busy weeknight.

What are some common toppings for cheeseburger pasta?

We love extra pickles, diced tomatoes, a dollop of special sauce, or even some crispy bacon. It’s all about making your one pot ground beef macaroni skillet feel like your favorite burger in a bowl.

What are some variations of cheeseburger pasta?

Try using ground turkey, different cheeses, or adding veggies like spinach or mushrooms. For another fun twist, my BBQ steak pasta brings smoky, sweet notes to your pasta night.

More Cozy Family Dinners You’ll Love

If this Cheeseburger Pasta hit the spot, here are a few more hearty recipes that always bring everyone to the table.

Irresistible Crack Burgers – Juicy, cheesy, and totally addictive with a special sauce you’ll want to put on everything.

Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad – A bright, herby side that’s perfect for picnics and potlucks.
Hearty Chili Cheese Pasta – All the comfort of chili meets melted cheese and tender pasta.
Classic Best Burger Recipe – Simple, timeless, and always a crowd-pleaser for grill nights.

Savory Cheeseburger Pasta