This homemade One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is better than Hamburger Helper and is the perfect combination of classic cheeseburger flavors and comforting pasta, all cooked in just one pot for easy cleanup. Ready in less than 30 minutes!
Try my family favorite Ground Beef and Rice Casserole next!
We are all about easy dinner recipes at my house and this easy recipe fits the bill.
It's s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser when the hungry troops are in need of some delicious comfort foods.
The entire family gets excited when I make it, which is awesome because of how simple it is to make.
It's one of those meals you can serve up on busy weeknights when you need to get something on the table fast.
If you're into one-pot meals like we are, make this hearty meal tonight! I promise it won't disappoint.
Why you'll love it
Easy to make: This homemade version of hamburger helper is almost as simple and easy-to-make as the boxed stuff- without all those hard to pronounce ingredients. This dish requires only a few ingredients and minimal cooking time. One pot cooking makes clean up a breeze!
Versatile: Can be customized to your liking. You can add different types of cheese, vegetables, or spices to make it more interesting and flavorful.
Kid-friendly: The whole family will love this one, especially the kids. The familiar taste of cheeseburgers makes it a great choice for family dinners or lunch boxes.
Budget-friendly: This meal that won't break the bank. Ground beef and pasta are both affordable ingredients and readily available at the grocery store.
Equipment suggestions
Ingredients
Scroll to the bottom for precise amounts and a printable recipe card.
- Lean ground beef - ground meat is the classic ingredient. We like to use ground sirloin because there isn't a lot of excess fat. Ground turkey and ground chicken, and even ground sausage make nice substitutes.
- Cornstarch - to help thicken the cheese sauce.
- Paprika
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Salt and Black pepper
- Sugar - can be reduced or omitted
- Ketchup - tomato sauce can also be used instead.
- Beef broth - we like the flavor of beef broth, but chicken broth can be substituted.
- Milk - we use 2%, but you can use what you have on hand.
- Uncooked elbow pasta (macaroni) - this is the traditional pasta shape, but shells and rotini pasta work well too. I find that the short shapes work best.
- Sharp cheddar cheese - mild or medium cheddar will also work.
- Parsley or sliced green onions for garnish, optional
Instructions
STEP ONE: In a large pan over a medium-high heat, add ground beef. Cook until no longer pink.
STEP TWO: To the pan with the beef add your cornstarch, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, sugar, pepper, ketchup, beef broth and milk. Stir to combine.
STEP THREE: Turn heat to high then add in the elbow pasta, stirring to combine then let it come to a boil.
STEP FOUR: Once boiling, cover and reduce heat to a simmer.
STEP FIVE: Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the noodles are cooked to al dente.
STEP SIX: Remove from heat. Stir in the cheese.
STEP SEVEN: Once the cheese is melted, garnish with parsley or sliced green onions and serve!
Cooking Tips
- Use a large pot: make sure you use a large pot to avoid any spills or overflows.
- Stir frequently: stir it frequently to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Add a dash of hot sauce, a pinch of red pepper flakes, a teaspoon of chili powder, some chopped fresh tomatoes, and garnish with chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream for a Tex-Mex twist.
Storing and Reheating
First, make sure to transfer your leftovers into an airtight container. This will help prevent any odors from seeping into your pasta and keep it fresh for a longer period. You can use a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid or a resealable bag.
Next, place your container of leftovers in the refrigerator as soon as possible. Leaving it out at room temperature for too long can cause bacteria to grow, which can lead to food poisoning. Your One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta can last up to three to four days in the refrigerator.
When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, you can reheat them using a microwave or stove. If you're using a microwave, place your pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat it for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally until it's heated through.
If you prefer to reheat your pasta on the stove, add a splash of water or milk to the pan and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it's heated through. Be sure to check the temperature of your pasta to make sure it's hot enough to eat.
It's important to note that the texture of your One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta may change slightly after being stored and reheated. The cheese may become more gooey, and the pasta may become softer. However, the flavors will still be delicious, and you can enjoy your homemade dish for another meal the next day.
FAQ
Yes, you can use different types of pasta in this recipe. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of pasta you use.
Absolutely! While cheddar cheese is the classic choice for cheeseburger pasta, you can use any type of cheese you like. Some great options include mozzarella, provolone, or a blend of different cheeses. Just make sure to shred the cheese before adding it to the dish.
Yes, you can add vegetables to the dish to make it healthier and more filling. Some great options include diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms. Just sauté the vegetables in the same pot before adding the beef and pasta.
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it when you're ready to serve. Just store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to reheat, add a splash of milk to the pot and heat over low heat until warmed through.
Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store the pasta in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to eat, thaw the pasta in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
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📖 Recipe
One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef ground sirloin
- ½ tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cups milk
- 16 ounces elbow pasta
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- Parsley or sliced green onions for garnish optional
Instructions
- Add ground beef to a large pan over medium-high heat. Cook until no longer pink.
- To the pan with the beef add your cornstarch, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, sugar, pepper, ketchup, beef broth and milk. Stir to combine.
- Add in the elbow pasta. Stir and bring to a boil.
- Cover and reduce heat to simmer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until pasta is cooked to al dente.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the cheese, adding more if desired.
- Once the cheese is melted, garnish with parsley and serve!
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