Name: One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound 80/20 ground beef; 1 yellow onion, finely chopped; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 4 cups beef broth; 1 (15-ounce) canned crushed tomatoes; 1/4 cup drained hamburger dill pickle chips, finely chopped, plus more chips for garnish; 3 tablespoons yellow mustard; 3 tablespoons ketchup; 8 ounces uncooked cavatappi pasta; 1 (8-ounce) package shredded sharp Cheddar cheese; 2 ounces cream cheese, cut into pieces; Toasted sesame seeds; Sliced scallions

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 13 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe with friends and family because it combines two of my favorite comfort foods into one easy, satisfying dish. The rich cheeseburger flavors mingle perfectly with tender pasta, offering a warm hug on a plate that feels indulgent yet simple to make. The tang of yellow mustard and the delightful crunch of pickles create a nostalgic twist I always look forward to when whipping up this recipe.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

What excites me most about this recipe is how the flavors transport me right back to those classic cheeseburger moments, but with a fun pasta spin. The smoky paprika, the sharp Cheddar, and that briny pickle pop come together in a way that’s bold, creamy, and utterly crave-worthy. Every bite feels balanced with that familiar cheeseburger tang, making this dish unexpectedly delicious and so satisfying.

Besides the incredible taste, I really appreciate how easy it is to prepare since it all cooks in one pot. That means minimal cleanup and maximum comfort food with less time fussing in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers when I want something tasty but hassle-free. Plus, it’s such a crowd-pleaser — I can’t tell you how many times this One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe has earned compliments at family dinners or even small parties!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pot filled with reddish-brown pasta sauce and spiral pasta sits on a white marbled surface. The sauce is thick with visible tomato pieces and small green herbs mixed throughout. A silver spoon with a brown handle rests inside the pot. Next to the pot, there is a stack of white plates, a small white bowl with finely chopped red onions, and another small white bowl with shredded yellow cheese. A folded blue cloth lies under the pot, with three silver forks placed on top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in flavor, texture, or color. Whether it’s the richness from ground beef or the tangy notes from mustard and pickles, every ingredient is carefully selected to build a cohesive and delicious dish.

Ground beef (80/20): Provides savory richness and juiciness essential for that classic cheeseburger taste.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth to build the flavor base.
Garlic cloves: Bring warmth and aromatic notes for extra savoriness.
Kosher salt: Enhances all flavors without overpowering.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right touch of heat and complexity.
Tomato paste: Delivers a concentrated tomato richness that coats the beef beautifully.
Onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor subtly for a well-rounded profile.
Smoked paprika: Provides smoky warmth that makes the dish unique and inviting.
Garlic powder: Reinforces garlic notes without extra chopping.
Beef broth: The cooking liquid that infuses pasta with meaty flavor.
Canned crushed tomatoes: For a bright tomato base that complements the beef.
Hamburger dill pickle chips: The secret star; their briny tang elevates every bite.
Yellow mustard: Key to nailing that nostalgic cheeseburger tang.
Ketchup: Adds subtle sweetness and tomato nuance.
Cavatappi pasta: The perfect curly shape to trap sauce in every bite.
Sharp Cheddar cheese: Rich, melty cheese that brings cheeseburger bliss.
Cream cheese: Smooths and adds luscious creaminess to the sauce.
Toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions: For garnish, adding crunch and fresh brightness.

Directions

Step 1: Gather all your ingredients and make sure your onion is finely chopped and garlic minced to keep that intense flavor balanced throughout the dish.

Step 2: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add your ground beef, onion, garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook this mixture, stirring occasionally, until the beef loses its pink color and the onions become translucent, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes.

Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste, onion powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Keep stirring constantly so that the tomato paste evenly coats the beef mixture—this should take roughly one minute and really builds that deep flavor base.

Step 4: Add the beef broth, canned crushed tomatoes, finely chopped pickle chips, yellow mustard, and ketchup to the pan. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, ensuring all ingredients start melding together beautifully.

Step 5: Stir in the uncooked cavatappi pasta, making sure it’s completely submerged in the liquid. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes.

Step 6: Remove the pan from heat and immediately add the shredded sharp Cheddar cheese and pieces of cream cheese. Stir constantly until all the cheese melts into a creamy, luscious sauce—this takes about 2 minutes.

Step 7: Spoon the pasta into bowls and finish by garnishing with extra pickle chips, toasted sesame seeds, and sliced scallions for a fresh, crunchy contrast. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe makes about 6 generous servings, perfect for a family meal or feeding a small group of friends. The prep time is a quick 10 minutes, followed by around 35 minutes of cooking, so the total time commitment is roughly 45 minutes. There’s no need for resting or cooling time since this dish tastes best served hot and fresh right out of the pan.

How to Serve This One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

A large white pot filled with spiral pasta covered in a thick reddish-brown sauce with visible chunks of tomatoes and green herbs, with a silver spoon inside the pot. Around the pot, there are three white bowls: one with the same pasta and sauce, topped with finely chopped red onions, shredded orange cheese, and white sesame seeds, another bowl filled with chopped red onions, and a third bowl containing shredded orange cheese. A small blue bowl holds white sesame seeds with a few scattered around it. A woman's hand holds a fork in the bowl of pasta at the bottom of the image. The background is a white marbled texture with a blue cloth near the pot. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this dish, I like to keep things simple but flavorful with complementary sides that don’t overpower the bold cheeseburger taste. A crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette or some roasted veggies work beautifully to add freshness and balance. I also enjoy pairing it with classic French fries or even onion rings for that full diner-inspired experience at home.

For garnishing, those toasted sesame seeds and scallions are not just pretty—they add a subtle crunch and fresh zest that really brighten the rich pasta. Sometimes, I like to add a sprinkle of extra sharp Cheddar or a drizzle of mustard on top for an extra layer of cheeseburger flair. I usually serve it piping hot in deep bowls to keep the cheese sauce cozy and melty throughout the meal.

As for drinks, I personally love pairing this dish with a cold, crisp beer or a light red wine like a Pinot Noir that complements the smoky paprika and sharp cheese. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling lemonade or a tangy iced tea helps balance the richness perfectly. This recipe shines during casual weeknight dinners but also feels festive enough for a cozy weekend gathering or game day celebration.

Variations

One of my favorite things about the One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe is how adaptable it is to different tastes and dietary needs. If you want to lighten it up, you could swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat but keep plenty of protein. For a vegetarian version, crumbled plant-based meat alternatives work really well and the smoky paprika helps mimic that grilled flavor.

If you’re gluten-free, just choose your favorite gluten-free pasta type and double-check your broth and condiments; the sauce remains deliciously cheesy and flavorful without wheat. For vegans, you can swap out the cheese with your favorite plant-based cheese and use a vegetable broth instead of beef. Nutrient-rich nutritional yeast mixed in can add a lovely cheesy aroma and depth.

Flavor-wise, I’ve experimented by adding diced bell peppers or swapping out the yellow mustard for spicy brown mustard to wake up the flavor. If you want a smoky kick, a dash of chipotle powder adds a wonderful twist. You can also bake the final pasta in a casserole dish with extra cheese on top for a gooey, golden crust if you prefer something more baked than stovetop.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftovers of this One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days and tastes just as good reheated, especially if you plan to enjoy it within a couple of days. Using glass or BPA-free plastic containers with tight lids helps maintain its freshness and prevents it from absorbing any odors.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, but because of the creamy cheese sauce, I recommend freezing it without the garnish to maintain texture. Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. It keeps well frozen for about 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, I find gently warming it on the stovetop over medium-low heat works best. Add a splash of beef broth or milk to loosen up the sauce as it heats, stirring often to prevent sticking and keep the cheese silky. Avoid microwaving at full power right away, as it can make the cheese sauce separate or get rubbery. Reheating slowly ensures you revive that creamy texture and full flavor perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While cavatappi is great for trapping the sauce, other short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells work wonderfully too. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta’s package instructions and ensure it’s submerged while cooking.

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the entire dish a day ahead and refrigerate it. I recommend reheating gently on the stove with a little extra broth to refresh the sauce. This makes it a convenient option for busy days or entertaining.

How do the pickles affect the dish if I leave them out?

The pickles add that signature briny tang that sets this recipe apart, giving it authentic cheeseburger vibes. If you omit them, the dish might taste a bit less bright and tangy, but it will still be delicious.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, by using gluten-free pasta and checking that your beef broth and condiments don’t contain gluten, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free without sacrificing flavor or texture.

What can I substitute for the cream cheese if I don’t have any?

You can substitute cream cheese with an equal amount of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess, though it may slightly alter the tanginess. Alternatively, an extra handful of shredded Cheddar will also help achieve a rich, cheesy texture.

Conclusion

I truly hope you fall in love with this One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe as much as I have. It’s comforting, flavorful, and fuss-free—exactly what I reach for when I want something satisfying without complicated cooking. Give it a try sometime soon; I promise this cozy blend of cheeseburger goodness and creamy pasta will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection just like it is in mine!