One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta: Quick and Delicious Family Meal

Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen preparing dinner for your family? Look no further! Our one pot cheeseburger pasta recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, satisfying meal without the fuss. This dish combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger with the comfort of pasta, all cooked in a single pot for easy cleanup. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta?

Before we get to the recipe, let’s talk about why this dish is such a winner. One pot meals have gained popularity in recent years, and for good reason. They offer several advantages:

1. Less cleanup: With only one pot to wash, you’ll spend less time doing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
2. Concentrated flavors: Cooking everything in one pot allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
3. Time-saving: By eliminating the need for multiple pots and pans, you can get dinner on the table faster.
4. Convenient: Perfect for busy weeknights or when you don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.

Our one pot cheeseburger pasta recipe takes these benefits and combines them with the beloved taste of a classic American cheeseburger. It’s a match made in culinary heaven!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we start cooking, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this delicious one pot cheeseburger pasta:

One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

One pot cheeseburger pasta is more than just a meal – it's a solution to busy weeknights, a crowd-pleaser for picky eaters, and a comforting dish that brings the whole family together.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Indian

Keyword: One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

Prep Time: 7 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 14 minutes minutes

Total Time: 21 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 People

Calories: 780kcal

Author: Yum Dinner

Equipment

• Large Skillet

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups uncooked short pasta (such as rotini or penne)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional toppings: chopped pickles, diced onions, additional cheese

Instructions

• Brown the Beef and Aromatics

  Start by heating a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm up for about 30 seconds. Then, add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook this mixture for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. Be sure to break up the beef into small pieces as it cooks.
• Add the Pasta and Liquid Ingredients

  Once the beef is browned, it's time to add the pasta and liquid ingredients. First, drain any excess fat from the pot if necessary. Then, add the uncooked pasta, diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, and tomato paste to the pot. Stir everything together to combine.
• Season and Simmer

  Now it's time to add some flavor! Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to distribute the seasonings evenly. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Add the Cheese

  Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, it's time for the best part – the cheese! Remove the pot from the heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Stir it in gently until the cheese is melted and well combined with the pasta mixture. The residual heat from the pasta will melt the cheese perfectly, creating a creamy and cheesy sauce that coats every bite.
• Serve and Enjoy

  Your one pot cheeseburger pasta is now ready to serve! Spoon it into bowls and add any optional toppings you like. Some great choices include chopped pickles for that authentic cheeseburger flavor, diced raw onions for a bit of crunch, or even more shredded cheese for extra indulgence.

Nutrition

Calories: 780kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 45g | Fat: 51g | Cholesterol: 120mg

Tips for Perfect One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

To ensure your one pot cheeseburger pasta turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

1. Choose the right pasta: Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells work best for this recipe. They cook evenly and hold onto the sauce well.
2. Don’t overcook: Keep an eye on the pasta as it simmers. You want it to be al dente – tender but still with a slight bite. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and affect the overall texture of the dish.
3. Adjust the liquid: Depending on your pasta choice and personal preference, you may need to add a little more or less liquid. If the pasta seems too dry, add a splash more beef broth. If it’s too soupy, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid.
4. Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best results, buy a block of cheddar and shred it yourself.
5. Experiment with cheese varieties: While cheddar is classic, feel free to mix it up with other melty cheeses like American, Colby, or even a pepper jack for a spicy kick.

Customizing Your One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

One of the great things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Add veggies: Throw in some diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, add some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the mix.
• Make it healthier: Use lean ground turkey instead of beef and whole wheat pasta for a lighter version.
• Try different seasonings: Experiment with different herbs and spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or Italian seasoning blend.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (and that’s a big if!), this one pot cheeseburger pasta stores and reheats well. Here’s how to handle leftovers:

1. Storage: Allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
2. Reheating: To reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or beef broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Why This One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta is Perfect

This recipe is particularly well-suited for:

1. Familiar flavors: It combines two American favorites – cheeseburgers and pasta – into one comforting dish.
2. Convenience: In a fast-paced society, quick and easy meals are always in demand.
3. Family-friendly: The flavors appeal to both kids and adults, making it a great option for family dinners.
4. Customizable: It’s easy to adapt to different dietary needs and preferences.
5. Comfort food: Americans love their comfort food, and this dish definitely fits the bill.

Conclusion

One pot cheeseburger pasta is more than just a meal it’s a solution to busy weeknights, a crowd-pleaser for picky eaters, and a comforting dish that brings the whole family together. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and delicious results, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

Whether you’re cooking for a family of four or meal prepping for the week ahead, this versatile dish has got you covered. So why not give it a try tonight? Your taste buds (and your dishwasher) will thank you!

“Good food is all the sweeter when shared with good friends.” – Anonymous

Remember, cooking should be fun and stress-free. This one pot cheeseburger pasta recipe embodies that spirit, bringing joy to your kitchen and delicious food to your table. Happy cooking!