Imagine everything you love about a classic cheeseburger—savory beef, tangy ketchup, melty cheddar—tossed together with tender pasta in a single, comforting skillet. That’s exactly what you get with Cheeseburger Pasta: a weeknight miracle that combines familiar burger flavors with the joy of a baked pasta. It’s creamy, hearty, packed with flavor, and exactly the kind of meal that brings people to the table with big hungry smiles. Whether you need a family-friendly dinner or crave some serious comfort food, this dish checks every box.

Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cheeseburger Pasta lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component plays a starring role, from the rich beef to the gooey cheese, creating layers of flavor and plenty of heartiness. Here’s what brings this dish to life:

Elbow macaroni: Classic, kid-approved, and perfect for catching all that cheesy sauce—swap in any short pasta if you like.
Ground beef: The foundation of that unmistakable cheeseburger taste—substitute turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to balance the tangy elements in the sauce.
Garlic: Just two cloves bring lovely aromatic warmth to the background.
Diced tomatoes: A can of tomatoes introduces moisture, a hint of acidity, and a nice bite.
Tomato paste: Doubles down on that tomato flavor and thickens everything beautifully.
Mustard: The secret ingredient! Adds a zippy note reminiscent of your favorite burger condiments.
Ketchup: Brings nostalgic sweetness and that unmistakable burger sauce element.
Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the savoriness with an umami kick.
Paprika: Lends subtle smokiness and a gorgeous hint of color to the dish.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for rounding out the flavors—season generously to bring it all together.
Shredded cheddar cheese: The creamy, gooey hero that gives this dish its cheeseburger signature.
Milk: Helps create a truly irresistible cheesy sauce that clings to every bite of pasta.
Olive oil: For sautéing and building flavor from the ground up.
Chopped parsley: Brings a burst of color and freshness as a vibrant finishing touch.

How to Make Cheeseburger Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until perfectly al dente. Give it a quick drain and set aside—don’t forget to reserve a splash of cooking water, just in case you want a looser sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. You want it lovely and browned, with plenty of crispy bits. This step delivers those classic burger flavors and some delicious texture to the finished Cheeseburger Pasta.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Once the beef is mostly cooked, tumble in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about three minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and everything smells amazing—this is where flavors really start to build.

Step 4: Add the Sauce Elements

Now’s the time for all those signature cheeseburger condiments! Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for five minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. If you love the toppings on a cheeseburger, you’ll adore this step.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked macaroni straight into the skillet and fold everything together until the pasta is nicely coated in the beefy tomato sauce. If your skillet seems crowded, don’t worry—this is hearty comfort in one big pan!

Step 6: Make it Creamy and Cheesy

Reduce the heat to low, then pour in the milk and sprinkle on all that glorious shredded cheddar. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce turns creamy and smooth. This is the magic moment where Cheeseburger Pasta comes into its own—silky, cheesy, and oh-so inviting.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Scoop the finished pasta into bowls, shower with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color, and serve warm! For next-level cheeseburger flavor, add a handful of diced pickles over the top—trust me.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Pasta

Garnishes

Take your Cheeseburger Pasta from delicious to dazzling with some fresh garnishes. Chopped parsley is classic, but you can also sprinkle on extra cheddar, thinly sliced green onions, or even a pinch of crushed red pepper for a subtle kick. For that true burger-shop vibe, try topping with diced pickles or a drizzle of extra ketchup and mustard.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp side salads—think a simple green salad dressed with tangy vinaigrette, or even a classic coleslaw for some crunch. Garlic bread is also a huge hit, helping to scoop up every last bit of cheesy sauce. If you’re serving a crowd, a platter of roasted vegetables balances out the hearty, cheesy pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

Cheeseburger Pasta is as fun to serve as it is to eat! Try ladling portions into mini casserole dishes for a playful, diner-style feel. Or “build” your pasta with a family topping bar—let everyone add their favorites like crispy bacon bits, chopped pickles, or a handful of shredded lettuce. For a party, spoon the pasta into slider buns for Cheeseburger Pasta sandwiches—surprisingly tasty, and the ultimate crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheeseburger Pasta is weeknight gold. After cooling completely, store everything in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to three days and the flavors meld beautifully, making each reheated bite even more delicious.

Freezing

This dish can absolutely be frozen for future cravings! Simply portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The cheesiness and savory sauce hold up surprisingly well after freezing, so don’t be shy about doubling up your batch.

Reheating

When you’re ready to revive your Cheeseburger Pasta, scoop what you need into a skillet with a splash of milk or water. Warm over low heat, stirring often. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. Top with a little extra cheese or parsley to freshen up the serving!

FAQs

Can I use another type Main Course

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional and holds the sauce well, any short pasta like shells, rotini, or penne will work. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t get too soft in the cheesy sauce.

Is there a way to make Cheeseburger Pasta lighter?

For a lighter twist, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, and use reduced-fat cheese and milk. You’ll still get all the cheeseburger vibes, but with less richness—perfect if you’re craving comfort food with a healthier twist.

What vegetables can I add?

Feel free to toss in veggies like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even grated zucchini when sautéing the onions and garlic. It’s a sneaky and tasty way to add color and extra nutrition to your Cheeseburger Pasta.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free short pasta and ensure your condiments (especially ketchup and Worcestershire sauce) are gluten-free. The flavor and texture will still be fantastic.

Does this recipe work as a meal prep lunch?

Definitely. Cheeseburger Pasta reheats beautifully and keeps well in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prepping. Divide into individual containers and you’ll have a hot, comforting lunch ready to go all week.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to whip up a big skillet of Cheeseburger Pasta! It’s cozy, satisfying, and full of that playful burger-meets-pasta energy that lights up dinnertime. There’s just something irresistible about this combo—give it a try and let it become a new favorite at your table!

Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cheeseburger Pasta recipe combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the comfort of pasta in a creamy, cheesy dish that is sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

8 ounces elbow macaroni or other short pasta

Cheeseburger Sauce:

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon mustard
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Additional:

1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup milk
2 tablespoons olive oil
Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Add the onion and garlic, cook until softened. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to combine. Reduce heat, pour in the milk, then stir in the shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.