One-Pan Skillet Cheeseburger Pasta: Quick, Easy & Delicious!

Craving a cheeseburger but don’t want the hassle of grilling? Or maybe you’re just looking for a comforting, family-friendly meal that comes together in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This One-Pan Skillet Cheeseburger Pasta is the answer to your dinnertime dilemmas. It’s packed with all the flavors you love from a juicy cheeseburger – savory ground beef, creamy cheese, and tangy condiments – all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta in a single skillet. Get ready for a dish that’s sure to become a weeknight staple!

Why You’ll Love This Skillet Cheeseburger Pasta

• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is a major win! Everything cooks in a single skillet, saving you time and effort.
• Quick & Easy: From start to finish, this recipe takes less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Kid-Friendly: What’s not to love about cheeseburger flavors combined with pasta? It’s a guaranteed hit with kids (and adults!).
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by adding your favorite cheeseburger toppings and adjusting the cheese blend.
• Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses readily available and affordable ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious skillet pasta:

• Pasta: 1 pound of pasta. Elbow macaroni is classic, but rotini, penne, or even shells work well too. Choose a shorter pasta shape for the best results.
• Ground Beef: 1 pound of ground beef. You can use lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce grease, or use a blend of ground beef and ground turkey for a lighter option.
• Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, diced. Onion adds depth of flavor and a subtle sweetness.
• Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic is essential for adding a pungent and savory note.
• Beef Broth: 3 cups beef broth. Beef broth provides the liquid for cooking the pasta and infuses the dish with rich flavor. You can substitute chicken broth in a pinch, but the beef broth is highly recommended.
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Tomato paste adds concentrated tomato flavor and helps to thicken the sauce.
• Ketchup: 1/4 cup ketchup. Ketchup provides sweetness and tanginess, just like on a classic cheeseburger.
• Mustard: 2 tablespoons yellow mustard. Yellow mustard adds a characteristic cheeseburger flavor and a slight bite.
• Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Worcestershire sauce adds a savory, umami depth of flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese. Cheddar cheese is the quintessential cheeseburger cheese, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a blend.
• American Cheese: 4 slices American cheese. This is optional, but it melts beautifully and adds an extra creamy, melty cheeseburger element.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste. Season generously to enhance the flavors of the dish.
• Optional Toppings: Diced pickles, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, chopped red onion, crumbled bacon, sesame seeds. These toppings allow you to customize your skillet pasta to your liking!
• Oil or Cooking Spray: For browning the beef.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious One-Pan Skillet Cheeseburger Pasta:

1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron or another heavy-bottomed skillet) over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil or cooking spray. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the browned ground beef. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the Liquids and Seasonings: Stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. If not, add a little more beef broth or water.
5. Simmer and Cook: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet. Check the pasta for doneness – you want it to be al dente (slightly firm to the bite).
6. Melt the Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is melted and creamy. If using, add the slices of American cheese on top and allow them to melt slightly. You can cover the skillet for a minute or two to help the cheese melt completely.
7. Garnish and Serve: Top with your favorite cheeseburger toppings, such as diced pickles, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, chopped red onion, or crumbled bacon. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Skillet Cheeseburger Pasta

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Overcooked pasta will become mushy. Check the pasta for doneness a few minutes before the recommended cooking time and adjust accordingly.
• Adjust the Liquid: If the pasta is absorbing the liquid too quickly and the skillet is becoming dry, add a little more beef broth or water.
• Use a Large Skillet: A large skillet is essential to ensure that the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t overcrowd the pan. A 12-inch skillet is ideal.
• Customize the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella would all be delicious.
• Add Vegetables: For a healthier twist, add some diced vegetables to the skillet along with the onion and garlic. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini would all be great additions.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
• Leftovers: Store leftover skillet cheeseburger pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. You may need to add a splash of beef broth or water when reheating to loosen it up.

Variations and Adaptations

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ideas to customize it to your liking:

• Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta: Cook some bacon until crispy and crumble it on top of the pasta. You can also cook the ground beef in bacon grease for extra flavor.
• Spicy Cheeseburger Pasta: Add a diced jalapeño pepper to the skillet along with the onion and garlic. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Vegetarian Cheeseburger Pasta: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat. You can also add some diced vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
• Chicken Cheeseburger Pasta: Substitute the ground beef with ground chicken or diced cooked chicken.
• Pizza Cheeseburger Pasta: Add some pizza sauce to the skillet along with the other liquids. Top with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni.
• Deluxe Cheeseburger Pasta: add some sauteed chopped mushrooms along with the onions for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This One-Pan Skillet Cheeseburger Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to round out your dinner:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with your favorite dressing.
• Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots.
• Coleslaw: A classic coleslaw for a refreshing contrast.
• French Fries: For the ultimate cheeseburger experience!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions about making skillet cheeseburger pasta:

• Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes! While elbow macaroni is classic, you can use other short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells. Avoid long pasta shapes like spaghetti or fettuccine, as they won’t cook as well in the skillet.
• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef. It’s a leaner option and will still provide plenty of flavor.
• Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth? While beef broth is recommended for the best flavor, you can use chicken broth in a pinch. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can prepare the skillet cheeseburger pasta ahead of time, but the pasta may absorb more of the liquid as it sits. If you’re making it ahead of time, undercook the pasta slightly and add a little more beef broth when reheating.
• How do I store leftovers? Store leftover skillet cheeseburger pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Can I freeze this? It’s not recommended to freeze this dish as the pasta texture can change.

Printable Recipe Card

Enjoy this delightful and easy One-Pan Skillet Cheeseburger Pasta recipe! Let me know in the comments below how it turned out and what variations you tried. Happy cooking!