Easy Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet – The Ultimate One-Pan Dinner
If you love the comfort of a cheeseburger and the heartiness of pasta, then this Easy Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet is about to become your new weeknight hero. This one-pan wonder takes all the savory flavors of a juicy cheeseburger—seasoned beef, melty cheddar cheese, and a touch of onion—and combines them with tender pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
This skillet recipe brings together the best of two comfort food favorites in under 30 minutes. The pasta soaks up the rich beef broth and seasonings while the cheese melts into a luscious sauce that coats every bite. The result? A dish that’s as family-friendly as it is indulgent. Serve it straight from the skillet for a rustic, cozy vibe that will make everyone head back for seconds.
For more quick and hearty dinner ideas, you might also enjoy my Creamy Garlic Parmesan Crispy Chicken or these flavorful Italian Sausage Zucchini Boats for a lighter twist.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet
It’s a one-pan meal, which means minimal cleanup and no juggling multiple pots and pans. It’s ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for weeknights. The ingredients are simple, affordable, and easy to find in any grocery store. It’s kid-approved, thanks to the creamy cheese sauce and familiar cheeseburger flavors. It’s versatile—swap in different cheeses, pasta shapes, or seasonings to suit your taste. And it reheats beautifully, so leftovers are just as good the next day.
Easy Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet – The Ultimate One-Pan Dinner
Ingredients
- ½ onion diced
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- ¼ cup dry sherry or beef broth
- 3 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups dry rotini noodles
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook onion and beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onion until softened, about 3 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Season and thicken: Stir in garlic powder, flour, and paprika. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Deglaze: Add dry sherry (or beef broth) to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add liquids and pasta: Pour in beef broth, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir in rotini noodles. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked and sauce thickens.
- Add cheese: Remove skillet from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve: Spoon into bowls and enjoy warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, top with diced pickles or a drizzle of ketchup and mustard.
- Swap rotini for elbow macaroni, penne, or your favorite short pasta.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ½ onion, diced – adds savory depth to the beef
- 1 lb. lean ground beef – the star protein
- 2 tsp garlic powder – enhances flavor without overpowering
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour – thickens the sauce
- 1 tbsp paprika – gives warmth and color
- ¼ cup dry sherry or beef broth – deglazes the pan and adds flavor
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth – creates a rich base for the sauce
- 1 cup milk – adds creaminess
- 1 ½ tsp salt – seasons the dish perfectly
- ½ tsp black pepper – for a little kick
- 2 cups dry rotini noodles – holds the sauce in every curve
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese – melts into gooey perfection
How to Make Easy Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet
Step 1 – Cook the Onion and Beef
Place a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the lean ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 2 – Add Seasonings and Flour
Stir in the garlic powder and paprika. Sprinkle the flour over the beef and onions, stirring well to coat. This step will help thicken the sauce later. Cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Step 3 – Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the dry sherry (or beef broth if preferred) and stir, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits for extra flavor. Let it simmer for about 1 minute.
Step 4 – Add Liquids and Pasta
Pour in the beef broth, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then add the dry rotini pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 5 – Add the Cheese
Once the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6 – Serve
Serve hot directly from the skillet for a cozy, family-style dinner. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh pop of color if desired.
Pro Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Pasta
Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest melt—pre-shredded cheese can sometimes be grainy due to anti-caking agents. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes. For a more “burger-like” flavor, stir in a teaspoon of yellow mustard or a splash of pickle juice before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
Swap rotini for penne, elbow macaroni, or shells. Try using half cheddar and half mozzarella for a creamier texture. Add chopped cooked bacon for a bacon cheeseburger pasta twist. Stir in diced pickles just before serving for an authentic burger bite. For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
What to Serve With Cheeseburger Pasta
Serve with a simple side salad to balance the richness. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are perfect for scooping up extra sauce. For a veggie boost, serve with roasted broccoli or green beans.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce. To freeze, portion into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead? Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to eat, just reheat, add pasta, liquids, and cook as directed.
Can I make it gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free pasta and replace the flour with cornstarch (about half the amount).
Can I add vegetables? Absolutely—diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach make great additions.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving Size | 1 ½ cups |
|---|---|
| Calories | 475 |
| Total Fat | 23g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
| Sodium | 820mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 39g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Protein | 28g |
Conclusion
This Easy Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet delivers everything you love about a cheeseburger in a quick and comforting pasta dish. With just one pan, a handful of pantry staples, and under 30 minutes, you can have a hearty, cheesy, and flavor-packed meal that the whole family will love. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend indulgence, this recipe is sure to be on repeat in your kitchen.
