Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet: A One-Pan Comfort Meal

If you love a good cheeseburger and can’t resist a hearty bowl of pasta, then this Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet is about to become your new favorite dinner. It’s got everything you love about a juicy, flavorful cheeseburger—savory beef, zesty ketchup and mustard, and plenty of melty cheddar cheese—all tossed together with tender pasta for a meal that’s easy, filling, and packed with flavor.

The best part? It all comes together in just 30 minutes, in one skillet! That means minimal cleanup and maximum comfort food satisfaction. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving something warm and cheesy, this dish is the perfect solution for busy weeknights.

Let’s dive in and get started!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we start cooking, let’s take a quick look at what you’ll need for this delicious one-pan meal:

Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces macaroni noodles – You can also use penne, rotini, or any pasta you have on hand.
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil – Helps the onions soften and gives the beef a nice sear.
• ¼ cup onion, diced – Adds a little sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 1 pound ground sirloin – Lean and flavorful, but you can use regular ground beef if preferred.
• 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce – Adds a rich, umami depth to the beef.
• 1 teaspoon salt & 1 teaspoon pepper – For simple, balanced seasoning.
• 1 teaspoon Montreal Steak seasoning – Gives the beef that true “burger” flavor!
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic – Because garlic makes everything better.
• ⅓ cup ketchup & 2 Tablespoons mustard – These classic cheeseburger condiments bring in just the right amount of tang and sweetness.
• 28 ounces diced tomatoes – Adds moisture and a slightly tangy base for the sauce.
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded – The star ingredient that brings all the gooey, melty goodness.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in the macaroni noodles and cook them according to the package directions until they’re just al dente (usually around 8-10 minutes).

Once the pasta is done, drain it well and set it aside.

Pro Tip: If you want to keep your pasta from sticking together while you finish the rest of the dish, toss it with a drizzle of olive oil or a splash of pasta water.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Brown the Beef

While your pasta is cooking, grab a large (12-inch) skillet and place it over medium-high heat.

• Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it heat up for a few seconds.
• Toss in the diced onions and sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and slightly golden.

Now it’s time for the beef!

• Add 1 pound of ground sirloin to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks.
• Sprinkle in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, Montreal Steak seasoning, and minced garlic.
• Stir everything together and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes, until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink.

By now, your kitchen is starting to smell absolutely amazing—just like a sizzling cheeseburger on the grill!

Step 3: Add the Cheeseburger Sauce

Once your beef is cooked through, it’s time to add in the signature cheeseburger flavors.

• Stir in the ketchup, mustard, and diced tomatoes (with their juices).
• Mix everything well, making sure the beef is fully coated in the rich, flavorful sauce.
• Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes, so all those flavors can really blend together.

At this point, your skillet should have that perfect balance of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors—just like a classic cheeseburger, but in pasta form!

Step 4: Add the Cheese and Pasta

By now, your skillet is filled with that delicious, beefy, ketchup-mustard-tomato sauce. Now it’s time to turn up the cheesy factor!

• Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
• Keep stirring until the cheese melts into the sauce, making it extra creamy and rich.
• Now, grab your cooked macaroni noodles and pour them right into the skillet.
• Gently stir everything together, making sure every piece of pasta is coated in that cheesy, savory sauce.

At this point, your kitchen probably smells like a burger joint in the best possible way!

Step 5: The Final Cheesy Touch

No cheeseburger-inspired dish is complete without a gooey, melty cheese topping, right?

• Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet.
• Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low.
• Let it sit for about 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese on top is perfectly melted and irresistible.

Pro Tip: If you want a golden, slightly crispy cheese topping, pop the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes instead of covering it with a lid. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

Step 6: Time to Serve!

Once the cheese has melted, your Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet is officially ready to eat!

• Give it a good stir before serving to make sure all that cheesy goodness is evenly distributed.
• Spoon it onto plates or into bowls, and dig in while it’s hot!

This dish is hearty, cheesy, and absolutely packed with flavor, making it the ultimate comfort food. Plus, it’s all done in just one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze.

Serving Suggestions

While this pasta is definitely satisfying on its own, here are a few easy sides that would pair perfectly with it:

• A simple green salad – Adds some freshness to balance out the richness of the pasta.
• Garlic bread or toasted buns – Because what’s a cheeseburger without some bread?
• Roasted or steamed veggies – Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus all work great.
• Pickles on the side – For a true cheeseburger experience, serve with some sliced dill pickles!

Customization Ideas

Want to put your own spin on this Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet? Here are a few fun variations:

✅ Make it spicy – Add some crushed red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce for a kick.

✅ Use a different cheese – While cheddar is the classic choice, you can switch it up with pepper jack, Colby, or even mozzarella for extra melty goodness.

✅ Add crispy bacon – Because bacon cheeseburger pasta sounds like a dream come true! Just cook and crumble some bacon on top before serving.

✅ Sneak in some veggies – Stir in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach for added nutrition.

✅ Try a different protein – Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work just as well.

We’ve cooked the pasta, seasoned the beef, created a rich, cheesy sauce, and brought it all together into one irresistible skillet meal. Now, it’s time to tackle some frequently asked questions and share a few final tips to help you make the most of this delicious Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet.

Let’s jump right in!

FAQ: Your Cheeseburger Pasta Questions Answered

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This dish reheats well, making it a great option for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to loosen up the sauce and warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.

2. Can I freeze Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet?

Absolutely! Let the dish cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stovetop with a little liquid to help bring back the creamy texture.

3. What’s the best pasta to use?

Macaroni is the classic choice, but other short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells work just as well. Choose a shape that holds sauce well for the best texture.

4. Can I make this dish healthier?

Definitely! Here are a few swaps to lighten it up:

• Use whole wheat pasta or a low-carb pasta alternative like chickpea or lentil pasta.
• Swap out the ground sirloin for lean ground turkey or chicken.
• Use reduced-fat cheddar cheese and go lighter on the cheese topping.
• Add in extra veggies like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.

5. Can I make this spicier?

Yes! If you love a little heat, try adding:

• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Diced jalapeños
• A dash of hot sauce
• Pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar

6. What are some fun toppings to add?

Want to take this dish to the next level? Try topping your Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet with:

• Crispy bacon bits for a bacon cheeseburger twist
• A drizzle of burger sauce or ranch dressing
• Diced pickles for a true cheeseburger feel
• Fresh chopped parsley or green onions for color and flavor

Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet is the ultimate easy, comforting, and satisfying meal. It’s packed with all the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger but in a creamy, cheesy pasta form that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.

The fact that it comes together in just 30 minutes with one skillet makes it even better—because let’s be honest, the less cleanup, the better!

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Did you make any fun variations? Add some spicy heat or sneak in extra veggies? Drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out!

Happy cooking! 😊

Print