One-Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

All the cozy flavors of a cheeseburger in a one-pot pasta dinner. This approachable version keeps the method straightforward, with familiar ingredients and a few small details that make dinner easier.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Familiar ingredients with plenty of flavor.
• About 35 minutes from prep to table.
• Easy to round out with pickles and a green salad.

What you’ll need

Keep everything measured and close by before you start. You’ll find the full quantities in the printable recipe card below.

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp mustard
• 3 cups beef broth
• 10 oz elbow macaroni
• ½ cup milk
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar

Let’s make it

1. 01

   Get ready

   Brown beef and onion in a large pot until the beef reaches 160°F. Drain excess fat.

2. 02

   Build the flavor

   Stir in tomato paste, ketchup, and mustard for 1 minute.

3. 03

   Bring it together

   Add beef broth and macaroni. Bring to a simmer, then cook, stirring often, for 10–12 minutes until pasta is tender.

4. 04

   Finish cooking

   Add milk and warm gently, adding a splash of water if the pasta is dry.

5. 05

   Serve and enjoy

   Take off the heat and stir in cheddar until creamy.

Make It Even Better

Stir regularly to keep pasta from sticking to the bottom.

Read through the recipe and measure the ingredients before starting.

Make it your own

Use small shells instead of elbows, adjusting liquid and time as needed.

What to serve with it

Pickles and a green salad

Storage & reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in a shallow, covered container within 2 hours. Use within 3 days. Reheat gently until the center reaches 165°F, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.