Name: Cheeseburger Pasta {One Pot} Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tsp Sunflower oil; 500 g Beef mince (5% fat); 1 Onion (Peeled and chopped); 2 Garlic cloves (Peeled and crushed); 2 Green peppers (Sliced); 750 ml Hot beef stock; 6 tbsp Ketchup; 3 tbsp Mustard (Yellow/American kind); 3 tbsp Worcester sauce; 3 tsp Paprika; Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 250 g Dried pasta; 50 g Pickles (gherkins), chopped; 100 g Cream cheese; 75 g Red Leicester cheese (Grated)

If you love cheeseburgers but wish there was a quicker, less messy way to enjoy all those delicious flavors, I’ve got the perfect dish for you. This Cheeseburger Pasta {One Pot} Recipe is like biting into a classic cheeseburger, but with pasta that’s cooked right in all those tasty juices. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder why this isn’t a dinner staple all year round—it’s cozy, cheesy, and so satisfying!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to relax after dinner.
Classic Comfort with a Twist: It captures the flavors of a cheeseburger in a creamy, pasta dish that’s both hearty and unique.
Perfect for Busy Nights: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s an easy go-to when you want something fast and satisfying.
Family-Friendly: My kids and husband absolutely go crazy for this, and I bet your whole crew will too!

This close-up image shows a pasta dish with three clear layers. The bottom layer consists of curly rotini pasta in a light orange sauce mixed with browned ground meat and slices of green bell pepper. Over this is a thick layer of melted bright orange cheese that appears creamy and rich. On top of the cheese are small chopped green pickles scattered mainly in the upper center area. A metal spoon is visible on the right side, scooping some of the pasta, showing a mix of the pasta, meat, and cheese layers. The dish is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Cheeseburger Pasta {One Pot} Recipe come together like old friends. Each one contributes something special—from the tangy ketchup and mustard to the creamy cheeses and the savory beef stock. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need and some tips on picking the best ones.

Sunflower oil: Great for cooking at high heat without overpowering the other flavors.
Beef mince: I typically use 5% fat for a perfect balance of flavor and less grease.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth once softened.
Garlic cloves: Freshly crushed garlic gives a lovely punch of aroma.
Green peppers: Sliced thin to melt into the dish without losing their crunch.
Hot beef stock: This is key for cooking the pasta and infusing rich meaty flavor.
Ketchup: Brings that familiar tangy-sweet cheeseburger vibe.
Mustard: Yellow or American style is best for authenticity and a little zing.
Paprika: Smoked or sweet, it adds warmth and color.
Worcester sauce: The secret umami boost that elevates everything.
Dried pasta: Choose a sturdy shape like penne or shells that hold sauce well.
Pickles (gherkins): Chopped and stirred in to give those classic cheeseburger crunch bursts.
Cream cheese: Melts into a luscious, creamy sauce you’ll want to savor.
Red Leicester cheese: Grated on top for that melty, golden finish.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Don’t skimp here—the pepper is especially crucial for the right kick.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Cheeseburger Pasta {One Pot} Recipe is. Depending on what’s in your fridge or your family’s tastes, it’s easy to tweak and make it your own. Don’t be shy!

Meat swap: I once swapped beef mince for turkey mince, and it was just as delicious—leaner but still full of flavor.
Spice it up: Add a little chili powder or cayenne if you want some heat; my husband swears by this!
Veggie boost: Sneak in some chopped mushrooms or shredded carrots along with the peppers for extra nutrition.
Dairy-free: Use vegan cream cheese and cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version that still melts beautifully.

How to Make Cheeseburger Pasta {One Pot} Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef to Perfection

Start by heating the sunflower oil in a large saucepan or sauté pan. Add your beef mince and cook over high heat for about 5 to 10 minutes until it’s browned all over. You’ll want to avoid crowding the pan here—if your pan is on the smaller side, do it in batches. Browning well develops the flavor base that makes this dish unforgettable.

Step 2: Build the Flavor with Veggies

Once the beef is beautifully browned, toss in the chopped onion, crushed garlic, and sliced green peppers. Cook these for around 5 minutes until they soften and the onion turns translucent. The garlic and onions will sweeten up and mellow out, and the peppers add a nice pop of freshness you don’t want to miss.

Step 3: Create the Cheeseburger Sauce and Simmer

Pour in 500ml of the hot beef stock, then add ketchup, mustard, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and—this is important—lots of freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything together before adding the dried pasta. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover with a lid and let cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Check the pasta near the end—it should be al dente with a thickened sauce clinging to every bite.

Step 4: Finish Off with Pickles and Cheese

Turn off the heat, then gently stir in the chopped pickles and cream cheese. This is the magic moment where creaminess meets that tangy cheeseburger crunch. Transfer the pan under a preheated grill, sprinkle the grated Red Leicester on top, and grill for about 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese bubbles and melts into a gorgeous golden crust.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheeseburger Pasta {One Pot} Recipe

Don’t Rush the Browning: Taking your time here means richer flavor, so let the mince brown properly without stirring too often.
Keep an Eye on the Pasta: Check a couple minutes before the timer goes off to make sure it doesn’t overcook and turn mushy.
Use Freshly Ground Pepper: Black pepper is a star ingredient here—it amps up the cheeseburger vibe and balances the sweetness.
Grill for the Final Touch: The under-the-grill step is essential for that melty top and gorgeous color, so don’t skip it if you want the full effect.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Pasta {One Pot} Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a white pan filled with a cooked pasta dish made of spiral noodles mixed with ground meat, green bell pepper slices, and melted orange cheese covering the top. The pasta is soft and slightly sauced, with the green peppers layered throughout and bits of browned meat scattered evenly. A silver spoon is partially visible on the right side, resting in the pan, with the pasta and cheese slightly sticking around it. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a handful of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of green freshness that cuts through all the richness. If you want a little extra zing, some finely diced pickles on the side enhance the cheeseburger vibe perfectly.

Side Dishes

Given how filling and flavorful the pasta is, I usually keep the sides simple—think a crisp green salad or some steamed broccoli. If you’re feeling indulgent, homemade oven-baked fries or sweet potato wedges make the perfect “burger and fries” feel.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party, I’ve served this Cheeseburger Pasta in small oven-safe ramekins topped with extra cheese and grilled individually—makes each portion look special and keeps it warm longer. It’s also great scooped onto burger buns for a messy but delightful twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pop any leftovers straight into an airtight container in the fridge. This recipe keeps well for 2-3 days, and the flavors actually deepen after sitting overnight. Just give it a good stir before reheating to keep the sauce smooth.

Freezing

I’ve frozen Cheeseburger Pasta a couple of times, and it works nicely. Just cool it completely, store in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawed, it reheats wonderfully in a pan on low heat with a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it gently on the stove rather than the microwave. Add a little liquid if the sauce seems thickened too much. This keeps the cheese creamy and prevents the pasta from drying out. It reheats fast, so you’ll have dinner ready in minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?

Absolutely! While I recommend sturdier shapes like penne or shells because they hold the sauce well, you can use fusilli, rotini, or even macaroni. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since it may vary slightly depending on the pasta.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the beef mince for a plant-based mince or cooked lentils for protein. Use vegetable stock instead of beef stock. You might want to adjust the seasonings to keep it rich and flavorful.
Why do we add pickles at the end?

The pickles add that signature tangy crunch reminiscent of a cheeseburger. Adding them at the end keeps their texture and flavor vibrant instead of softening and blending too much into the sauce.
Can I skip the grill step?

The grill step is what gives the melted cheese a beautiful golden finish. If you don’t have a grill, you can place the pan in a hot oven for a few minutes or simply cover the cheese and let it melt on the stovetop, though the texture will be less crispy on top.
How can I make this recipe less salty?

Try reducing the amount of Worcestershire sauce and using low-sodium beef stock to start with. Always taste the sauce before adding salt at the end, since ketchup and cheese already contribute saltiness.

Final Thoughts

This Cheeseburger Pasta {One Pot} Recipe has earned a permanent place in my weeknight lineup. It feels like a special treat but comes together so easily—plus, the cleanup is a breeze. Sharing this with you feels like handing over one of my favorite comfort food secrets, and I hope it brings your family as much joy and yum as it brings mine. So grab your pan, gather your ingredients, and get ready to fall in love with an all-in-one meal that’s bursting with cheeseburger goodness in every bite.