Name: Cheeseburger Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 225g rigatoni pasta; 450g ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 cup beef broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

I’ve always loved the comfort of a classic cheeseburger and the warmth of a creamy pasta dish—so why not combine the two? That’s exactly what this Cheeseburger Pasta recipe does. It brings together tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and a savory, creamy sauce that captures everything we love about a juicy cheeseburger. It’s the kind of meal that satisfies cravings fast and pleases everyone around the table.

This dish was born out of a weeknight craving when I had leftover ground beef and a pantry full of pasta. One quick toss in the skillet and a little inspiration later, and this hearty, cheesy one-pan wonder became a go-to dinner in my kitchen. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just looking for a new comfort food twist, Cheeseburger Pasta checks all the boxes.

Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Pasta

Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single pan.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults both devour it—no leftovers guaranteed.
Comfort Food Perfection: Creamy, cheesy, beefy goodness in every bite.
Customizable: You can tweak it based on what’s in your fridge or pantry.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Cheeseburger Pasta?

When it comes to Cheeseburger Pasta, I like to use short, sturdy pasta shapes like rigatoni, penne, or rotini. These shapes have enough structure to hold onto the creamy, cheesy sauce and bits of ground beef. Rigatoni, in particular, is my go-to because the wide tubes soak up all that flavor and make every bite hearty. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti or linguine—they just don’t give you the same satisfying texture or cheesy coating.

Options for Substitutions

Ground Beef: Swap with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives if you’re looking for a leaner or vegetarian option.
Cheese: Cheddar is the classic cheeseburger flavor, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a spicy pepper jack work great too.
Pasta: Gluten-free or whole wheat pasta can be used with no major changes in cooking time. Just cook to al dente.
Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives. Coconut milk adds a creamy texture without an overpowering flavor.
Tomato Sauce: No tomato sauce? You can use ketchup and a little mustard to create a cheeseburger-style sauce with pantry basics.

Ingredients for This Cheeseburger Pasta

Rigatoni Pasta: This sturdy pasta shape is perfect for holding the cheesy, meaty sauce in every bite. Cook it al dente for the best texture.
Ground Beef: The heart of the dish. A good-quality 85/15 ground beef brings rich flavor without being too greasy.
Yellow Onion: Adds a savory, slightly sweet depth to the beef mixture that mimics classic burger toppings.
Garlic: Just a couple of cloves give a nice aromatic boost and round out the flavors.
Tomato Paste: Adds richness and enhances the umami in the sauce without being overly tomato-forward.
Beef Broth: Helps create the sauce base and infuses it with extra beefy flavor.
Heavy Cream: Adds luscious creaminess to balance the savory elements—essential for that cheeseburger comfort feel.
Cheddar Cheese: Melted into the pasta and on top, it brings that gooey, tangy cheeseburger taste.
Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings, but absolutely necessary to bring out all the other flavors.
Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Tomato Paste and Seasoning

Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Pour in Broth and Cream

Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to slightly thicken the sauce.

Step 6: Stir in Cheese

Add in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked rigatoni into the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce.

Step 8: Top with More Cheese and Melt

Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and cover the skillet for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey. Garnish with chopped parsley, if using.

How Long to Cook the Cheeseburger Pasta

This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknights. From start to finish, you’re looking at:

Pasta Cooking Time: 8–10 minutes
Beef Browning & Veggies: 6–8 minutes
Sauce Simmering & Cheese Melting: 8–10 minutes

Total cook time: around 25–30 minutes. That’s all it takes for a rich, cheesy, satisfying meal on the table.

Tips for Perfect Cheeseburger Pasta

Use freshly shredded cheese for better meltability. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
Don’t overcook the pasta. You want it slightly firm (al dente) so it holds up in the sauce.
Drain the beef but leave just a tiny bit of fat for extra flavor if you like a richer sauce.
Let the sauce simmer gently. This helps it thicken without breaking or curdling the cream.
Taste as you go. Adjust salt, pepper, or even add a dash of mustard or Worcestershire sauce for a little burger-style zing.
Add the pasta last. Mixing it in right before serving keeps it from getting too soft or soggy.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcooking the Pasta: Soft, mushy pasta won’t hold up under the rich sauce. Stick to al dente for the best texture.
Skipping the Drain on Beef: Too much grease in the pan can make your sauce oily and heavy. Drain off the excess fat before adding other ingredients.
Using Cold Cheese: Shredded cheese should be at room temperature to melt smoothly into the sauce.
Adding the Cheese Too Early: If you add cheese before the sauce thickens, it can clump or become grainy. Let the sauce simmer first.
Not Seasoning Enough: Don’t forget to salt each layer—from the pasta water to the beef. It builds balanced flavor.
Using Too Much Liquid: Resist the urge to add more broth or cream than needed. The sauce should coat the pasta, not drown it.
Forgetting to Stir Frequently: Especially when melting the cheese—constant stirring ensures a creamy, lump-free sauce.

What to Serve With Cheeseburger Pasta?

Simple Green Salad

A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the pasta. Bonus points for crunchy croutons or pickled red onions.

Dill Pickle Spears

Sounds quirky, but it makes sense—what’s a cheeseburger without pickles? The briny crunch is the perfect pairing.

Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery garlic bread is great for soaking up any leftover cheesy sauce in your bowl.

Roasted Corn on the Cob

Sweet, slightly charred corn adds a nice contrast and keeps the meal feeling fun and casual.

Iced Tea or Lemonade

A refreshing drink rounds out the meal, especially if you’re going full diner-style with your serving.

Crispy Onion Rings

They bring that classic burger joint vibe to the table and add texture to the meal.

Cherry Tomatoes with Sea Salt

Fresh, juicy bites help cleanse your palate between spoonfuls of pasta.

Storage Instructions

Cheeseburger Pasta stores incredibly well, making it a great option for leftovers or meal prep.

Refrigerate: Let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 60-second bursts, stirring between each.
Freeze: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Store in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Avoid freezing if made with dairy alternatives as some non-dairy creams may separate upon reheating.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a rough breakdown for 1 serving (based on 6 servings total):

Calories: 540
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 620mg

Note: Nutrition may vary depending on exact ingredients and portions used.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cheese is best for Cheeseburger Pasta?

Sharp cheddar is the classic pick for that true cheeseburger flavor, but you can mix it with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even American cheese for extra creaminess.

Can I make Cheeseburger Pasta ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes great the next day. Prepare it fully, let it cool, and store in the fridge. Reheat with a splash of milk or broth to bring it back to life.

How can I make this recipe lighter?

Use ground turkey or chicken, low-fat cream, and reduce the cheese slightly. You can also add extra veggies like zucchini or spinach to bulk it up with fewer calories.

Can I make it in the Instant Pot?

Absolutely. Sauté the beef and onions using the sauté function, then add broth, uncooked pasta, and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Stir in cheese and cream after cooking.

What vegetables can I add to Cheeseburger Pasta?

Try adding chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen peas. They blend well and add texture, color, and nutrients.

Is Cheeseburger Pasta kid-friendly?

Very much so! The cheesy, creamy texture and familiar flavors make it a hit with kids. You can even sneak in finely chopped veggies.

How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

Make sure the sauce is gently simmering (not boiling) before adding cheese, and always use freshly grated cheese at room temperature.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use a larger skillet or switch to a Dutch oven to ensure even cooking. Just scale the ingredients accordingly and adjust cooking time slightly.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger Pasta is one of those dishes that just works. It’s quick, comforting, and packed with bold flavors that bring the best parts of a cheeseburger straight into your pasta bowl. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family, prepping lunches for the week, or just craving something deliciously cheesy, this recipe has you covered. Once you try it, it might just earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.