Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you love those meals that come together easy but still hit all the cozy, comforting notes. That’s why I’m so excited to share this fan-freaking-tastic Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet Recipe with you. It’s like your favorite cheeseburger and mac & cheese had a delicious baby — super creamy, cheesy, and packed with that classic burger flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a satisfying, no-fuss dinner.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients all come together to create that crave-worthy cheeseburger flavor with pasta. I like using good quality cheddar cheese because it melts beautifully, and the Worcestershire sauce adds that perfect umami depth everyone loves in a burger.

• Shredded cheddar cheese: Choose a sharp cheddar for a punchier flavor; letting it come to room temp helps it melt smoothly.
• Ground beef (85% lean): This lean-to-fat ratio gives you good flavor without too much grease.
• Salt and pepper: Basic but essential for seasoning the beef right.
• Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and texture to balance the richness.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic enhances the savoriness beautifully.
• Worcestershire sauce: This is my secret weapon; it brings that signature burger taste.
• Tomato paste: Adds richness and depth without overpowering the dish.
• Beef broth: Using broth instead of water infuses the pasta with meaty flavor.
• Elbow macaroni (uncooked): Classic and perfect pasta shape to hold the sauce.
• Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang to balance the cheese.
• Whole milk: For a luscious, creamy texture (room temp is best to avoid curdling).
• Chopped parsley: For a fresh, bright garnish that cuts through the richness.

Variations

I love how flexible this Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet Recipe is. It’s my go-to when I want to switch things up based on what’s in the fridge or cater to different tastes. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

• Add veggies: I’ve thrown in diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra color and texture; it sneaks in some nutrition and the family barely notices!
• Cheese swaps: Sometimes I mix in mozzarella or pepper jack to give it a fun twist and a little extra melty stretch.
• Spice it up: Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce gives it a little kick that my husband absolutely adores.
• Make it vegetarian: Swap the beef for plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth for a tasty meatless option.

How to Make Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Onions

Start by seasoning your ground beef with salt and pepper — don’t be shy here, seasoning is key. Then, over medium heat in your pot, cook the beef with diced yellow onions until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Remember to crumble the beef as you cook for that classic texture. Once done, drain any excess grease, so you don’t end up with a greasy mess. This step lays the flavor foundation for the whole dish.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook just about a minute until fragrant — don’t let it burn! Add Worcestershire sauce and tomato paste, stirring them into the beef mixture. This step is what really deepens the flavor profile, so take a moment to enjoy the smell if you can. You’ll see the color deepen and the aroma become irresistible.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta in Broth

Pour in your beef broth and add the dry elbow macaroni. Stir well to combine everything, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium to medium-low heat. Cover the pot and let it cook for 5 minutes, then uncover and give it a quick stir — this stops the pasta from sticking. Replace the lid, cooking for another 5 minutes or so until the macaroni is just al dente. Perfect timing here ensures your pasta is pleasantly chewy and not mushy.

Step 4: Add Creaminess and Cheese

Turn the heat down to low. Stir in the room temperature sour cream and half of the milk (adding more milk later is optional depending on how creamy you want it). Now, the magic happens — gradually sprinkle in about 2 ½ cups of that beautiful shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly so it melts into a velvety sauce. Once everything is smooth and creamy, sprinkle the remaining cheddar on top, cover the pot again, and let it melt for 2-3 minutes. Your kitchen will smell like absolute heaven at this point!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish off by sprinkling chopped parsley over the top for a fresh burst of color and brightness. Serve it straight from the skillet for that warm, casual vibe. I always like to grab seconds (and sometimes thirds) when I make this one.

How to Serve Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of chopped fresh parsley for that pop of green and freshness, but you can also sprinkle some crispy bacon bits or finely diced dill pickles if you want to nail that classic cheeseburger vibe. A little drizzle of ketchup or mustard on top doesn’t hurt either!

Side Dishes

This skillet meal is hearty enough on its own, but I like serving it with a crisp green salad or some steamed broccoli to balance the richness. Sometimes, garlic bread or a soft dinner roll on the side rounds things out perfectly when I want a more indulgent meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this in cute individual skillet dishes or even baked it topped with extra cheese and crushed potato chips for a crunchy topping surprise. For a fun weeknight twist, try stuffing it into bell pepper halves and baking – it looks beautiful and tastes incredible!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet Recipe store beautifully. I transfer any extras to an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 2 days without losing that creamy texture. Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish successfully, though I recommend freezing before the final cheese topping step. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the oven or on the stove — it keeps the texture more intact that way.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually warm it gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or pop it in the oven covered with foil. Adding a splash of milk while reheating helps bring back that creamy consistency perfectly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I truly love how effortlessly comforting this Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet Recipe is. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just craving something cozy and cheesy, this recipe will be your kitchen MVP. Give it a try—you won’t regret it, and I bet it’ll become a quick favorite in your dinner rotation, just like it did in mine.

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