Easy Cheesy Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet Recipe That Kids Love

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering cheeseburger pasta skillet that combines classic burger flavors in a single pan.

The hearty dish blends ground beef, melted cheese, and tender pasta into a delightful meal everyone will adore.

Weeknight dinners just got seriously delicious with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Rich with savory seasonings and packed with protein, this skillet creation satisfies deep hunger pangs.

One-pan meals simplify cooking while delivering maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of meaty goodness and cheesy indulgence.

What You’ll Need for Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet

• Noodles: A classic pasta that holds the cheesy goodness perfectly.
• Ground Sirloin: A lean, flavorful beef that makes the dish hearty.
• Shredded Cheese: A melty, creamy topping that brings delicious comfort.
• Olive Oil, Worcestershire Sauce, Ketchup, Mustard: Flavor-packed ingredients that add depth and tang.
• Onion, Diced Tomatoes, Garlic: Fresh ingredients that provide texture and aromatic notes.
• Salt, Pepper, Montreal Steak Seasoning: Spices that elevate the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Cooking Instructions for a Flavor-Packed Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Get a big pot of water rolling with a pinch of salt.

Toss in your pasta and cook until tender.

Drain and set aside, ready for the flavor explosion.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Onions

Grab a large skillet and warm it up over medium-high heat.

Drizzle in olive oil and drop in diced onions.

Let them dance and soften until they’re golden and fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Montreal steak seasoning
• Minced garlic

Crumble the meat and cook until it’s completely browned with no pink remaining.

Step 4: Create the Burger Sauce

• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Diced tomatoes
• Shredded cheese (most of it)

Mix everything until it becomes a creamy, tantalizing sauce.

Step 5: Combine and Melt

Pour the cooked pasta into the skillet and gently fold everything together.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover with a lid, and reduce heat to low.

Wait until the cheese transforms into a gooey blanket.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop onto plates and get ready for a flavor journey that combines the best of burgers and pasta in one skillet!

Tips for the Perfect Cheeseburger-Inspired Pasta

• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or a blend to elevate the flavor profile and add a personal touch.
• Remove excess grease from ground sirloin to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing final result.
• Cook noodles just shy of al dente, as they'll continue to absorb moisture in the skillet, preventing mushy or overcooked pasta.
• Chop onions and measure seasonings in advance to streamline cooking and reduce overall preparation time.
• Substitute ground sirloin with lean ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter, lower-fat version of the dish.

How to Keep Cheeseburger Skillet Fresh and Tasty

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Consume within 2 days for best taste and texture. Cheese might separate slightly when reheated, but stirring helps restore consistency.

Side Dishes to Pair with Cheeseburger Pasta

Boost Flavor Pairing: Crisp Dill Pickles – Add tangy, crunchy dill pickle spears or slices on the side to complement the rich, savory cheeseburger pasta and cut through its creamy texture.

Wine Companion: Bold Cabernet Sauvignon – Select a full-bodied red wine with robust tannins that can stand up to the hearty meat and cheese flavors in the skillet dish.

Refreshing Side Salad: Zesty Coleslaw – Prepare a light, vinegar-based coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a hint of apple cider vinegar to provide a bright, crunchy contrast to the pasta’s richness.

Casual Beverage Match: Classic Root Beer – Serve a cold, fizzy root beer that echoes classic cheeseburger nostalgia and offers a sweet, carbonated counterpoint to the savory pasta.

Fun Ingredient Swaps for Cheeseburger Skillet

• Veggie Burger Pasta: Replace ground sirloin with plant-based crumbles or black bean patties for a vegetarian-friendly version that maintains the hearty flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Swap traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the classic cheeseburger taste.
• Spicy Southwestern Remix: Add diced green chilies, swap mustard for hot sauce, and include pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, kicked-up version of the original recipe.

FAQs

• Can I use ground beef instead of ground sirloin?

Yes, ground beef works perfectly fine and is often more budget-friendly. The taste will be similar, and the recipe will still turn out delicious.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Most kids love pasta, cheese, and burger-like flavors. This dish combines all those elements in one easy, tasty meal that children typically enjoy.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this recipe?

No, you just need a large skillet (12 inches or larger), a pot for boiling noodles, and basic cooking utensils like a spatula and measuring cups.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

You can use lean ground beef or turkey, reduce the cheese amount, add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, and use whole wheat pasta for extra nutrition.

Why Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet Hits the Spot

• Speed Up Comfort: Whip up this delightful cheeseburger pasta skillet in just a single pan, minimizing cleanup and saving precious kitchen time.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Combines kid-approved cheeseburger taste with hearty pasta, making it an instant crowd-pleaser that satisfies both adults and children.
• Customizable Creativity: Easily adapt the recipe by switching meats, adding extra vegetables, or experimenting with different cheese blends to match your family's taste preferences.
• One-Pot Dish: Simplifies cooking with a straightforward method that requires minimal culinary skills, perfect for busy weeknights or beginner home cooks seeking a delicious meal.

Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cheeseburger pasta skillet brings classic American comfort food to your dinner table with a delightful twist. Ground beef, melted cheese, and pasta create a hearty one-pan meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound ground sirloin
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 1/2 ounces (14 grams) macaroni noodles
• 1/4 cup onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 28 ounces (794 grams) diced tomatoes

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon Montreal Steak seasoning
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons mustard

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious pot with salted water and cook pasta until al dente, then thoroughly drain and reserve.
2. Position a generously sized skillet over medium-high temperature and introduce olive oil, allowing aromatic onions to soften and become translucent.
3. Incorporate ground sirloin into the skillet, seasoning with Worcestershire sauce, Montreal steak seasoning, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Systematically fragment the meat while cooking until completely browned.
4. Introduce ketchup, mustard, and diced tomatoes to the meat mixture, creating a robust and flavorful base.
5. Gently fold in approximately half of the shredded cheese, stirring until seamlessly integrated and developing a creamy consistency.
6. Cascade the previously cooked pasta into the skillet, meticulously folding to ensure even distribution of the savory meat sauce.
7. Elegantly crown the dish with remaining cheese, then cover and reduce heat, allowing residual warmth to melt the cheese into a luxurious, golden blanket.
8. Once cheese transforms into a molten layer, remove from heat and serve immediately for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

• Swap ground sirloin with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that maintains the classic cheeseburger flavor profile.
• Customize seasoning by experimenting with different spice blends like barbecue or taco seasoning to create unique flavor variations.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding diced bell peppers or zucchini during the sautéing stage for extra vegetables and texture.
• Prevent sticking by using a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan, ensuring even cooking and easy cleanup after preparing this one-pan meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 700
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 100mg