This skillet cheeseburger pasta dish is a homemade version of the classic Hamburger Helper cheeseburger pasta. It is flavorful and cheesy and perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal the whole family will love!
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Why this Recipe Works
Quick and easy one pot meals like this skillet cheeseburger pasta are a lifesaver on a busy weeknight, or really any night when you just don't feel like cooking! And just about any cheesy pasta dish is going to be a crowd pleaser at my house.
This tasty dish is a go to when I need something the whole family will love that I can put together in 30 minutes or less. Best of all it uses common pantry ingredients, so it's great when you haven't planned ahead too.
Ingredient Notes
- Ground beef - I recommend a lean ground beef like 90/10. You can sub ground turkey if you prefer
- Low sodium beef broth - you can substitute chicken broth or even water
- Milk - I use 2% milk
- Dry cavatappi pasta - This spiral shaped pasta is great at holding the cheesy sauce, but macaroni noodles or any small shaped pasta will work
- Grated cheddar cheese - Definitely grate your own cheese if possible. It melts so much better than pre-shredded cheese, but pre-shredded will work in a pinch.
How to Make Homemade Cheeseburger Pasta
- Begin by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium high heat until cooked through. Break up the meat as it cooks with a wooden spoon. Then drain off the fat and return the meat to the skillet.
- Add all of the remaining ingredients but the cheese and stir well to combine. Bring to a boil then cover and cook for around 12 minutes
- Stir in the cheese and remove from heat. Let the cheeseburger pasta sit in the skillet for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken a bit before serving.
What to Serve with Cheeseburger Pasta
This hearty hamburger pasta dinner is perfect with a bright and tangy side salad like my apple walnut salad or my copycat Chick-fil-a kale salad. My garlic butter green beans are another great simple option.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This skillet cheeseburger pasta dish reheats really well too, so it's great for leftovers. Store the pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, or the microwave until warmed through.
Recipe Tips and FAQs
This homemade hamburger helper is yummy as is but try adding crumbled bacon to put it over the top!
For the best texture in this pasta I highly reccomend shredding your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese can lead to a grainy texture.
Yes, most small shaped pastas will work in this recipe. Some other great options are macaroni, penne, and farfalle.
More Weeknight Meal Ideas
- Easy Creamy Chicken Marsala
- Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
- Instant Pot London Broil
- Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Yellow Curry Chicken and Potatoes
📖 Recipe
One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2 cups dry cavatappi pasta or macaroni noodles
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium high heat until cooked through. Break up the meat as it cooks with a wooden spoon. Drain off the fat and return the meat to the skillet.
- Add all of the remaining ingredients but the cheese and stir well to combine. Bring to a boil then cover and cook for around 12 minutes
- Stir in the cheese and remove from heat. Let the pasta sit in the skillet for a few minutes to thicken, then serve.
Nutrition Facts
* All nutrition information we provide are estimates based on third party calculators. We encourage you to calculate these on your own for accurate results.
Patty B
Sooooooooo good! My 4 year old son said “holy cow this is awesome!” Thank you!
Scott
Thanks so much Patty!
Kate
House full of picky eaters and they all liked this dish! Great texture, flavor and one pot to clean up makes this dish an all around winner!
Scott
Thanks so much Kate!