Name: One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 yellow onion, finely diced; 1 Tbsp olive oil; ½ lb ground beef; 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce; 2 cups beef broth; ½ lb uncooked pasta shells; 4 oz shredded cheddar cheese; 2 Tbsp hot dog relish; 2 green onions, sliced (optional garnish)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This one‑pot wonder captures the flavors of a classic cheeseburger—onions, beef, cheese, and a tangy relish—in a cozy pasta dish. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an easy, satisfying meal with minimal cleanup—and maximum comfort.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 yellow onion, finely diced
1 Tbsp olive oil
½ lb ground beef
2 Tbsp all‑purpose flour
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
2 cups beef broth
½ lb uncooked pasta shells
4 oz shredded cheddar cheese
2 Tbsp hot dog relish
2 green onions, sliced (optional garnish)

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and ground beef, and sauté until the beef is browned and the onion is soft and translucent. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture, stirring continuously for about one minute until it lightly coats the bottom of the skillet—watch closely to avoid burning the flour.
Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring to lift any bits off the bottom and form a smooth base.
Add the uncooked pasta shells to the skillet. Stir briefly to combine; the liquid may not fully cover the pasta, and that’s okay.
Cover with a lid and increase the heat to medium‑high. Once it reaches a boil, stir gently to prevent sticking, re-cover, and reduce heat to low. Let the pasta simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally and always replacing the lid. The pasta should be tender and the sauce thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and creamy. Stir in the hot dog relish for that signature tangy twist.
Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.

Servings And Timing

Servings: Approximately 4
Prep Time: ~5 minutes
Cook Time: ~20–25 minutes
Total Time: Around 30 minutes

Variations

Cheese swaps: Use Monterey Jack, American, or a cheeseburger blend for different flavor profiles.
Protein options: Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles.
Vegetable boost: Stir in diced bell peppers, frozen corn, or peas for added nutrition and color.
Sauce tweaks: Mix in a dollop of mustard or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor.
Pasta changes: Swap shells for rotini, elbow macaroni, or other small pasta shapes to suit your pantry.

Storage / Reheating

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Sauce may thicken but remains flavorful.
Reheating: Warm gently over the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
Freezing: This dish doesn’t freeze well—cheese texture may be affected—best made fresh.

FAQs

Do I Need to Drain the Pasta After Cooking?

Nope! Everything—including the pasta—is cooked directly in the sauce, creating a flavorful one-pot meal and reducing dishwashing.

Can I Use Chicken Broth Instead of Beef Broth?

Yes—use whichever broth you have on hand. For added richness, stir in a teaspoon of Worcestershire or soy sauce.

My Sauce Is Too Thin—What Can I Do?

Uncover the skillet and simmer over low heat longer to reduce and thicken the sauce. Alternatively, stir in a little extra cheese for creamy thickness.

Can I Make This Ahead and Reheat?

Yes—though it tastes best freshly made, you can reheat gently, adding liquid to revive the sauciness.

What Does Hot Dog Relish Add?

It adds a subtle sweetness, tang, and classic “cheeseburger flair”—key in delivering that nostalgic flavor punch.

Is This Kid-Friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy, cheesy texture and familiar cheeseburger taste tend to be a hit with kids (and adults alike).

Can I Make It Vegetarian?

Yes—use plant-based ground crumbles and vegetable broth. Skip or substitute the hot dog relish with a vegetarian-friendly relish.

What If I Don’t Have Removable Lid?

Use any tight-fitting lid. If minimal steam escapes, the pasta will cook just the same—just be sure to stir occasionally to keep it from sticking.

Can I Add Pickles On Top?

Definitely! Pickle slices or chopped dill pickles make a fun, crunchy topping reminiscent of a real cheeseburger.

Is It Possible to Double the Recipe?

Yes—just use a larger pan and increase cooking time slightly to accommodate the extra volume.

Conclusion

One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta turns classic burger flavors into a hassle-free, comfort-food pasta dish. With beefy sauce, melty cheese, and a pop of relish, it’s cozy, easy, and endlessly satisfying—perfect for busy nights or comfort cravings, with just one pan to clean.

Maggie

One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta