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A close-up shot of a one-pot cheeseburger pasta skillet, showing penne pasta coated in a savory tomato-beef sauce with melted cheddar cheese and chopped pickles, garnished with fresh parsley.
Emily Carter

Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet

A hearty and budget-friendly one-pot cheeseburger pasta recipe that brings classic burger flavors to your dinner table in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 491

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 recommended
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz, undrained
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
  • ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 10.5 oz penne pasta uncooked (about 3 cups)
  • 4 cups chicken stock divided
  • 3 tablespoons chopped pickles dill pickles recommended
  • 4 oz cheddar cheese shredded, divided
  • 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley chopped, for garnish
  • olive oil spray or 1 teaspoon olive oil

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet 10-12 inch, preferably non-stick
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 knife
  • 1 Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper; set aside.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil spray or olive oil.
  3. Add the ground beef and chopped onion to the skillet and cook, breaking up the beef, until no pink remains and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes; drain any excess grease.
  4. Stir in the prepared spice mixture, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and granulated sugar; cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  5. Add the uncooked penne pasta and 3 cups of chicken stock to the skillet, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed; add a splash more chicken stock from the remaining cup if needed.
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat, then stir in the chopped pickles and most of the shredded cheddar cheese, reserving a small amount for garnish.
  8. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is velvety and coats the pasta.
  9. Garnish with the reserved shredded cheddar and fresh chopped Italian parsley before serving.

Notes

Feel free to swap penne for other short pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or rotini.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2-3 months.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other spices.