Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet Recipe

If you crave the nostalgic flavors of a juicy cheeseburger transformed into a cozy weeknight dinner, you’re going to adore this Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet. Imagine savory ground beef, sweet tangy ketchup, gooey cheddar, and tender pasta all mingling in one hearty pan – it’s everything you love about cheeseburgers, made delightfully spoonable. With a 30-minute cook time and a flavor-packed punch, this skillet meal has quickly become a go-to in my family’s rotation, and I just know it will win a spot in yours too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet has a shining role—nothing unnecessary, just layers of flavor, color, and comforting texture you won’t want to skip. Here’s how each element adds something special to your skillet:

• Macaroni noodles: The ultimate comfort pasta, perfectly shaped to soak up the beefy, cheesy sauce.
• Olive oil: Gives a smooth start to the onions and keeps everything from sticking, adding a subtle richness.
• Onion (diced): Provides aromatic sweetness and soft texture, building bold burger flavor from the ground up.
• Ground sirloin: The star protein, bringing all the hearty satisfaction of a great burger.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and a hint of umami, making the whole dish taste extra savory.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every bite to perfection.
• Montreal Steak seasoning: Kicks up the burger flavor with a robust blend of spices and herbs.
• Minced garlic: Lends a fragrant, slightly spicy bite that plays perfectly with the beef.
• Ketchup: Classic burger tang and a hint of sweetness, tying the sauce together.
• Mustard: Brings zip and balance with just the right level of acidity.
• Diced tomatoes: Keep things saucy and add brightness, giving you that “special sauce” richness.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the sauce and blankets the top, for ultimate cheeseburger satisfaction.

How to Make Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Toss in your macaroni noodles and let them bubble away until they’re just al dente. Drain them and set aside—this is your base for all the cheeseburger goodness to come!

Step 2: Sauté Onion

Heat up a generous 12-inch skillet over medium-high. Add olive oil, then tip in those diced onions. Sauté them for a minute or two until they’re soft and translucent, filling your kitchen with that signature, sweet-savory aroma.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Next, crumble in your ground sirloin, then sprinkle over the Worcestershire, salt, pepper, Montreal Steak seasoning, and minced garlic. Use your spoon to break the meat apart, letting all those flavors seep in as it cooks. Continue until there’s not a trace of pink left, and the beef is beautifully browned.

Step 4: Build That Cheeseburger Sauce

Into the skillet go your ketchup, mustard, diced tomatoes, and one and a half cups of the shredded cheddar. Give it all a hearty stir—the tomatoes provide a juicy base, the ketchup and mustard bring the iconic burger tang, and that cheese starts to melt into creamy ribbons.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Now it’s time to bring everything together. Pour your cooked macaroni into the skillet and stir until every noodle gleams with sauce. Scatter the remaining cheese over the top, cover with a lid, and turn the heat to low. Once the cheese is melted and gooey, your Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet is ready to serve!

How to Serve Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet

Garnishes

For that true burger experience, don’t be shy with the toppings! Chopped dill pickles, extra diced onion, fancy a little sauteed mushroom, or just-cooked crumbled bacon all make fabulous finishing touches. Set out a platter and let everyone build their ultimate bowl.

Side Dishes

Keep it classic with a crisp green salad, or serve up roasted veggies to round out the meal. Even seasoned oven fries or sweet potato wedges pair wonderfully, channeling the full burger-and-fries spirit with every bite of your Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling the pasta into mini cast iron skillets for a rustic, playful look, or spoon portions into large lettuce leaves for a fun, “bun-less” burger twist. If you’re feeling extra, drizzle each serving with a little extra ketchup and mustard for color and flavor pop!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish is just as delicious the next day! Scoop any leftovers into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight, making lunch something to look forward to.

Freezing

Want to prep ahead? Assemble the Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet as usual and transfer to a freezer-safe 9×13-inch dish. Let it cool, cover tightly, and freeze. It’s casserole-like nature makes it perfect for freezing—just be sure to label and date your dish!

Reheating

When ready to reheat, simply thaw your skillet in the fridge overnight, then bake at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes until bubbling and melted. If you need to bake straight from frozen, set aside about an hour—check that it’s piping hot in the center before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While macaroni absorbs the sauce beautifully, shells, rotini, or penne also work well in Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for your chosen shape.

What’s the best beef for this recipe?

Ground sirloin is lean yet flavorful, making it ideal for this dish, but ground chuck or a leaner mix will also shine. If you prefer turkey or a meat substitute, feel free to swap—the skillet is flexible.

Is Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet spicy?

Not at all! The seasoning blend gives big flavor without heat. If your crew likes a kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños stirred in with the onions would do the trick.

Can I make Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet ahead for a party?

Definitely! Once assembled and cooled, this pasta skillet reheats wonderfully. Serve right from the skillet for family style, or bake in a casserole dish for a party-friendly presentation.

What cheese is best for the topping?

Sharp cheddar is classic and gives you that bold cheeseburger bite, but feel free to experiment—try pepper jack for a little heat or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for ultimate meltiness!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give this cozy, crowd-pleasing Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet a try soon. It’s a guaranteed family favorite that never fails to bring big smiles and happy, satisfied bellies to the table. Enjoy every cheesy, burger-inspired bite!

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