Pin This hearty cheeseburger pasta skillet transforms America's favorite sandwich into a comforting one-pan meal. The familiar flavors of ground beef, melty cheddar, tangy mustard, and zesty pickle relish combine with pasta for a dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles.
I first created this recipe during a particularly chaotic Tuesday when my kids were begging for both burgers and mac and cheese. The compromise became this family favorite that now appears on our table at least twice a month, especially when comfort food cravings strike.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: provides the classic burger flavor and hearty protein. Look for 85% lean for the best balance of flavor and texture without excessive grease
- Short pasta shapes: like fusilli or shells capture the sauce perfectly in their crevices. Choose a quality brand that holds its shape when cooked
- Yellow onion: adds sweetness when caramelized. Choose firm onions with tight, papery skin for freshest flavor
- Garlic: brings aromatic depth. Fresh cloves will provide much better flavor than pre-minced options
- Tomato paste: concentrates rich umami flavor. The tube variety lets you use just what you need
- Yellow mustard: delivers that classic burger tang. Traditional American yellow mustard works best here
- Worcestershire sauce: adds complex savory notes. A splash transforms ordinary beef into something special
- Cheddar cheese: creates that melty burger experience. Grate your own from a block for superior melting
- Pickle relish: provides the signature burger tang. Look for dill rather than sweet for authentic flavor
- Crispy fried onions: add textural contrast. French's or homemade both work beautifully here
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta:
- Boil a large pot of water with 1 tablespoon salt until rapidly bubbling. Add pasta and cook until just al dente according to package directions, usually 8 to 10 minutes. Test by biting through a piece—it should be tender but still have slight resistance in the center. Drain promptly to prevent overcooking, but do not rinse—the starch helps the sauce adhere.
- Brown the beef:
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon. Let it develop a brown crust before stirring too much—this builds flavor. Continue cooking until no pink remains, about 5 to 6 minutes. If there's more than a tablespoon of fat in the pan, drain some off while keeping the flavorful browned bits.
- Develop the aromatics:
- Add finely chopped onion to the beef in the skillet, stirring occasionally until they become translucent and start to soften, about 3 minutes. The moisture from the onions will help release any browned bits stuck to the pan. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 1 minute—careful not to burn it as garlic becomes bitter when overcooked.
- Build the sauce base:
- Add tomato paste and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to slightly caramelize it. This deepens the flavor significantly. Add diced tomato, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, oregano, salt and pepper. Cook this mixture for 2 full minutes, letting the spices bloom and flavors meld together.
- Create the sauce:
- Pour in beef broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These contain concentrated flavor. Add frozen peas if using and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for 5 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly and the flavors to intensify.
- Combine and create creaminess:
- Reduce heat to low to prevent the cheese from seizing or becoming grainy. Add the drained pasta, shredded cheddar, and milk to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese completely melts and creates a silky sauce that coats each piece of pasta. This should take about 2 minutes.
- Prepare the pickle relish crunch:
- In a small bowl, gently mix together the dill pickle relish, crispy fried onions, and chopped parsley. This contrasting topping adds brightness, crunch and acidity that cuts through the richness of the dish.
- Serve with flair:
- Spoon the hot pasta into bowls and immediately top with a generous sprinkle of the pickle relish crunch. Serve right away while the contrast between the hot pasta and cool, crunchy topping is at its best.
Pin The pickle relish crunch topping is what truly elevates this dish from ordinary to memorable. I discovered this combination by accident when my son sprinkled some leftover burger toppings onto his pasta. The contrast between the creamy, warm pasta and the cool, crunchy relish mixture creates a flavor explosion that makes everyone go back for seconds.
Make Ahead Options
This cheeseburger pasta reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Store the pasta and pickle relish crunch separately in airtight containers. The pasta will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce, then warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. Add the pickle relish crunch just before serving to maintain its texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly versatile and forgiving. Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter option. Plant-based meat alternatives work well for a vegetarian version. Gluten-free pasta can be substituted for wheat pasta, though you may need to adjust cooking times. Dairy-free cheese and milk alternatives can make this dish suitable for those with lactose intolerance, though the texture may be slightly different.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty pasta with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a true diner experience, add a side of dill pickle spears and some potato chips for extra crunch. A cold beer or sparkling water with lemon complements the flavors beautifully. For kids, apple slices or carrot sticks add freshness and balance to the meal.
Seasonal Adaptations
Summer version Add fresh corn kernels and diced red bell peppers for sweetness and color
Fall variation Include diced butternut squash for earthy sweetness and extra nutrition
Winter comfort Stir in a handful of chopped kale or spinach for added vitamins during cold season
Success Stories
My son who refuses anything but plain pasta devoured two bowls of this cheeseburger pasta! The familiar burger flavors won him over completely. – Maria, mother of three
I served this at our neighborhood potluck and came home with an empty dish and requests for the recipe. The pickle relish crunch topping was the talk of the evening! – James, home cook
This has become our Friday night tradition. The kids help make the pickle topping while I handle the pasta. It's brought our family back to the dinner table. – Samantha, busy parent
Pin This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering the comforting flavors of a cheeseburger with the ease of a one-pan pasta dish. Enjoy the delightful contrast of textures and taste in every bite.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I substitute the ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken make excellent lighter options and still work well with the classic flavors.
- → What’s the best type of pasta to use?
Short pasta shapes like fusilli, shells, or rotini hold the sauce well and mingle perfectly with the other ingredients.
- → How do I make the pickle relish crunch topping?
Combine dill pickle relish, crispy fried onions, and chopped parsley just before serving for maximum crunch and freshness.
- → Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The cheesy, beefy pasta and fun crunchy topping are popular with kids and adults alike.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the pasta skillet in advance—just add the crunchy topping before serving to keep it crisp.