Skip to recipe

This is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels comforting, a little nostalgic, and still balanced enough for busy family life. Lean ground beef, hidden veggies, a tangy mustard-Worcestershire base, and a creamy cheddar finish all come together in one pot. It’s simple, high-protein, and kid-approved – basically everything you want when dinner needs to just work.

Cheeseburger One-Pot Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1.25–1.5 lbs extra lean ground beef
• 12 oz pasta (shells or elbows)
• 1/2 onion (finely diced)
• 1/2 cup carrots (finely diced)
• 1/2 cup celery (finely diced)
• 2–3 cloves garlic
• 1 1/2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1–1 1/2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1–1 1/2 tsp yellow mustard
• 1 tsp paprika (or smoked paprika)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt + pepper
• 2 1/2 cups beef broth
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 1/2–2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar
• 1–2 tsp pickle juice or small splash vinegar
• Optional: 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt

Directions

1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pan, sauté onion, carrots, and celery for 5–6 minutes until soft.
3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes until deepened in color.
5. Add Worcestershire sauce, mustard, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
6. Return beef to the pan and combine.
7. Pour in beef broth, milk, and uncooked pasta. Bring to a simmer.
8. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
9. Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.
10. Optional: stir in Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
11. Finish with a small splash of pickle juice or vinegar.
12. Let sit 2–3 minutes, then serve warm.

Click HERE for a Downloadable Recipe Card!

0:00 – Start the beef

Add ground beef to a large skillet over medium heat.

👉 While the beef browns (5–6 min):

• Dice onion, carrots, celery

• Mince garlic

5:00 – Remove beef + cook veggies

Remove browned beef and set aside.

In same pan (add a little olive oil if needed):
Cook onion, carrots, celery for 5–6 minutes until soft and slightly golden

10:00 – Build flavor

Add garlic → 30 seconds

Stir in tomato paste → cook 1–2 minutes until it deepens in color

12:00 – Season + combine

Add Worcestershire, mustard, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt + pepper

Return beef to pan and stir together

13:00 – Add pasta + liquids

Add:

• beef broth

• milk

• uncooked pasta

Bring to a simmer

15:00 – Cover + cook

Cover and simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally

👉 While it cooks:

• Shred cheese

• Set out Greek yogurt

• Quick clean/reset

25:00 – Make it creamy

Reduce heat to LOW

Add cheese in 2–3 batches, stirring until melted

Stir in Greek yogurt if using

27:00 – Chef finish

Add 1–2 tsp pickle juice (or splash vinegar)

Let sit 2–3 minutes to thicken

👉 Add a splash of milk or broth if needed for a silky finish

30:00 – Serve

Scoop + cheese pull 🙌

Optional: top with pickles or sesame seeds for full cheeseburger vibes

Check out some other recipes!

Hi I’m Teresa!

I’m a mom to three, a wife and a physician assistant. I also have a degree in Nutritional Sciences and I love sharing all things life with you! I am passionate about empowering you through education, sharing all my fave products and items that have made life better and creating content to give you value!