Dinner

Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet Recipe

ByCharlotte Montgomery January 27, 2026January 27, 2026

Introduction

This Cheeseburger Pasta Skillet is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines all the best parts of a cheeseburger with hearty pasta. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

The image shows a close-up of a black pan filled with macaroni pasta mixed with melted cheddar cheese, browned ground meat, and small pieces of red tomato, all blended together in a creamy, rich sauce. The macaroni is light yellow and curved, the cheese is bright orange and gooey, sitting on top and mixed throughout. Scattered bits of green herbs add small touches of color on the dish. In the lower right corner, a white bowl holds a small serving of the same macaroni mixture, showing the layering of pasta, meat, tomato, and cheese. The background is a white marbled surface with some green parsley and a wooden spoon resting in the pan. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 ounces macaroni noodles
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup onion, diced
1 pound ground sirloin
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon Montreal Steak seasoning
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/3 cup ketchup
2 Tablespoons mustard
28 ounces diced tomatoes
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: While the noodles cook, heat a large skillet (12″+) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, then sauté the diced onion until soft and translucent.
Step 3: Add the ground sirloin to the skillet along with Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, Montreal Steak seasoning, and minced garlic. Break the meat apart with a spoon and cook until no longer pink.
Step 4: Stir in the ketchup, mustard, diced tomatoes, and 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything until fully combined and heated through.
Step 5: Add the cooked macaroni noodles to the skillet and stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup of shredded cheese over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and cook until the cheese melts, about 3–5 minutes. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Use ground beef or ground turkey as substitutions for ground sirloin depending on your preference or availability.
For extra cheesiness, swap cheddar for a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Add some chopped pickles or a splash of pickle juice for a tangy twist reminiscent of a classic cheeseburger.
Serve with a side salad or steamed veggies to add freshness and balance the rich flavors.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

A white plate stacked on top of another white plate holds a serving of macaroni mixed with ground beef, diced red tomatoes, and melted orange cheddar cheese. The macaroni are creamy white with a slight shine, twisted shapes with some cheese dripping over them. Small green parsley leaves are scattered on top, adding a fresh pop of color. The dish sits on a surface with a white marbled texture with some shredded cheddar cheese scattered around. In the background, a glass bowl filled with more sauce or dip is slightly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells works well in this recipe. Just adjust cooking times according to the package instructions.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

You can freeze the cooked pasta skillet in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.