Cheesy Smash Burger Pasta Skillet: A One-Pot Dinner With Serious Flavor

When you’re craving something cozy, quick, and downright satisfying, few meals hit the spot like this Cheesy Smash Burger Pasta Skillet. It’s the delicious mash-up of two comfort food icons: the all-American cheeseburger and a rich, creamy pasta. The result? A mouthwatering one-pan dish that’s hearty, gooey, and full of craveable flavor.

Picture tender noodles simmered in a beefy broth, studded with seasoned ground meat, then swirled with melty cheese and a touch of burger-inspired tang. The best part? It all comes together in a single skillet, making cleanup as easy as the cooking itself.

Whether you’re feeding a family or just want something quick and filling on a busy night, this skillet dinner delivers the bold, cheesy goodness of your favorite burger—minus the bun, plus the pasta.

Ingredient Highlights

Ground Beef
This dish starts with juicy ground beef, cooked until browned and flavorful. Using 80/20 beef gives the right balance of richness and moisture, but leaner meat works too—just add a little oil if needed. As it cooks, it creates the savory foundation that gives this meal its unmistakable burger vibe.

Onion
Chopped onion is a key flavor builder. It softens as it cooks and brings natural sweetness and aroma. Yellow onions are ideal, but red onions or even sweet onions are perfectly fine substitutes.

Garlic
Fresh garlic is sautéed briefly to infuse the dish with deep flavor. Just a clove or two makes a difference. Garlic powder can be used in a pinch but won’t offer quite the same boldness.

Pasta
Short pasta is essential for capturing the cheesy sauce. Elbows, shells, or rotini work best. Shells tend to hold little pools of sauce and beef, giving you maximum flavor in each bite. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti—they don’t cook evenly in one-pan dishes.

Beef Broth
Instead of boiling pasta separately, everything simmers together in beef broth. This not only makes cooking easier but also infuses the noodles with rich, meaty flavor. If needed, you can substitute chicken or veggie broth, but beef gives the most depth.

Cheddar Cheese
Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and gives that classic cheeseburger taste. Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded. Feel free to combine it with American or Monterey Jack for an extra creamy finish.

Cream Cheese
Adding cream cheese gives the sauce a velvety texture and a subtle tang that cuts through the richness. You can swap it with a spoonful of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream if needed.

Ketchup & Mustard
Just a little of each brings those signature burger flavors to life. These condiments round out the sauce with a hint of sweetness and acidity, balancing the beef and cheese.

Pickles (Optional)
Chopped dill pickles stirred in at the end—or sprinkled on top—add crunch and a punch of briny flavor. Totally optional, but they definitely make it feel more like a cheeseburger.

Salt & Pepper
Simple seasoning goes a long way. Start with a light hand and adjust at the end to suit your taste.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Brown the Beef and Onions
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onions until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft and golden. This should take about 6–8 minutes. If there’s a lot of grease, drain some off, but keep a little for extra flavor.

Add Garlic and Seasoning
Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Let it cook for about 1 minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant.

Add Pasta and Broth
Pour the dry pasta right into the skillet. Add the beef broth and stir everything together. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed.

Make It Creamy
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cream cheese and mix until it melts completely. Gradually add the shredded cheddar, stirring as it melts to create a smooth, cheesy sauce.

Bring in the Burger Flavor
Add ketchup and mustard to the skillet and stir to combine. These small additions give the dish that familiar burger taste without making it overly saucy.

Add Pickles (Optional)
If using, stir in chopped pickles now or sprinkle them on top as a garnish. For an extra cheesy finish, top with more cheddar and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Serve and Enjoy
Dish it up while it’s hot and cheesy. This skillet dinner is best eaten right away for the ultimate creamy texture and flavor.

Tips, Twists & Swaps

Smart Tips

Stir the pasta every few minutes while simmering to prevent sticking.

Use fresh shredded cheese for a smoother, more luxurious sauce.

Don’t overcook the pasta—it should be just tender when the liquid is absorbed.

Flavor Upgrades

Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Mix in crumbled cooked bacon for a bacon cheeseburger version.

Try Worcestershire sauce or BBQ sauce in place of mustard for a smoky twist.

Ingredient Alternatives

Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat can replace the beef.

Gluten-free pasta works well—just monitor liquid levels and timing.

No cream cheese? Sour cream or even plain Greek yogurt will do in a pinch.

Serving Suggestions & Meal Pairings

This dish is rich and hearty enough to serve on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with lighter sides. A crisp romaine or arugula salad adds freshness, while roasted veggies help balance the richness of the cheese and beef.

To complete the burger feel, serve it with toasted garlic bread or even split burger buns. For drinks, try a classic root beer, iced lemonade, or a cold lager if you’re keeping things casual.

This is a great meal for busy weeknights, casual weekends, or when you just need a comforting plate of something familiar. It also stores and reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers or prepping ahead.

Nutrition Notes

Although this dish leans into comfort food territory, you can easily make it more balanced. Choose leaner beef, whole grain or protein-rich pasta, and low-sodium broth for a lighter version.

Nutritionally, it’s well-rounded with protein, carbs, and calcium. Stirring in a handful of chopped spinach or cooked broccoli before serving adds extra fiber and nutrients without changing the flavor too much.

It’s a satisfying meal that delivers big on taste while still leaving room for customization based on your needs.

Common Questions

Can I make this in advance?
Yes! Prepare the dish fully, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to bring the sauce back to life.

What cheeses work well besides cheddar?
Monterey Jack, Colby, or even American cheese are great for a smoother melt. For a smokier flavor, try smoked gouda or provolone. Just avoid dry or crumbly cheeses that don’t melt well.

Can I freeze it?
Technically, yes—but the texture of the cheese sauce may change when thawed. For best results, freeze individual portions, thaw in the fridge overnight, and reheat slowly with added liquid to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

How do I keep the pasta from overcooking?
Watch it closely during the last few minutes of simmering. Turn off the heat as soon as the pasta is just tender—the residual heat will finish it off.

Is this recipe flexible with pasta types?
Absolutely. Any short pasta shape works. Shells and rotini hold the sauce best, but penne or bowties are great too. Avoid long noodles for even cooking and easier eating.

What can I add to make it spicy?
Diced jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper will bring some heat. Adjust to your spice level preference.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?
No problem. Sour cream, heavy cream, or plain Greek yogurt can be used. For Greek yogurt, stir it in slowly at the end so it doesn’t curdle.

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