Type C Mom Hacks

When your kids want cheeseburgers and you want dinner done before someone starts crying.

This easy cheeseburger pasta combines ground beef, pasta, cheddar cheese, and a creamy sauce into a comforting one-pot dinner that tastes like a cheeseburger without the drive-thru line. It’s ready in about 15 minutes and uses ingredients most moms already have on hand.

Why This Works

• Ready in 15 minutes
• One pot = fewer dishes
• Made with simple pantry ingredients
• Toddler-approved
• Easy cleanup

15-Minute Cheeseburger Pasta

A quick one-pot family dinner that's creamy, hearty, and kid-approved.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 8 oz pasta shells small or medium
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion power
• salt & pepper to taste
• 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded

Method

 

1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Add pasta, broth, milk, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese until melted.
5. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Notes

Perfect for busy weeknights and reheats well for lunch the next day.

Need variation?

• Swap protein options – chicken or ground turkey work great!
• Top with diced pickles and a drizzle of ketchup for an extra cheeseburger flavor
• Add veggies like finely diced carrots or cauliflower while browning the beef.
• Adjust seasoning
• Make it creamier

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze this?
You can, but the pasta texture may soften after thawing.

Can I substitute another protein?
Yes. Ground turkey works well and makes the dish a little lighter. You could also chop chicken or shred a rotisserie as an alternative.

How long do leftovers last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Add a splash of milk when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.

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