Introduction
If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy all the flavors of a cheeseburger in a cozy, creamy bowl of pasta—this recipe is for you! Cheeseburger Pasta with Pickles and Mustard is a fun, hearty, and comforting dish that combines tender pasta, juicy ground beef, melty cheese, and the unmistakable tang of pickles and mustard. It’s a weeknight dinner dream come true—easy to prepare, family-friendly, and loaded with flavor.
This dish takes the best of two comfort food worlds—pasta and cheeseburgers—and merges them into a creamy, cheesy skillet meal. The addition of tangy dill pickles and mustard gives it a punch of flavor that makes it taste just like a burger in pasta form.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it feels nostalgic yet exciting at the same time. It has all the flavors I associate with a backyard burger—savory beef, melted cheese, pickles, mustard—but in a warm, comforting pasta dish. The creamy sauce clings to the noodles, the pickles add crunch and brightness, and the mustard cuts through the richness perfectly.
It’s also incredibly easy and versatile—made in one skillet, ready in under 30 minutes, and adaptable with whatever pasta or cheese you have on hand. Best of all, it’s a crowd-pleaser: kids love it, adults love it, and it’s a guaranteed hit at the dinner table.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Unique & fun twist: Cheeseburger meets pasta in the most delicious way.
- One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup, maximum comfort.
- Family-friendly: A dish everyone—from picky eaters to adventurous foodies—will enjoy.
- Budget-friendly: Uses simple, affordable pantry staples.
- Customizable: Swap cheeses, add toppings, or adjust flavors to your taste.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings and Nutrition
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: ~480 kcal
Course and Cuisine
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (elbow macaroni, penne, or shells work best)
- 1 lb ground beef (lean, 85/15 works well)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard (or Dijon for a sharper flavor)
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chopped dill pickles
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnishes (Optional):
- Extra chopped pickles
- Chopped fresh parsley
- A drizzle of mustard or ketchup
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Stir mustard and ketchup into the beef mixture.
- Pour in beef broth and milk, stirring well.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Add Pasta and Cheese
- Stir cooked pasta into the skillet with beef and sauce.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
- Fold in chopped pickles.
Step 5: Serve
- Spoon into bowls, garnish with extra cheese, pickles, or parsley, and serve warm.
How to Serve
Serve hot as a comforting main dish. It pairs well with a fresh side salad, garlic bread, or even roasted veggies to balance the richness. For a fun twist, serve with a side of fries to fully embrace the “burger” vibe.
Recipe Tips
- Use short pasta shapes that hold sauce well.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese before serving.
- Don’t skip the pickles—they add a tangy bite that makes the dish taste like a cheeseburger.
- If you like it spicy, add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes.
Variations
- Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta: Add crispy bacon crumbles for smoky flavor.
- Cheeseburger Mac: Swap pasta for macaroni and top with breadcrumbs before baking.
- Double Cheese: Use a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack.
- Loaded Burger Style: Add diced tomatoes, lettuce, or jalapeños as toppings after cooking.
- Vegetarian: Swap ground beef for lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based meat.
Freezing and Storage
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.
Special Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater
Conclusion
Cheeseburger Pasta with Pickles and Mustard is the ultimate comfort food mashup—cheesy, creamy pasta combined with all the bold, savory flavors of a classic cheeseburger. It’s quick, hearty, family-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving it at a casual gathering, this dish guarantees smiles at the table.
Cheeseburger Pasta with Pickles and Mustard
Description
If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy all the flavors of a cheeseburger in a cozy, creamy bowl of pasta—this recipe is for you! Cheeseburger Pasta with Pickles and Mustard is a fun, hearty, and comforting dish that combines tender pasta, juicy ground beef, melty cheese, and the unmistakable tang of pickles and mustard.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
Garnishes (Optional):
Instructions
-
Step 1: Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
Step 2: Cook the Beef: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
-
Step 3: Make the Sauce: Stir mustard and ketchup into the beef mixture. Pour in beef broth and milk, stirring well. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
-
Step 4: Add Pasta and Cheese: Stir cooked pasta into the skillet with beef and sauce. Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Fold in chopped pickles.
-
Step 5: Serve: Spoon into bowls, garnish with extra cheese, pickles, or parsley, and serve warm.
