If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love, this High Protein Cheeseburger Pasta is about to become a regular on your menu. It has all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger combined with creamy, cheesy pasta in one comforting meal. The best part? Everything cooks together in a single pan, making cleanup incredibly easy!
I love having recipes like this on hand for busy evenings because they’re filling, budget-friendly, and packed with protein. The combination of beef, Greek yogurt, and cheddar cheese creates a rich and creamy sauce without relying on heavy cream. It’s comfort food that feels satisfying while still offering a protein boost.
This recipe is also fantastic for meal prep. It reheats beautifully throughout the week and makes enough to feed a crowd or provide leftovers for lunches. Whether you’re cooking for your family or simply looking for a hearty meal to enjoy throughout the week, this cheeseburger pasta is always a winner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in protein
- Easy one-pan meal
- Family-friendly dinner
- Great for meal prep
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Made with simple ingredients
- Comfort food with a protein boost
Equipment You’ll Need
Large deep skillet or wok, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups, measuring spoons, cheese grater, and a lid.
Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 2 tsp garlic (minced)
- 2 lb. ground beef (85%, grass-fed)
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 6 oz. tomato paste
- 3 1/2 cups beef broth (discount code COOKINGKATIELAFY at Kettle & Fire)
- 1 cup milk (whole, grass-fed)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain, nonfat)
- 1 lb. chickpea cavatappi pasta
- 1 1/4 cups cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the tomato paste and stir until evenly incorporated.
- Pour in the beef broth, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and bring the mixture to a light boil.
- Add the uncooked pasta and stir to combine. Cover with a lid and cook according to the package directions, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Greek yogurt until smooth. Add the cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes. Rotini, shells, elbows, penne, or chickpea pasta all work well in this recipe.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. This recipe reheats well and is great for meal prep lunches and dinners throughout the week.
Can I freeze cheeseburger pasta?
You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How can I add more vegetables?
Try adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini while cooking the onions.
Time & Yield
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Check Me Out on Social Media!
I post all my recipes on social media as well and you can stay up to date on what I am up to! Also, I love seeing people try my recipes! When make these, snap a picture, and share it to your socials. Tag @cookingkatielady and #cookingkatielady so I can admire your masterpiece and share with others!
high protein cheeseburger pasta, cheeseburger pasta recipe, one pan pasta recipe, healthy cheeseburger pasta, ground beef pasta recipe, high protein dinner, easy weeknight dinner, meal prep pasta, family dinner recipe, cheeseburger macaroni
Description
If you're looking for an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love, this High Protein Cheeseburger Pasta is about to become a regular on your menu. It has all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger combined with creamy, cheesy pasta in one comforting meal. The best part? Everything cooks together in a single pan, making cleanup incredibly easy!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
-
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
-
Stir in the Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the tomato paste and stir until evenly incorporated.
-
Pour in the beef broth, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and bring the mixture to a light boil.
-
Add the uncooked pasta and stir to combine. Cover with a lid and cook according to the package directions, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
-
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Greek yogurt until smooth. Add the cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
-
Serve immediately and enjoy.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
Serving Size 1/8th of skillet
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 371kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18.6g29%
- Saturated Fat 8.1g41%
- Cholesterol 62.9mg21%
- Sodium 952mg40%
- Total Carbohydrate 25.4g9%
- Dietary Fiber 4.3g18%
- Sugars 6.3g
- Protein 28.1g57%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Did you make this recipe?
The next time you make it, snap a picture, and share it to your socials. Tag @cookingkatielady and #cookingkatielady so I can admire your masterpiece and share with others!:)
Please note that my nutrition label is approximate and can have slight rounding.
