Hearty Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

Cozy Hearty Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe For Hungry Souls

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering sloppy cheeseburger pasta that combines all the beloved flavors of a classic burger.

Savory ground beef melts into creamy cheese and tender pasta, creating a one-pan wonder that satisfies deep hunger.

Every bite brings a nostalgic twist of childhood memories and weekend cookout vibes.

The dish packs robust flavors that dance between familiar burger notes and comforting pasta textures.

Weeknight dinners transform with this crowd-pleasing recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Home cooks will find this meal incredibly simple to prepare with minimal cleanup.

Prepare to be the dinner hero with this irresistible pasta that promises to become a family favorite.

How to Serve This Comfort Pasta

  • Crowd-Pleasing Party Platter: Serve this cheesy pasta in a large, colorful serving dish with extra shredded cheese on the side for guests to sprinkle as they like. Provides a fun, interactive dining experience.
  • Comfort Food Companion: Pair the pasta with a crisp green salad and garlic bread to balance the rich, meaty flavors. Creates a complete and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
  • Leftover Lunch Makeover: Transform remaining pasta into a delicious lunch by topping it with a fried egg or wrapping it in a warm tortilla. Adds variety and prevents food waste while keeping meals exciting.
  • Kids' Dinner Delight: Cut the pasta into smaller portions and serve in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese. Makes mealtime fun and encourages children to enjoy a hearty, flavorful dish.

Storage Ideas for Reheating Sloppy Pasta Smoothly

  • Whip up a double batch and save half for busy weeknights. This hearty pasta reheats perfectly and tastes even better the next day.
  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Enjoy within 3-4 days for maximum flavor and food safety.
  • Cool the pasta completely before storing in freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2 months for a quick emergency meal. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Splash a little beef broth or water when warming to restore creamy texture. Stir occasionally and heat gently to prevent cheese from separating or pasta from drying out.

FAQs

  • Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, kids typically love this cheesy pasta with beef because it combines familiar flavors like ground beef, cheese, and pasta in a fun, comforting meal that’s not too spicy or complicated.

  • Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives work perfectly in this recipe, giving you flexibility to match your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.

  • What if I don't have beef broth?

No problem. You can substitute beef broth with chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water with a beef bouillon cube to maintain the rich flavor profile of the dish.

  • How can I make this dish healthier?

Consider using lean ground beef, adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, using whole wheat pasta, and reducing the amount of cheese to create a more nutritious version of this comfort food.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 7

Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta: Everything You Need

For Base Components:
  • Ground Beef: Hearty protein that forms the foundation of the dish, choose lean cuts for less grease and richer flavor.
  • Pasta: Provides comforting carbohydrate base, select medium-sized pasta shapes that catch sauce well like rotini or shells.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic duo that builds deep savory undertones, select firm onions without soft spots and fresh garlic with smooth, unbruised skin.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Adds tangy brightness and moisture, opt for fire-roasted varieties for extra depth.
  • Beef Broth: Creates rich liquid base, low-sodium versions allow better seasoning control.
  • Ketchup, Mustard, Worcestershire Sauce: Complex condiment blend that delivers bold, zesty kick, choose quality brands for superior taste.
For Creamy Finish:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and provides sharp, tangy richness, select medium or sharp varieties for more intense flavor.
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds fresh herbal brightness and visual appeal, choose vibrant green leaves without wilting.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that balance and elevate overall taste profile, use freshly ground pepper for maximum impact.

Pasta Tools for Cheeseburger Flavor Bliss

  • Large Skillet: Essential for browning beef and cooking the entire dish.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
  • Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Important for accurate sauce ingredient quantities.
  • Chef's Knife: Used for chopping onions and mincing garlic.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.
  • Cheese Grater: Helpful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.

Cooking Directions for Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta

  • Fire Up the Pasta

Boil water and cook pasta until perfectly tender. Drain and set aside, ready for deliciousness.

  • Transform Ground Beef

Sizzle beef in a skillet, breaking it into tiny crumbles. Drain away extra grease for a lighter meal.

  • Awaken Flavor Builders

Toss chopped onions and garlic into the pan. Let them dance and release theiral aroma until soft and fragrant.

  • Create Saucy Symphony

Pour in tomatoes, broth, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Let everything bubble and mingle, creating a rich, tangy base that’ll make taste buds sing.

  • Marry Pasta and Sauce

Fold cooked pasta into the meaty mixture. Ensure every noodle gets a warm embrace of flavor.

  • Cheese Finale

Sprinkle generous handfuls of cheddar cheese over the top. Stir until cheese melts into creamy, gooey perfection.

  • Plate and Celebrate

Season with salt and pepper. Optional parsley adds a fresh green flourish. Serve immediately and watch everyone dive in with excitement.

Tips for Cheesy and Savory Flavor Layers

  • Experiment with a blend of different cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or sharp cheddar for a more complex flavor profile.
  • Prepare the dish in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Choose lean meat to reduce overall fat content while keeping the dish protein-packed.
  • Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free. Double-check condiments like Worcestershire sauce for hidden gluten sources.
  • Sneak in extra nutrition by adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the sautéing stage. These vegetables blend seamlessly and increase the dish's nutritional value without compromising flavor.
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Hearty Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

Hearty Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe


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4.8 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta combines classic American comfort flavors in one skillet. Ground beef, melted cheese, and pasta create a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners and quick weeknight cooking.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
  • 2 cups (226 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 8 oz (227 g) elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
  • ½ cup (120 ml) ketchup
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pasta Preparation: Boil pasta in well-salted water until al dente, then drain completely and set aside.
  2. Meat Foundation: Sear ground beef in a large skillet, fragmenting into fine crumbles and cooking until deeply caramelized and releasing natural oils.
  3. Aromatic Enhancement: Introduce finely diced onions and garlic into the browned beef, sautéing until translucent and releasing their fragrant essence.
  4. Sauce Development: Stream in diced tomatoes, beef broth, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, allowing the mixture to simmer and concentrate flavors while reducing slightly.
  5. Pasta Integration: Delicately fold cooked pasta into the robust meat sauce, ensuring thorough coating and flavor absorption.
  6. Cheese Transformation: Sprinkle shredded cheddar across the skillet, stirring continuously until cheese melts completely, creating a velvety, uniform consistency.
  7. Final Refinement: Season judiciously with salt and black pepper, garnish with optional fresh parsley, and serve immediately while steaming hot.

Notes

  • Choose Lean Beef: Select ground beef with lower fat content (80/20 or 85/15) to prevent excessive greasiness and ensure a cleaner, more balanced flavor profile.
  • Control Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain structural integrity and prevent mushiness when mixed with the sauce, creating a perfect pasta-to-sauce ratio.
  • Manage Cheese Melting: Remove skillet from direct heat when adding cheese to prevent scorching, stirring gently until smooth and fully incorporated for a creamy, uniform consistency.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles for vegetarian version, use gluten-free pasta, or reduce sodium by choosing low-sodium broth and condiments for health-conscious alternatives.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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