Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe for Dinner Fun

Bubbling with comfort and nostalgia, this cheesy sloppy cheeseburger pasta brings restaurant-style excitement straight to your kitchen.

Melted cheese and savory ground beef blend into a deliciously messy masterpiece that screams indulgence.

Weekend dinners suddenly become more exciting with this crowd-pleasing creation.

Kids and adults will devour every single bite of this hearty dish.

No complicated techniques or fancy ingredients complicate this straightforward recipe.

Simple pantry staples come together in under thirty minutes for maximum satisfaction.

Grab a fork and get ready to experience pure, unapologetic deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Comforting

  • A One-Skillet Wonder that Transforms Weeknight Dinners
  • Streamlined recipe requires just one skillet, reducing cleanup time and kitchen chaos while delivering maximum flavor.
  • Kid-friendly dish combines beloved cheeseburger flavors with pasta, ensuring smiles around the table and zero mealtime battles.
  • Utilizes affordable ingredients like ground beef and pantry staples, creating a hearty meal that stretches dollars without compromising taste.
  • Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy families craving delicious home-cooked meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients That Turn Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta into a Hit

Main Ingredients:

Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty base that brings classic cheeseburger flavor, choose lean beef for less grease.
Pasta:
  • Pasta: The comforting foundation of the dish, medium shapes like rotini or penne work best for holding sauce.
Sauce and Flavor Builders:
  • Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tangy brightness, canned varieties provide consistent flavor.
  • Beef Broth: Creates depth and richness in the sauce, low-sodium options allow better seasoning control.
  • Ketchup: Provides sweet and tangy notes that mimic classic cheeseburger taste.
  • Mustard: Adds sharp, zesty undertones typical of burger condiments.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Delivers umami and complex savory notes.
Aromatic and Cheese Components:
  • Onion: Provides sweet and savory base flavor, white or yellow onions work perfectly.
  • Garlic: Brings intense, fragrant depth to the overall dish.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and delivers classic cheeseburger cheesiness, sharp varieties add more flavor.
Finishing Touches:
  • Salt: Enhances overall seasoning.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish for fresh color and light herb notes.

How to Make Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook pasta in salted water following package directions until tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sizzle Ground Beef

Heat skillet over medium-high flame. Cook ground beef until beautifully browned, breaking into crumbly pieces. Drain off excess fat.

Step 3: Awaken Aromatic Flavors

Add to skillet:
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic

Sauté until onions turn translucent and release sweet fragrance.

Step 4: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

Introduce to skillet:
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Beef broth
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Worcestershire sauce

Simmer gently, allowing ingredients to dance and blend for about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Marry Pasta With Sauce

Fold cooked pasta into sauce, ensuring every strand gets deliciously coated.

Step 6: Melt Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over pasta. Stir until cheese transforms into creamy, luxurious coating.

Step 7: Final Flavor Touch

Season with salt and pepper. Optional: Scatter fresh parsley on top for vibrant color. Serve piping hot and enjoy the comfort food magic!

Tips to Nail That Cheeseburger Flavor in Pasta

  • Drain Pasta Perfectly: Shake the colander gently to remove excess water, preventing watery sauce and ensuring sauce clings beautifully to pasta.
  • Choose Quality Beef: Select lean ground beef with 85-90% meat content for rich flavor without excessive grease, creating a cleaner, more delicious dish.
  • Boost Cheese Meltability: Grate cheese directly from a cold block and add gradually while stirring, helping it melt smoothly and preventing clumping.
  • Customize Spice Level: Adjust heat by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce, allowing personalization for different taste preferences without compromising the recipe's core flavors.
  • Preserve Leftovers Smartly: Store in airtight containers, refrigerate within two hours of cooking, and reheat gently with a splash of broth to maintain moisture and prevent pasta from drying out.

How to Store and Reheat Cheeseburger Pasta Leftovers

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to prevent drying and restore creamy texture.
  • Reheat in microwave-safe dish, covered, stirring halfway through cooking to distribute heat evenly and maintain moisture.
  • Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring best quality and taste when thawed slowly in refrigerator before reheating.

What to Serve with Cheeseburger Pasta for a Full Meal

  • Pairing Perfect Partners for Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta
  • Prepare a tangy, crunchy coleslaw with vinegar-based dressing to cut through the rich, cheesy pasta and provide refreshing contrast.
  • Select a robust amber ale or hoppy IPA that complements the meaty, cheesy flavors and helps cleanse the palate between bites.
  • Toss a light mixed greens salad with cherry tomatoes and a bright vinaigrette to balance the hearty pasta dish's heaviness.
  • Whip up a quick cucumber salad with dill and light sour cream to add a cool, creamy element that enhances the meal's richness.

New Ways to Switch Up Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta

  • Gluten-Free Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Swap traditional pasta with riced cauliflower or cauliflower noodles to reduce carbohydrate content and add extra vegetables.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or crumbled tofu to create a meatless alternative that maintains the dish's hearty texture.
  • Dairy-Free Cheese Alternative: Use dairy-free cheese shreds made from nuts or soy, or nutritional yeast to create a creamy texture for those avoiding dairy products.
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Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe


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4.7 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Sloppy cheeseburger pasta delivers comfort food magic straight from classic American kitchens. Hearty ground beef mingles with melted cheese and pasta, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies deep hunger and craves for seconds.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Pasta and Cheese:

  • 8 ounces (227 grams) elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
  • 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Garnish:

  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Boil the pasta in a generously salted pot of water until perfectly tender, ensuring a slight bite. Drain thoroughly and reserve to the side.
  2. Heat a substantial skillet and introduce ground beef, breaking it into fine crumbles. Cook until the meat achieves a rich, golden-brown exterior and releases its excess fat.
  3. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic into the browned beef, sautéing until the aromatics become fragrant and translucent.
  4. Pour in diced tomatoes, beef broth, tangy ketchup, sharp mustard, and robust Worcestershire sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, melding the complex flavors and reducing slightly.
  5. Fold the cooked pasta into the savory meat sauce, ensuring each strand is generously coated with the rich, zesty mixture.
  6. Shower the skillet with shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely, creating a luxurious, creamy texture throughout the dish.
  7. Taste critically and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Optional: Scatter chopped parsley across the top for a vibrant finish. Transfer to serving dishes while piping hot.

Notes

  • Achieve perfect pasta texture by cooking just until al dente to prevent mushiness when mixed with sauce.
  • Drain ground beef thoroughly to reduce excess grease and prevent a greasy final dish.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or smoked gouda for unique flavor profiles.
  • Create a lighter version by using lean ground turkey or plant-based meat alternative for health-conscious eaters.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 880 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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