The pasta is creamy, cheesy, and packed with juicy beef that tastes just like a sloppy cheeseburger in a bowl. Every bite feels warm, rich, and so satisfying.
I made this on a chilly night when I wanted comfort food fast. It came together so easily, and my family loved how cheesy it was.
If you’re craving something simple, hearty, and full of flavor, this cheesy sloppy cheeseburger pasta is the answer. Let’s get into the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults both love the cheesy, meaty goodness.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pot for easy cleanup.
- Quick Weeknight Dinner: Ready in just 30 minutes on busy nights.
- Comfort Food Classic: Tastes like a cheeseburger and sloppy joe had a delicious pasta baby.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients you probably have at home.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: This recipe serves 6 people generously. Perfect for a family dinner with maybe some leftovers for lunch tomorrow.
Difficulty: Super easy! Even new cooks can make this dish perfectly. Kids can help with measuring and stirring too.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large pot or deep skillet
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Can opener
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients for Easy Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta
Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting dish (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):
- Ground Beef: The star protein that gives this dish its hearty, meaty flavor
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked down
- Garlic: Fresh garlic makes everything taste better
- Pasta: Any short pasta works great – penne, shells, or rotini
- Beef Broth: Keeps the pasta moist and adds rich flavor
- Tomato Sauce: Creates the saucy base that coats everything
- Worcestershire Sauce: The secret ingredient that adds umami depth
- Yellow Mustard: Gives that classic burger tang
- Ketchup: Adds sweetness and that familiar burger taste
- Smoked Paprika: Brings a hint of smoky flavor
- Onion Powder: Extra onion flavor throughout
- Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts into creamy perfection
- Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce rich and creamy
- Fresh Parsley: Bright green color and fresh taste for garnish
Variations for Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta
- Add Bacon: Cook chopped bacon first, then set aside and add back at the end
- Try Different Cheese: Use pepper jack for spice or mozzarella for mild flavor
- Make it Spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce
- Veggie Boost: Stir in diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions
- Lighter Version: Use ground turkey instead of beef and milk instead of cream
How to Make Easy Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Ground Beef
Heat your large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with your wooden spoon as it browns. The beef should be completely cooked with no pink left.
2. Add the Aromatics
Push the beef to one side of the pot. Add diced onion to the empty space and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until it smells amazing.
3. Add the Seasonings
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, mustard, ketchup, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together and cook for 1 minute to blend the flavors.
4. Add Liquids and Pasta
Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce. Stir well. Add the uncooked pasta right into the pot. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
5. Simmer Until Tender
Cover the pot and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes. The pasta should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.
6. Make it Creamy and Cheesy
Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the heavy cream first, then add the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and creates a creamy sauce.
7. Final Touch
Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for color and freshness.
Serving and Decoration
How to Serve Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta
This hearty pasta is perfect on its own, but here are some great side ideas:
- Simple Green Salad: A light salad with ranch dressing balances the richness
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce
- Steamed Broccoli: Adds some green veggies to the plate
- Pickles: Serve dill pickle spears on the side for that authentic burger experience
- French Fries: Why not go all out with the comfort food theme
Storing Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta
- Leftovers: Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in a covered container
- Reheating: Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to keep it creamy
- Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Don’t Skip the Cream: It prevents the cheese from getting stringy and clumpy
- Stir Often: Keep stirring while the pasta cooks so nothing sticks to the bottom
- Cheese Temperature: Remove from heat before adding cheese to prevent it from breaking
- Pasta Choice: Short pasta with ridges or curves holds the sauce better than smooth pasta
- Fresh Garlic: Don’t burn the garlic or it will taste bitter
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 485 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbs | 42g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 890mg |
| Calcium | 285mg |
Recipe Card
PrintEasy Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish – Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 ounces short pasta (penne, shells, or rotini)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook ground beef for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks, until no pink remains.
- Cook Aromatics: Push beef to one side. Add diced onion to empty space and cook 3-4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, mustard, ketchup, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute.
- Add Liquids: Pour in beef broth and tomato sauce. Add uncooked pasta and stir. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low heat.
- Simmer: Cover and cook 12-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Make Creamy: Remove from heat. Stir in heavy cream, then add cheese gradually, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Finish: Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Easy Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta FAQs
A: Yes! Any short pasta works well. Try shells, rotini, or even elbow macaroni.
A: You can prep the ingredients ahead, but this dish is best served fresh. The pasta may absorb too much sauce if it sits too long.
A: You can use whole milk, but add it slowly and the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy.
A: Absolutely! Just use a bigger pot and you may need to cook a few minutes longer.
A: Remove the pot from heat before adding cheese, and add it gradually while stirring constantly.
Conclusion
This Easy Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta brings together the best of comfort food in one delicious dish. The combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and tender pasta creates a meal that satisfies everyone at the table. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a regular in your dinner rotation because it’s so simple yet so satisfying.
