Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta
Introduction
If you love cheeseburgers and pasta, this recipe brings the best of both worlds together! It’s a rich, cheesy, and savory dish featuring seasoned ground beef, tender pasta, and a creamy tomato-cheese sauce. The result is a one-pot dinner that’s hearty, budget-friendly, and ready in under an hour — making it perfect for weeknights when you want comfort food without the fuss.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken as a lighter option)
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
1 cup tomato sauce (or marinara)
1 tbsp ketchup (for that classic sloppy joe sweetness)
1 tbsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
2 ½ cups pasta (elbow macaroni, rotini, or shells work great)
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping if desired)
½ cup cream cheese or sour cream (for creaminess)
Optional garnish: sliced green onions, parsley, or pickles (for cheeseburger vibes)
Instructions
Cook the Beef
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Drain excess fat if needed.
Add Aromatics
Stir in diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Build the Sauce
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Season with salt and pepper.
Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer.
Cook the Pasta
Stir in the dry pasta.
Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Make it Cheesy
Reduce heat to low.
Stir in cheddar cheese and cream cheese (or sour cream) until melted and creamy.
Serve
Spoon into bowls and sprinkle with extra cheese if desired.
Garnish with green onions, parsley, or chopped pickles for a fun cheeseburger touch.
Tips & Variations
Extra Cheesiness: Use a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack.
Veggie Boost: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach while cooking the onions.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Make Ahead: This dish reheats well — store in the fridge up to 3 days. Add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.
Freezer-Friendly: Freeze leftovers (without garnishes) up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a simple side salad to balance the richness.
Pair with garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls.
Top with a few crispy bacon bits for a true “loaded cheeseburger pasta” experience.