Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta 🍔🧀
When comfort food calls, this Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta answers with big flavor and minimal fuss. Think classic sloppy joe meets cheeseburger, tossed with tender pasta and melty cheese—all cooked in one skillet. It’s hearty, creamy, a little nostalgic, and 100% satisfying.
Perfect for weeknights, picky eaters, or anyone craving an ultra-comforting bowl of pasta that feels like a warm hug.
🍔🧄🧅 Why You’ll Love It
✅ One pan = easy cleanup
✅ Bold, cheesy burger flavor in every bite
✅ Quick – ready in about 30 minutes
✅ Budget-friendly, family-approved dinner idea
🛒 Ingredients
450 g (1 lb) ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or yellow, for a classic cheeseburger flavor)
1 tablespoon ketchup (optional, for extra “sloppy” tang)
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 ½ cups beef broth (or water with 1 bouillon cube)
250 g (about 2 cups) small pasta (elbow macaroni or shells work great)
1 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional: 1/4 cup cream cheese for extra creaminess
Optional toppings: chopped pickles, green onions, or crushed chips
🔪 Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
In a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add diced onion and garlic to the pan and sauté for 2–3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
2. Add Flavor Base
Stir in tomato paste, mustard, ketchup (if using), Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
3. Add Pasta & Liquids
Pour in the beef broth and milk. Stir to combine, then add the uncooked pasta. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
(If the mixture gets too thick before the pasta is fully cooked, add a splash more broth or water.)
4. Make It Cheesy
Once the pasta is tender, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese (and cream cheese if using) until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Serve and Top
Scoop into bowls and top with your favorite burger-inspired garnishes:
Chopped dill pickles
Sliced green onions
Extra shredded cheese
A drizzle of ketchup or mustard
Crushed potato chips or pretzels for crunch
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for balance
Serve with garlic toast or burger buns for a fun twist
Add a side of coleslaw to complete the diner-style experience
👩🍳 Tips for Success
Use a high-sided skillet to keep everything contained
Stir often while simmering to prevent sticking
For deeper flavor, sauté tomato paste for 1–2 minutes before adding liquid
Want it spicier? Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños
🔄 Variations
Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta: Add cooked bacon bits before serving
Tex-Mex Twist: Swap in taco seasoning, pepper jack cheese, and top with salsa
Veggie Boost: Stir in peas, spinach, or diced bell peppers
Make it lighter: Use lean ground turkey or chicken and reduced-fat cheese
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen
Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months
🎉 Final Thoughts
Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta is everything great about two American classics—wrapped into one bubbling skillet of comfort. It’s bold, beefy, and cheesy in the best way possible, and once you make it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a weekly regular.