The ultimate one-pan comfort food that brings all the flavor of your favorite cheeseburger—with a cheesy pasta twist! It’s cheesy sloppy cheeseburger pasta
Before we dive into the delicious details, let me say thank you for being here. Whether you’re a loyal reader or you just stumbled upon this cheesy gem, I’m truly grateful you’re sharing your kitchen adventures with me. This one’s for busy weeknights, picky eaters, and anyone who believes comfort food should be simple, hearty, and totally satisfying.
Today’s recipe? Oh wow. It’s everything we love about a classic sloppy cheeseburger… melted into tender pasta. I’m talking about Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta—rich, meaty, loaded with cheese, and ready in just 30 minutes. The kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. 🧀🍔🍝
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Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Pasta
Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta is anything but boring. It’s the kind of cozy, no-fuss recipe that checks every box:
- Quick and Easy: 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Kid-Friendly: Creamy, cheesy, beefy goodness that’s always a hit.
- One-Skillet Magic: Less cleanup, more flavor.
- Versatile: Swap out ingredients, spice it up, make it yours.
So, What Does It Taste Like?
Think of the saucy, savory beef in a sloppy joe… then imagine it hugging creamy elbow macaroni, drenched in melty cheddar cheese. It’s nostalgic, craveable, and surprisingly complex for how easy it is to whip up. The Worcestershire adds that punchy, deep umami note, and the milk makes it silky smooth. I’m telling you—this pasta is a keeper.
🍔 Benefits of Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Crowd Pleaser: Great for family dinners or potlucks.
- Leftover Gold: Tastes even better the next day!
- Customizable: Add your favorite burger toppings—pickles, jalapeños, or even bacon bits!
📝 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
🔧 Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Medium pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
- Cheese grater (if shredding your own cheddar)
🔄 Substitutions and Add-Ins
Let’s get creative! I promised you versatile, and here’s proof:
- Ground beef → Try ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat crumbles.
- Cheddar cheese → Swap in Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a spicy pepper jack.
- Add-ins: Diced tomatoes, pickles, or sautéed mushrooms for a cheeseburger twist.
- Kick it up: A dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika goes a long way!
👩🍳 How to Make Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta (Step-by-Step)
1. Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Cook the Pasta
In a separate pot, boil salted water and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Simmer the Sauce
To the skillet with the beef, add:
- Tomato sauce
- Milk
- Worcestershire sauce
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
Stir well and let simmer for about 5 minutes to bring everything together.
4. Add Pasta & Cheese
Toss in the cooked macaroni and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy and coats every bite.
5. Serve & Garnish
Turn off the heat, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve it up warm. (Trust me, the smell when this is in the skillet is incredible!)
🍽️ What to Serve With It
- A crisp green salad with ranch dressing
- Garlic bread or toasted buns (sloppy joe style!)
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
- Dill pickles on the side for a burger-y touch!
💡 Tips for the Creamiest, Dreamiest Pasta
- Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente is perfect so it doesn’t get mushy when stirred in.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded.
- Taste and adjust seasonings before serving—every tomato sauce is a little different!
- Add a splash more milk if the sauce gets too thick while simmering.
🧊 Storage Instructions
Leftovers? Lucky you!
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
- Freezer: Yes, you can freeze it! Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.
ℹ️ General Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~400 kcal per serving
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Shells, rotini, or penne would all work beautifully.
Is this spicy?
Nope—it’s family-friendly. But you can spice it up with chili flakes or hot sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. It reheats like a dream and makes an excellent meal prep option.
Can I use plant-based cheese?
Yes! There are great melty vegan cheddar-style shreds that work well here.
🧡 Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta is your new weeknight winner—simple, fast, comforting, and full of bold, cheesy flavor. I hope it brings warmth and smiles to your dinner table, just like it does to mine.
If you loved this recipe, check out these other peachy, cheesy comfort meals:
- [Creamy Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole]
- [One-Pot Chili Mac and Cheese]
- [Cheesy Taco Pasta Bake]
📸 Share Your Creations!
Tried it? I’d LOVE to see it! Drop a comment, rate the recipe, and tag your photos on Pinterest or Instagram. Let’s make our kitchens more delicious—together. 💕
🧾 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~400 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 34g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 5g
Thanks for cooking with me today. Now go grab that fork—you’ve got some cheesy, burger-y pasta waiting. 😋
Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat.
- In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Add the tomato sauce, milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the beef. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked elbow macaroni and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and everything is evenly coated.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.
