👉Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta

 

 

Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta

This Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta combines everything you love about a classic sloppy joe and a cheesy hamburger—mixed into one comforting, skillet-style pasta dish. It’s creamy, hearty, and perfect for busy weeknights when you need something filling that the whole family will devour.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One-pot friendly and easy cleanup

  • Budget-friendly ingredients

  • Kid-approved flavors

  • Ready in about 30 minutes

  • Perfect for leftovers and meal prep

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 1 small onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow, rotini, or shells work best)

  • 2 cups beef broth

  • 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)

  • Âľ cup ketchup

  • 2 tablespoons mustard

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • Optional garnish: chopped pickles or parsley

Instructions

  1. Brown the Beef
    In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.

  2. Add Onion & Garlic
    Stir in diced onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

  3. Build the Sauce
    Add ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

  4. Add Pasta & Liquids
    Pour in uncooked pasta, beef broth, and milk. Stir and bring to a gentle boil.

  5. Simmer
    Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.

  6. Add Cheese
    Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.

  7. Serve
    Garnish if desired and serve hot.

Variations

  • Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta – Add cooked, crumbled bacon

  • Spicy Version – Stir in hot sauce or diced jalapeños

  • Big Mac Style – Add diced pickles and a little extra mustard

  • Chicken Cheeseburger Pasta – Use ground chicken instead of beef

  • Extra Cheesy – Mix cheddar with mozzarella or Velveeta

Make It a Meal

Serve with:

  • Garlic bread or dinner rolls

  • Simple green salad

  • Steamed broccoli or green beans

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days

  • Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk

  • Freeze: Yes—freeze up to 2 months for best texture

20 Helpful Tips

  1. Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting

  2. Don’t overcook the pasta—it will continue to thicken

  3. Stir often to prevent sticking

  4. Drain beef if it’s very greasy

  5. Add milk slowly if thickening too fast

  6. Elbow pasta holds sauce best

  7. Season gradually and taste as you go

  8. Add cheese off the heat to avoid clumping

  9. Use whole milk for creamier texture

  10. Add diced pickles for authentic cheeseburger flavor

  11. Ground turkey works well too

  12. For thinner sauce, add extra broth

  13. Let rest 5 minutes before serving

  14. Great for lunch leftovers

  15. Double the recipe for large families

  16. Sprinkle cheese on top and broil for 2 minutes

  17. Add paprika or smoked paprika for depth

  18. Pair with a crunchy salad

  19. Use low-sodium broth to control salt

  20. Kids love it with extra ketchup drizzled on top

20 Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I make this ahead of time?
    Yes, it reheats very well.

  2. Can I use different pasta shapes?
    Yes—rotini, shells, or penne all work.

  3. Is this recipe spicy?
    No, it’s mild unless you add spice.

  4. Can I use ground turkey?
    Absolutely.

  5. Can I make it dairy-free?
    Use dairy-free cheese and milk alternatives.

  6. Can I freeze leftovers?
    Yes, up to 2 months.

  7. What cheese works best?
    Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor.

  8. Can I add vegetables?
    Yes—corn, peas, or diced bell peppers work well.

  9. Does it thicken as it cools?
    Yes, slightly.

  10. Can I use Velveeta?
    Yes, for extra creaminess.

  11. Is this kid-friendly?
    Very much so!

  12. Can I use pre-cooked pasta?
    Yes, but reduce liquid amounts.

  13. Can I cook this in a crockpot?
    Yes—brown beef first, then cook on LOW 3–4 hours.

  14. What if it’s too thick?
    Add milk or broth a little at a time.

  15. Can I make it gluten-free?
    Use gluten-free pasta.

  16. How do I make it cheesier?
    Add more cheese or mix in cream cheese.

  17. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes—use a large pot.

  18. What can I serve with it?
    Salad, bread, or veggies.

  19. Does it taste like sloppy joes?
    Yes, with a cheesy twist.

  20. Can I use ketchup alternatives?
    Yes—try sugar-free or homemade ketchup.

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