This heartwarming Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta comes together in about 30 minutes, and it’s all made in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight meal that your family will love! Seriously, it’s the best kind of comfort food. You can switch up the ingredients based on what you have, or use it as a glorious way to clean out the fridge. Perfect for those busy nights when you need to whip up something fast and delicious!
Ingredient Breakdown
Elbow Macaroni
Why I chose this ingredient: Elbow macaroni is my go-to for this dish because it holds the sauce beautifully and is super fun to eat! Plus, it reminds me of childhood dinners around the table.
Substitution options: If you don’t have elbow macaroni, you can use any small pasta shape like shells, penne, or even rotini.
Tips: Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook later when combined with the sauce.
Ground Beef
Why I chose this ingredient: Ground beef is the star of the show here! It adds richness and tons of flavor to our sloppy cheeseburger pasta.
Substitution options: You can use ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, crumbled tempeh or lentils would work well too!
Tips: For the best taste, choose a ground beef with a bit of fat—80/20 is my favorite!
Onion
Why I chose this ingredient: A diced onion brings sweetness and depth to the dish. Plus, can you really have a hearty pasta dish without onion?
Substitution options: Really, you can use any onion you have on hand yellow, white, or even shallots!
Tips: Make sure to sauté it until it’s soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This enhances the flavor.
Garlic
Why I chose this ingredient: Fresh garlic is a must! It adds a wonderful aroma and flavor that elevates the entire dish.
Substitution options: If you’re out of fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch, just reduce the amount to about 1/4 teaspoon.
Tips: You want to mince the garlic finely, and add it to the skillet a minute after the onions to avoid burning it.
Ketchup
Why I chose this ingredient: Ketchup gives that signature sloppy Joe flavor a little sweet, a little tangy, perfect for this dish!
Substitution options: You can use barbecue sauce for a smokier flavor or even tomato sauce if you’re in a bind.
Tips: Stir it in until well combined with the other ingredients for a cohesive sauce.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Why I chose this ingredient: Cheese makes everything better, am I right? It melts beautifully and adds creaminess to the pasta.
Substitution options: You can also use Monterey Jack, American cheese, or a blend if you’re feeling adventurous!
Tips: I like to add it at the end when everything is hot so it gets melty and gooey. It’s the best part!
Beef Broth
Why I chose this ingredient: Adding beef broth helps to create a lovely, saucy consistency and enhances the overall meaty flavor.
Substitution options: Chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used instead if preferred.
Tips: Be mindful of the sodium in store-bought broth; if you’re using a salty one, you may want to hold off on adding extra salt.
Worcestershire Sauce
Why I chose this ingredient: A splash of Worcestershire sauce enhances the umami flavors, it’s key for that savory depth.
Substitution options: Soy sauce can be a substitute in a pinch, but monitor that soy sauce is less sweet than Worcestershire.
Tips: Just a tablespoon is all you need to add that extra zing!
Salt and Pepper
Why I chose this ingredient: A couple of pinches of salt and pepper balance the flavors beautifully, never skip these!
Substitution options: You can season with other spices like a dash of cayenne for heat or smoked paprika for smokiness.
Tips: Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving; every palate is different!
Chopped Parsley (optional)
Why I chose this ingredient: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness at the end, not to mention it looks lovely on the plate!
Substitution options: Fresh chives or green onions can be a nice alternative if parsley isn’t on hand.
Tips: You should chop it finely to sprinkle it on top for that extra flair!
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling water in a large pot over high heat. Once it’s bubbling away, add 8 oz of elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions. I usually stir it occasionally until it’s al dente, which takes about 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside!Brown the Ground Beef
In that same large skillet (less cleanup, yay!), brown 1 lb of ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Let it cook until it’s no longer pink, this should take about 5-7 minutes oh, and importantly, don’t forget to scrape the yummy bits off the bottom of the skillet. That’s where all the flavor hides!Add Onions and Garlic
As the beef cooks, toss in 1 diced onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté everything together until the onion is soft and translucent, which takes about 3-4 minutes. The smell? Incredible. Your neighbor might just think you’re hosting a dinner party!Create the Sauce
Stir in 1 cup ketchup, 1/2 cup beef broth, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, mixing well. This is the moment when that comforting cheeseburger flavor starts to come together.Mix in the Cooked Pasta
Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and give it a good stir. I mean, make sure everything is nicely combined; you want each piece of pasta coated in that delicious sauce!Cheesy Goodness
Now for the best part add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until it melts beautifully into the dish, creating a creamy, cheesy texture that will make you swoon!Season to Perfection
Season with a couple pinches of salt and pepper to taste. Honestly, this step elevates everything. A perfect blend of flavors at your fingertips!Garnish and Serve
Spoon the cheesy pasta into bowls, and if you want, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and zing! Serve hot, and savor that first bite, you won’t regret it!
Why I Adore This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I need something hearty and satisfying for my family after a long day. I mean, honestly, who doesn’t love a warm bowl of cheesy pasta? I’m a real sucker for comfort food, and this Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta hits the sweet spot every time! The best part is it’s super customizable, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand. Some nights, I toss in leftover veggies or use a different kind of cheese. It’s so fun to play around with it!
If you loved this Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta, be sure to check out my Dorito Casserole, my Easy Italian Cheesy Tortellini Bake, or my Easy Mongolian Beef!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta comes together in under 30 minutes! That’s right; from start to finish, you can have a comforting dinner on the table in record time!
One Pot Wonder
With everything cooked in one skillet, you’ll be thrilled with how little cleanup is involved. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re juggling a million things!
Customizable
This dish is a chameleon! Use ground turkey instead of beef, swap out the cheese for a different variety, or toss in any leftover vegetables lurking in your fridge. The options are endless!
Comfort Food
Come on, who can resist pasta smothered in cheese and a meaty sauce? It’s loaded with tons of flavor and is the kind of dish that wraps you in a warm hug with every bite.
Family-Friendly
The whole family will love it! Even my pickiest eater goes back for seconds when I make this. Seriously, it’s foolproof, and your little ones will gobble it up!
Serving Suggestions
What to Serve With This
This Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta is a full meal on its own, but you could pair it with a light salad or some garlic bread for crunch!
Storage and Reheating
You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, just pop it in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated to your liking.
Freezer-Friendly
Yes! This dish is freezer-friendly! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before warming it up on the stove or microwave.
And there you have it! My deliciously comforting Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners. It’s quick, easy, and loaded with flavor that your family will love! I can’t wait for you to share it with your loved ones, it’s bound to become a new family favorite!
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Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Start by boiling water in a large pot over high heat. Once it’s bubbling away, add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, usually 7-9 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In that same large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon for about 5-7 minutes until it’s no longer pink.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef, sauté until the onion is soft and translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in the ketchup, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce, mixing well.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and stir until everything is nicely combined.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts into the dish.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spoon the cheesy pasta into bowls, sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.