Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta

Who doesn’t love a good cheeseburger? Now imagine those same flavors tossed with pasta and topped with gooey melted cheese yes, please! This Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta is everything you crave in comfort food: savory ground beef, a tangy sauce, and plenty of cheddar cheese to bring it all together. It’s the ultimate family-friendly meal that combines the best of a sloppy cheeseburger and a hearty pasta dish into one irresistible skillet dinner.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip this up in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Grab your apron, and let’s make some magic in the kitchen together!

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Why You’ll Love This Cheeseburger Pasta

• Classic Cheeseburger Flavor: This pasta dish captures all the delicious flavors of a classic cheeseburger, from the seasoned beef to the tangy mustard and ketchup, with cheddar cheese melted on top.
• Quick & Easy to Make: With a total time of just 30 minutes, this is an easy dinner option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Perfect for weeknights when you want something filling without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved: It’s like a cheeseburger in pasta form what’s not to love? The whole family will devour this meal, and you won’t hear any complaints!
• Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Ground beef, pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese these are simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather everything you need to bring this deliciously cheesy pasta to life. I’ll throw in a few tips to help you make the most of each ingredient!

• 1 lb ground beef
  – Ground beef adds a hearty, savory element to the dish. You can use lean or regular ground beef, but if there’s extra fat, be sure to drain it after cooking.
• 1 small onion, diced
  – Onion adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the sauce. Finely dice it so it blends well with the beef.
• 1 garlic clove, minced
  – Fresh garlic is ideal for flavor, but you can also use 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder if you’re out.
• 12 oz rotini or any pasta of choice
  – Rotini is great for holding onto all the cheesy sauce, but feel free to use any pasta you have, like penne, macaroni, or even shells.
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  – Tomato sauce creates the base of our tangy, savory sauce. Make sure to use plain tomato sauce, not marinara, to keep the cheeseburger flavor on point.
• 1/4 cup ketchup
  – Ketchup adds a hint of sweetness and boosts that classic burger flavor.
• 2 tbsp mustard
  – Mustard brings a bit of tang that complements the ketchup and adds depth to the sauce.
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  – Worcestershire sauce adds a rich, umami flavor that really rounds out the dish.
• 1 tsp garlic powder
  – This gives the dish an extra garlic boost and enhances the savory flavor.
• 1 tsp onion powder
  – Onion powder adds another layer of flavor, complementing the fresh onion perfectly.
• Salt and pepper, to taste
  – Season to your preference; this will bring out all the other flavors in the dish.
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  – Cheddar cheese is ideal for that classic cheeseburger flavor, and it melts beautifully into the pasta.
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for browning beef)
  – Olive oil helps to prevent the beef from sticking to the pan, but if your beef has enough fat, you may not need it.

How to Make Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta: Step-by-Step

Ready to dive into this easy, comforting meal? Let’s go step by step to make sure it turns out delicious every time.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of rotini (or your pasta of choice) and cook according to package directions, usually about 8–10 minutes.
• Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. It’ll be waiting to soak up all that tasty sauce!

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

• While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp of olive oil if needed (optional). Add 1 lb of ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
• Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. This builds flavor in the sauce and makes the beef mixture extra delicious.
• Once the beef is cooked through and the onion is soft, drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

• Add 1 can (15 oz) of tomato sauce to the skillet with the beef mixture, along with 1/4 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp mustard, 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder.
• Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, letting it cook for about 5-7 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

• Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the beef sauce. Gently stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the savory, cheesy sauce.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

• Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the pasta and sauce mixture. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 2–3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into gooey perfection.
• If you prefer a golden, bubbly cheese topping, place the skillet under the broiler for a minute or two—just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Scoop up generous portions of your Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta, and enjoy while it’s warm and cheesy. This dish is a meal in itself, but it also pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Cheeseburger Pasta

• Adjust Seasonings to Your Taste: Taste as you go! Feel free to add more ketchup for sweetness, extra mustard for tang, or a splash of Worcestershire for more depth.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat.
• Use What You Have: If you don’t have rotini, use any short pasta you like. Penne, shells, or even elbow macaroni work well.
• Swap Cheeses for a Twist: Try using a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for extra gooeyness, or throw in some Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.

Variations and Serving Ideas

1. Cheeseburger Pasta Bake

Turn this dish into a casserole by mixing the pasta and sauce in a baking dish, topping with cheese, and baking at 350°F for 10–15 minutes. This gives you a deliciously bubbly, golden top and makes for easy serving.

2. Top It Like a Burger

Set out toppings like chopped pickles, diced tomatoes, or even crispy bacon. Let everyone customize their plate for a fun twist!

3. Serve with Garlic Bread or a Side Salad

This pasta is fantastic with a side of garlic bread for dipping, or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the cheese and beef.

Final Thoughts: A Comfort Meal for the Whole Family

There you have it Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta, an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s sure to make it into your regular rotation. This dish brings together the best of comfort food in one cheesy, hearty skillet that everyone will love. It’s quick to make, budget-friendly, and just plain fun to eat.

Try it out, and let me know what you think! Whether you stick to the recipe or put your own spin on it, this dish is perfect for a night when you just want to relax and enjoy a comforting, homemade meal.