Irresistible Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe for Families

When hunger strikes, this cheesy sloppy cheeseburger pasta delivers comfort straight to your plate.

Meat lovers will appreciate the hearty blend of ground beef and melted cheese.

Weeknight dinners demand something quick and satisfying, and this recipe answers that call.

Minimal ingredients combine for maximum flavor, creating a dish that feels indulgent yet simple.

Skillet magic happens as pasta twirls with savory beef and rich cheese sauce.

Bold seasonings punch up each bite, making this more than just another pasta recipe.

Jump into this delicious adventure and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Essentials

• Craft a Flavor Explosion: Dive into a mouthwatering dish that combines the classic comfort of cheeseburgers with the hearty goodness of pasta, creating an irresistible meal that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Master this one-pan wonder that transforms basic ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dinner with minimal prep and cleanup, perfect for busy families and cooking novices.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your family's taste preferences, making this recipe a versatile go-to that adapts to your culinary creativity.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Pack a protein-rich meal that kids will love, combining familiar flavors of beef, cheese, and pasta into one delicious, satisfying dish that even picky eaters can't resist.

Ingredients Needed for Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta

• Rotini Pasta: A spiral-shaped pasta that holds sauce exceptionally well.
• Ground Beef: A flavorful protein that forms the hearty base of the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that adds rich, creamy texture.

• Tomato Sauce, Ketchup: Provide a tangy and sweet base for the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce, Mustard: Add depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Enhance the overall savory taste of the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a fragrant and foundational flavor to the meat mixture.
• Salt, Pepper: Season and balance the overall taste of the pasta dish.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the beef and preventing sticking.

Easy Steps to Make Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Drop in the rotini pasta and cook until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Carefully drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Heat a large skillet over medium flame. If needed, add a splash of olive oil.

Toss in the ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic. Cook the mixture, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon, until the meat is completely browned and the onions turn soft and translucent.

Step 3: Create the Saucy Mixture

• Tomato sauce
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Stir everything together thoroughly. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to dance and mingle.

Season with salt and pepper to bring out the deep, rich taste.

Step 4: Marry the Pasta and Sauce

Pour the cooked pasta into the beef mixture.

Gently fold and stir until every single pasta piece is beautifully coated with the savory sauce.

Step 5: Cheese It Up

Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta.

Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes. For an extra golden touch, slide the skillet under the broiler briefly until the cheese becomes bubbly and slightly crispy on top.

Step 6: Dig In

Serve the pasta piping hot, straight from the skillet. Get ready for a mouthwatering explosion of cheesy, meaty goodness!

Tips to Nail Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta

• Select 90/10 or 93/7 ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, less oily dish while maintaining rich flavor.
• Remove skillet from heat and cover immediately after adding cheese to help it melt smoothly without overcooking or burning.
• Ensure pasta is just al dente before mixing with sauce to prevent mushy results and maintain a perfect pasta bite.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or monterey jack for unique taste variations and added excitement.
• Brown beef mixture in advance and store in refrigerator, allowing quick assembly when ready to complete the meal for busy weeknights.

Variations to Try with Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta

• Turkey Pasta Swap: Replace ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter, lower-fat version of the classic recipe.
• Vegetarian Protein Path: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free alternative that keeps the hearty flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Use gluten-free rotini pasta and ensure all sauce ingredients are gluten-free certified for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Add diced green chilies, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and include a dash of chili powder to create a zesty regional variation.

Great Pairings with Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta

Choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel to complement the rich, meaty flavors and cut through the cheesy pasta’s heaviness.

Select a crisp amber ale or hoppy IPA that balances the dish’s richness and provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty meal.

Create a tangy green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to add lightness and cut through the pasta’s intense flavors.

Add quick-pickled red onions or dill pickles on the side to introduce a sharp, acidic element that refreshes the palate between bites.

How to Store Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Keeps well for 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a little milk or broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated through and creamy.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in this recipe?

The key ingredients are ground beef, rotini pasta, tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese. These ingredients create a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the taste of a cheeseburger with pasta.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute rotini with other short pasta shapes like penne, shells, or elbow macaroni. The important thing is to choose a pasta that can hold the sauce well and mix easily with the beef.

• Is this dish spicy?

No, this recipe is not spicy. It uses basic seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. If you want to add some heat, you can include red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy cheesy sloppy cheeseburger pasta delivers hearty comfort straight from American kitchen dreams. Melted cheese, ground beef, and pasta blend into one irresistible skillet meal that satisfies deep hunger and brings smiles around dinner tables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Pasta and Base:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) rotini pasta
• Water for boiling
• Salt for pasta water

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for browning beef)
• 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons mustard
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups (226 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded

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Instructions

1. Boil salted water in a large pot and cook rotini for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender. Drain pasta and reserve to the side.
2. Heat skillet over medium temperature, brown ground beef with onions and garlic until meat is completely cooked and vegetables are translucent. Remove any accumulated fat.
3. Incorporate tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder into meat mixture. Simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Fold cooked pasta into beef sauce, ensuring every pasta piece is thoroughly coated and evenly distributed.
5. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top of pasta mixture. Cover skillet and let cheese melt for 2-3 minutes. For enhanced texture, place skillet under broiler for 1-2 minutes until cheese turns golden and slightly crispy.
6. Transfer to serving dishes immediately while hot, creating a deliciously messy cheeseburger pasta experience.

Notes

• Swap pasta shapes to keep things interesting, like shells or penne, which capture sauce amazingly well.
• Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles work perfectly for lighter protein alternatives that maintain the dish’s hearty flavor profile.
• Enhance nutrition by sneaking in finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini during the beef cooking stage without compromising taste.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium tomato sauce and controlling additional salt, making this comfort meal more heart-friendly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 595 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg