Name: Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 8 oz pasta (elbow macaroni, shells, or rotini); 3 cups beef broth or water; 2 tbsp tomato paste or 1/4 cup ketchup; 1 tbsp yellow mustard; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 oz cream cheese or 1/4 cup milk (for creaminess); Salt and black pepper, to taste; Optional toppings: chopped pickles, green onions, diced tomatoes, extra cheese

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Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, one-pan dinner that takes everything I love about a classic cheeseburger and transforms it into a cozy, hearty pasta dish. With ground beef, melty cheese, tender noodles, and just the right amount of ketchup and mustard flavor, this meal is the perfect blend of comfort food and weeknight convenience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish brings big cheeseburger flavor in a fast and satisfying way. It’s made in just one pot, uses simple ingredients I usually have on hand, and comes together in about 30 minutes. The ground beef adds protein, the pasta makes it filling, and the creamy cheese sauce ties everything together. It’s kid-approved, meal-prep friendly, and total comfort in a bowl.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Pasta (elbow macaroni, shells, or rotini)
Beef broth or water
Tomato paste or ketchup
Yellow mustard
Worcestershire sauce
Shredded cheddar cheese
Cream cheese or milk (for extra creaminess)
Salt and black pepper
Optional toppings: pickles, green onions, diced tomatoes, or extra cheese

Directions

I brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. I drain excess grease if needed.
I add the diced onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 2–3 minutes.
I stir in the tomato paste (or ketchup), mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
I add the dry pasta and pour in the beef broth, stirring to combine everything.
I bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
I stir in the cream cheese or a splash of milk, then fold in the shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.
I serve hot, topped with extra cheese, diced pickles, or anything else that reminds me of a cheeseburger.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4–6 servings. It takes 10 minutes to prep and around 20–25 minutes to cook, so it’s ready in about 30–35 minutes total.

Variations

I use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
I’ve added chopped pickles, tomatoes, or even lettuce just before serving for a “fully loaded” touch.
I make it spicier with hot sauce, jalapeños, or pepper jack cheese.
For gluten-free, I use gluten-free pasta and check labels on condiments.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave or warm it in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. It thickens as it sits but still tastes great the next day.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Yes. I usually go with cheddar, but I’ve also used Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a mix of shredded cheeses.

Can I use pre-cooked pasta?

It’s best to cook the pasta with the beef and broth so it absorbs all the flavors. But if I’m using pre-cooked pasta, I reduce the broth and simmer just until everything’s heated through.

Is this kid-friendly?

Absolutely. It’s cheesy, creamy, and has familiar cheeseburger flavors that most kids love.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes. I make the full dish and store it in the fridge, then reheat portions as needed. It also works well for meal prep.

What sides go well with it?

I usually serve it with a simple green salad, roasted veggies, or steamed broccoli for balance.

Conclusion

Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta is one of my favorite one-pan meals—fast, cheesy, and full of comfort. It brings all the classic flavors of a cheeseburger in a creamy pasta form that’s perfect for family dinners or easy leftovers. Whether I’m craving something indulgent or just need a quick weeknight win, this recipe always hits the spot.

Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta

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Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta is a creamy, cheesy one-pan meal that transforms the flavors of a classic cheeseburger into a hearty, comforting pasta dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, and satisfying cravings fast.

Author: Mayaa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1/2 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz pasta (elbow macaroni, shells, or rotini)
3 cups beef broth or water
2 tbsp tomato paste or 1/4 cup ketchup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 oz cream cheese or 1/4 cup milk (for creaminess)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional toppings: chopped pickles, green onions, diced tomatoes, extra cheese

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Instructions

In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Add diced onion and garlic, and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Stir in tomato paste (or ketchup), mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
Add dry pasta and pour in beef broth. Stir to combine everything.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
Stir in cream cheese or milk to make it creamy, then fold in shredded cheddar until melted and smooth.
Serve hot, topped with optional pickles, green onions, tomatoes, or more cheese.