If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that combines the best parts of a cheeseburger and pasta, this Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta is exactly what you need. It’s hearty, creamy, cheesy, and loaded with savory flavors that make it a family favorite. Imagine juicy ground beef simmered with onions, garlic, tangy ketchup, and mustard, then tossed together with tender pasta and smothered in a rich cheddar cheese sauce. This one-skillet dinner is cozy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s the kind of meal you’ll crave on a busy weeknight or when you just want something comforting without a lot of fuss.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow or sweet onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups uncooked pasta, such as penne or elbow
2 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 can unsweetened tomato sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon yellow mustard (or Dijon for a tangier flavor)
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
¼ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Directions

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up into small crumbles. Drain excess fat to keep the dish lighter.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the onion softens and turns translucent.
Stir in the uncooked pasta, beef broth, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, ketchup, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined, then bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix gently over low heat until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Avoid letting it boil to prevent curdling.
Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot straight from the skillet.

Nutrients

Calories: ~520 per serving
Protein: ~30g
Carbohydrates: ~45g
Fat: ~24g
Fiber: ~3g
Sodium: ~780mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta dish hits all the right notes: cheesy, hearty, tangy, and savory. It takes all the flavor of a sloppy cheeseburger and reinvents it into a one-pot pasta meal. It’s weeknight-friendly, easy to put together, and doesn’t require fancy ingredients. Plus, it’s kid-approved and adult-loved, making it a perfect family dinner.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

Cheeseburger pasta recipes gained popularity as a fun twist on American comfort food staples. They borrow inspiration from the all-American cheeseburger—beef, ketchup, mustard, and cheese—and transform it into a hearty pasta skillet. It’s an evolution of the classic hamburger helper concept but with a fresher, homemade spin.

Ingredient Spotlight

The ground beef provides the meaty backbone, while onion and garlic layer in savory aromatics. Ketchup and mustard may seem like burger-only condiments, but they give this pasta a tangy-sweet cheeseburger taste. Cheddar cheese brings sharp, creamy richness that makes the dish indulgent. And of course, the pasta itself is what transforms the classic sandwich into a filling dinner that stretches to serve the whole family.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and restore creaminess. You can also freeze this pasta before adding the cheese—just thaw, reheat on the stove, then stir in fresh cream and cheese when ready to serve. Let the cooked pasta cool to room temperature before covering and refrigerating. Store it in an airtight container for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or extra broth and warm slowly on the stove to keep it creamy instead of letting it dry out.

Common Variations to Try

Want to mix it up? Try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Add diced pickles or pickle relish at the end for a real cheeseburger twist. Swap out cheddar for Velveeta or mozzarella for a creamier, stretchier cheese pull. You can also toss in veggies like peas, mushrooms, or spinach to boost nutrition without sacrificing flavor. Enjoy this pasta as a satisfying main dish or team it with a crisp green salad or lightly steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a cheeseburger-inspired twist, top each bowl with chopped pickles or a drizzle of extra ketchup and mustard.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp green salad for balance, or serve with garlic bread for a full comfort-food experience. For drinks, a cold soda, iced tea, or even a light beer works beautifully. If you’re serving kids, pair it with apple slices or a fruit salad to cut through the richness.

Health Benefits

While this dish is indulgent, it also provides solid nutrition. Ground beef delivers protein and iron, while cheese adds calcium. Opting for whole wheat pasta boosts fiber and makes the meal more filling. Adding extra veggies can also increase vitamins and antioxidants.

Conclusion

Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta is a skillet dinner that brings maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s hearty, nostalgic, and endlessly adaptable—perfect for when you’re craving comfort food with a twist. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping leftovers for the week, or just treating yourself to a cheesy, savory bowl of goodness, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Once you try it, it’s bound to earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation.

This Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta is my answer to hectic nights when everyone craves something warm and cheesy but there is only one pan to wash after. All the classic burger flavors come together with tender noodles and a creamy cheese sauce that delivers real comfort. It feels like a mashup of homemade mac and cheese with everything you love about cheeseburgers, making it a dish that disappears fast at my table.

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