Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta
A creamy, cheesy sloppy cheeseburger pasta recipe combining the hearty flavors of sloppy joe with melted cheddar cheese and tender elbow macaroni. Quick and simple to prepare in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, and customizable to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free pasta is used)
Protein
Pasta
Tomato Base
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
Cheese & Dairy
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk or cream
Aromatics & Seasonings
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp chili powder (optional)
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water for later use if the sauce needs loosening.
- Brown the Beef and Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and soft, about 3 minutes.
- Add Tomato Base and Seasonings: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and the seasoning blend (salt, pepper, paprika, and chili powder). Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to develop rich sloppy joe flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Lower the heat and add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese and gradually pour in milk or cream. Stir gently until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the pasta thoroughly.
- Final Adjustments and Serve: Check the consistency of the sauce and add reserved pasta water a splash at a time if it feels too thick. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy your cheesy, delicious sloppy cheeseburger pasta.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar for maximum cheesy flavor and meltability.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente holds up better in the sauce.
- Allow the sauce to gently simmer to meld flavors perfectly.
- Reserve pasta water to loosen and thicken the sauce without diluting flavor.
- Use fresh garlic and onions for the best aromatic base.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: sloppy joe pasta, cheesy pasta, ground beef pasta, comfort food, weeknight dinner, kid-friendly pasta