Name: Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup ketchup; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tbsp mustard (yellow or Dijon); 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional); Salt & pepper, to taste; 8 oz (225g) pasta (elbows, rotini, or penne); 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional); 1/4 cup chopped pickles (optional, for topping); Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta is a comforting, hearty dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of a sloppy joe with the ease and coziness of pasta. Ground beef simmers in a tangy, flavorful sauce before being tossed with pasta and melty cheese, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that’s ready in just about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) ground beef

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup ketchup

2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)

1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Salt & pepper, to taste

8 oz (225g) pasta (elbows, rotini, or penne)

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional)

¼ cup chopped pickles (optional, for topping)

Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook pasta: I start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Then I drain it and set it aside.

Cook beef mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, I cook the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. I drain any excess fat at this point.

Add sauce: Next, I stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika (if using), and salt and pepper. I let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens nicely.

Combine: I add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

Add cheese: I sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella on top, cover the skillet, and let it cook on low heat for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts.

Serve: Finally, I garnish with chopped pickles and fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

For extra heat, I like to add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce.

To lighten things up, ground turkey or chicken works well instead of beef.

Adding sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms gives a nice veggie boost and extra texture.

For a creamier version, stirring in some cream cheese or sour cream at the end is delicious.

If I want a spicy twist, I swap mustard for spicy brown mustard and add chopped jalapeños.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer warming it gently on the stove over low heat to keep the cheese melty and the sauce thick. If reheating in the microwave, I add a splash of water or milk and cover it loosely to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the beef mixture ahead and keep the pasta separate. When ready to eat, I combine and melt the cheese just before serving for the best texture.

What pasta works best for this dish?

I like using elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne since their shapes hold the sauce well, but any short pasta will do.

Can I freeze sloppy cheeseburger pasta?

It’s best fresh, but you can freeze leftovers without the cheese topping. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add cheese when reheating.

How can I make this vegetarian?

I replace the beef with plant-based ground “meat” or lentils and follow the same cooking steps for a tasty vegetarian option.

What can I use instead of ketchup?

If I want less sweetness, I swap ketchup for tomato sauce or tomato paste mixed with a bit of sugar or honey to balance flavors.

Conclusion

I find Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta to be one of those perfect comfort meals that’s quick, flavorful, and satisfying. It brings together familiar, nostalgic flavors in a way that feels fresh and fun. Whether for a family dinner or a casual get-together, this dish never disappoints and can easily be customized to suit my mood or pantry. I’m confident once I try this, it’ll become a regular in my recipe rotation.

Recipe:

Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes until sauce thickens.
Add cooked pasta to skillet and toss to coat evenly with sauce.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella on top, cover skillet, and cook on low heat for 2–3 minutes until cheese melts.
Garnish with chopped pickles and fresh parsley or chives. Serve warm.