Description
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 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
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.
Notes
For extra heat, add hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
For creamier texture, stir in cream cheese or sour cream at the end.
Swap mustard for spicy brown mustard and add jalapeños for a spicy twist.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently on stove or microwave with a splash of water or milk.
Freeze without cheese topping for up to 2 months; thaw overnight and add cheese when reheating.
Vegetarian option: replace beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils.
Substitute ketchup with tomato sauce or tomato paste mixed with a bit of sugar or honey for less sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 550 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
