If you are craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together all the best flavors of a classic American favorite in pasta form, you are going to love this Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe. It’s a warm, cheesy, saucy delight where tender rotini pasta mingles with savory ground beef simmered in a tangy tomato-based sauce, all topped with gooey melted cheddar cheese. This recipe transforms the nostalgic sloppy joe into a fun, satisfying pasta dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or anytime you want something hearty and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, flavorful, and readily available, the ingredients in this Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe come together effortlessly to create a dish that is comforting and rich. Each component adds its own magic—from the juicy ground beef providing meaty goodness, to the vibrant spices and sauces layering in tang, and the cheddar cheese delivering that creamy, melty finish.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty protein base that gives the pasta its sloppy cheeseburger character.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the savory sauce.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and a touch of zest.
- 12 oz rotini or any pasta of choice: Twisty pasta shapes hold onto the sauce beautifully.
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce: The tangy tomato base that ties it all together.
- 1/4 cup ketchup: Adds a hint of sweetness and classic sloppy joe flavor.
- 2 tbsp mustard: Provides a subtle sharpness that balances richness.
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the umami and savory complexity.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor for a deeper taste.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Strengthens the onion presence in the sauce.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded: The melty, cheesy goodness on top that makes this dish irresistible.
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional): Helps brown the beef evenly without sticking.
How to Make Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add your rotini pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente—firm but tender. Drain the pasta well and set it aside to be combined later with the delicious sauce. This step ensures your pasta has just the right texture to absorb all the flavors.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics
Heat a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil if using, and toss in your ground beef along with the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook everything until the beef is browned and cooked through, and the onions have softened beautifully. Drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness, setting up a sauce base that’s rich but not oily.
Step 3: Prepare the Sloppy Joe Sauce
To the beef mixture, add the tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything thoroughly to combine all those bold flavors, then let the sauce simmer gently on low heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. This simmering allows the flavors to meld together into the tangy, savory heart of the dish. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 4: Mix Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with your sloppy joe sauce and ground beef. Stir everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the cheesy sloppy cheeseburger sauce, making every bite full of that wonderful, saucy goodness.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet and let the residual heat melt the cheese slowly, creating a creamy, luscious topping. If you want to take it one step further, pop the skillet under the broiler for a few minutes to achieve a bubbly, golden-brown crust. This step makes the Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe feel extra special and indulgent.
How to Serve Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh finishing touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top. The bright green herbs provide a lovely contrast in both color and flavor, cutting through the richness with a subtle freshness that complements the cheesy, saucy pasta beautifully.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, which adds a fresh crunch and lightness. Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls are also fantastic options to sop up every last bit of that savory sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in individual mini cast iron skillets or oven-safe ramekins, topped with a sprinkle of extra cheese and broiled just before serving. It makes every plate feel like a personal cheesy, sloppy cheeseburger pasta feast that your guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The pasta soaks up the flavors even more after resting, making for delicious next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze this Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing, and leave some space at the top as the pasta will expand slightly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or use a microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out the pasta. Adding a splash of water or broth before reheating helps retain moisture and keeps the sauce nice and saucy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for catching all the sauce, you can use penne, macaroni, or any pasta you love. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it holds up well when mixed with the sauce.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Simply swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or lentils. Adjust seasoning to taste, and you’ll still get that comforting, cheesy, and tangy flavor integral to the dish.
What cheese works best for melting?
Cheddar cheese is a classic in this recipe due to its sharp flavor and excellent meltability. However, you can try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend for a different feel.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can cook the pasta and meat sauce ahead of time but wait to add and melt the cheese right before serving to preserve its delicious texture and appearance.
How spicy is this dish?
This Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe is mild and kid-friendly. If you like a kick, feel free to add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when preparing the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple to make, packed with flavors that remind you of your favorite backyard cookouts, but with the ease and comfort of a pasta dinner. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, I encourage you to make this dish and enjoy every gooey, savory bite!
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Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines classic sloppy joe flavors with hearty pasta, creating a delicious one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is cooked with aromatic onions and garlic, simmered in a tangy tomato-based sauce, then tossed with tender rotini pasta and topped with melted cheddar cheese for a satisfying, cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Pasta
- 12 oz rotini or any pasta of choice
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp mustard
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese and Oil
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for browning beef)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil if using. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Brown the beef until fully cooked and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Prepare the Sauce: To the cooked beef mixture, add tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef sauce. Stir well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet and let it sit for 2-3 minutes off heat to allow the cheese to melt. For a golden, bubbly cheese topping, place the skillet under the oven broiler for a few minutes until bubbly and browned on top.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy sloppy cheeseburger pasta hot and enjoy this hearty, satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Use any short pasta shapes such as penne or fusilli if rotini is unavailable.
- To make it spicier, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef sauce.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- For a vegetarian version, replace beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives and use vegetarian Worcestershire sauce.
