Are you craving a big, cheesy burst of comfort food? Say hello to Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta, an easy one-pan recipe combining everything you love about burgers and pasta into one irresistible dish. Packed with bold flavors, this hearty meal comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family.
Get ready to dig into this savory, gooey pasta dish that’s sure to become a household favorite. Follow along for the recipe, tips, variations, and serving ideas to take your dinner game to the next level.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to whip up this cheeseburger-inspired masterpiece:
- 12 oz penne pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Chopped parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground Beef → Swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based “meat” if preferred.
- Penne Pasta → Try rotini, rigatoni, or gluten-free pasta.
- Whole Milk → Substitute with unsweetened almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free twist.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to recreate your new favorite comfort food:
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Toss in the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
3. Build the Flavor Base
Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen.
4. Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the beef broth and milk, stirring well to combine. Simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Add the Cheese
Stir in the cheddar cheese and half of the mozzarella. Mix until melted and smooth.
6. Combine Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated with the cheesy sauce.
7. Final Touch
If desired, transfer the pasta to a baking dish, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top, and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with chopped parsley or chives, serve immediately, and enjoy your cheesy creation!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Simplicity: Minimal ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.
- Kid-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults alike.
- Comforting Flavors: Think cheeseburger meets creamy pasta goodness.
- Customizable: Plenty of ways to adjust it to suit your taste or dietary needs!
Serving Suggestions
This hearty pasta dish can stand alone, but here are some ideas for pairing:
- A fresh green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for balance.
- Crispy garlic bread to soak up the extra cheesy sauce.
- A glass of red wine (like Merlot) or an ice-cold cola to wash it down.
Recipe Variations
- Bacon Cheeseburger Twist: Sprinkle cooked, crispy bacon bits on top.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with plant-based ground meat and use veggie broth.
Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Skip the Broil: Broiling the cheese topping gives the dish a delicious golden crust.
- Prep Ahead: Cook the beef and flavor base in advance, then combine with pasta when ready to serve.
- Control the Salt: Use low-sodium broth to adjust salt levels easily.
Storing and Reheating
- Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave or in a skillet on low heat, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta
Cook pasta to al dente so it doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Skipping the Cheese Blend
Using just one type of cheese can limit the depth of flavor.
- Not Draining the Beef
Removing excess fat ensures the sauce isn’t greasy and balances the flavors better.
Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Pot for Pasta
- Strainer
- Baking Dish (optional)
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- 1.5 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded, divided
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- chopped parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté onions until soft, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Step 3: Stir in tomato paste, paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Step 4: Pour in beef broth and milk. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Stir in cheddar cheese and half of the mozzarella until melted and smooth.
- Step 6: Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly. Transfer to a baking dish if desired.
- Step 7: Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Step 8: Garnish with parsley or chives and serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish, store it in the fridge, and bake it just before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this pasta?
Yes! Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q: What’s the best cheese blend for this pasta?
A mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella ensures both bold flavor and gooey creaminess.
Bring More Cheesy Goodness to Your Table
Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta is everything you could want in a comfort dish—cheesy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. Quick to make and easy to customize, it’s a dinner that’s guaranteed to please everyone at the table.