Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta

This Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the ease of pasta. Think of it as a fusion between a sloppy joe and a cheeseburger, all wrapped up in a cheesy, creamy pasta dish. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight or any occasion when you want something hearty and satisfying. The combination of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and tender pasta makes this dish a favorite for both kids and adults alike!

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Ingredients:

For the Pasta and Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean is ideal)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
• 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1/2 cup chopped pickles (optional, for a tangy touch)
• 16 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni works well)

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (use a sharp cheddar for more flavor)
• 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or whole milk for a lighter option)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for extra stretchiness)
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional, for extra tang)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Toppings (Optional):

• Chopped green onions
• Additional pickles
• Extra shredded cheese
• A drizzle of ketchup and mustard

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Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Cook the Ground Beef:

1. Brown the beef: In a large skillet or deep pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
3. Season the beef: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, tomato paste, paprika, black pepper, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
4. Add the broth: Pour in the beef broth and stir well, allowing it to combine with the sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. If you’re using pickles, add them now, stirring them in for a tangy flavor boost.

3. Make the Cheesy Sauce:

1. Combine the cheese sauce ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add the cream cheese, heavy cream, and sour cream (if using). Heat over medium heat, stirring until the cream cheese has fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
2. Melt the cheeses: Gradually add in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring constantly until the cheese has fully melted into a smooth, creamy sauce.
3. Season the sauce: Stir in mustard powder (if using) and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a little extra milk or cream to reach your desired consistency.

4. Combine Everything:

1. Mix the pasta and meat: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef mixture and stir to combine, making sure the pasta is well coated in the beef sauce.
2. Add the cheesy sauce: Pour the cheesy sauce over the pasta and beef mixture, stirring until everything is fully combined and coated in the creamy, cheesy sauce.
3. Simmer: Allow the dish to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, giving the cheese sauce time to meld with the beef and pasta.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

1. Garnish: Serve the cheesy sloppy cheeseburger pasta in bowls, garnished with chopped green onions, extra shredded cheese, or a drizzle of ketchup and mustard if you like.
2. Serve hot: Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and flavorful pasta dish as a comforting meal that will surely satisfy everyone’s hunger!

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Tips & Notes:

• Meat options: You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish. Ground sausage would also work well for extra flavor.
• Cheese variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. A mix of sharp cheddar and pepper jack would add a spicy kick, or you can go with a combination of mozzarella and gouda for a more savory flavor.
• Vegetables: For a more veggie-packed version, add finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture. You can also stir in some frozen peas or corn for extra texture and flavor.
• Spicy twist: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or using spicy mustard and hot sauce in the cheese sauce.
• Make-ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creamy consistency.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container. When reheating, add a little extra milk to keep it creamy.

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Why You’ll Love Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta:

• Comfort food at its best: This dish combines all the comfort of a cheeseburger with the heartiness of pasta and the indulgence of a cheesy sauce. It’s a dish the whole family will love.
• One-pan convenience: With minimal cleanup, this recipe comes together in one skillet and one saucepan for the cheese sauce, making it both easy to prepare and easy to clean up afterward.
• Customizable: You can adjust the flavors to suit your tastes, whether that means adding more spice, changing the cheese, or sneaking in some extra vegetables.
• Hearty and filling: The combination of beef, cheese, and pasta creates a rich and satisfying meal that will keep you full for hours.

This Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta is the perfect marriage of two classic dishes — the sloppy joe and the cheeseburger — all in one creamy, cheesy pasta. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this dish will become a family favorite in no time!