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Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta

Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta

Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal that combines the classic flavors of sloppy joes with creamy cheese sauce and pasta, perfect for busy weeknights. This easy-to-make dish features savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and rich cheddar cheese sauce, delivering nostalgic flavors with a creamy twist that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Dairy

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 cups shredded medium-sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup milk or cream
  • 2 tbsp butter

Pasta and Sauce

  • 3 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
  2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. This base builds the flavor for your sauce.
  3. Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with onions and garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Add Tomato Sauce and Worcestershire: Pour in the tomato sauce and add Worcestershire sauce for umami depth. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
  5. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a separate small saucepan, warm the milk or cream gently, then gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Be careful not to boil the cheese sauce to prevent it from curdling.
  6. Combine Pasta, Meat Sauce, and Cheese Sauce: Return the cooked pasta to the skillet with the meat sauce. Pour the cheese sauce over everything and stir until the pasta is fully coated. Let the mixture heat through for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors together.
  7. Serve Warm: Once heated through and creamy, serve your Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta directly from the pan, garnished if you like, and enjoy every comforting bite!

Notes

  • Use medium-sharp cheddar cheese for the best melt and balanced flavor.
  • Drain excess fat after browning the beef to avoid a greasy sauce.
  • Add a splash of reserved pasta water if your sauce feels too thick to loosen it up.
  • Melt cheese sauce on low heat to keep it smooth and prevent separation.
  • Season gradually and taste as you go to properly balance the flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cheesy Sloppy Joe Pasta, Comfort Food, One-Pot Meal, Family Dinner, Beef Pasta, Weeknight Dinner