If you’re longing for the ultimate comfort food that packs the nostalgic punch of a cheeseburger with the coziness of pasta, you absolutely have to try this Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Delight. It’s a dreamy one-pot wonder where melty cheddar, hearty ground beef, ketchup, and tangy pickles tangle up with tender elbow macaroni for a dinner that’s quick, family-friendly, and seriously irresistible. The flavor is classic, the prep is simple, and the end result is a savory, cheesy mash-up that’s bound to claim a regular spot in your weekly rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Delight has a starring role, creating layers of cheesy, savory goodness with just a handful of pantry staples. Nothing complicated here – just the building blocks of a crave-worthy dinner!
- Olive oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps brown the beef perfectly.
- Ground beef: The heart of the dish, bringing that classic cheeseburger flavor and hearty texture.
- Onion: Diced and sautéed for a gentle sweetness that deepens the overall flavor.
- Garlic: Minced and lightly cooked to give a subtle, aromatic kick.
- Ketchup: Adds zippy sweetness and brings the classic burger taste right into your skillet.
- Yellow mustard: For tang and a signature cheeseburger bite.
- Diced tomatoes with juice: Their acidity and juiciness balance out the richness in every bite.
- Beef broth: Infuses the pasta with bold, meaty depth as it cooks.
- Elbow macaroni: The ideal shape for soaking up every cheesy, beefy bit in the pan.
- Salt and black pepper: To season and sharpen all those glorious flavors.
- Smoked paprika: For a gentle smokiness that makes each bite more interesting.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: The ultimate melty, tangy topper for cheeseburger authenticity.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds lovely stretchy cheese-pull goodness.
- Sour cream: Blended in at the end to create a super creamy sauce.
- Chopped pickles and green onions (optional): Sprinkle over the top for color, crunch, and that unmistakable burger finish.
How to Make Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Delight
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or deep sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spatula as it cooks. Give it time to get a lovely golden brown color, which adds heaps of flavor. If your beef releases extra fat, just drain it off so your finished dish isn’t greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Right after browning the beef, stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for 2–3 minutes until they’re fragrant and softened. This little step builds out the base of flavor that will make your Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Delight taste like diner heaven.
Step 3: Season and Build the Sauce
Add the ketchup, mustard, diced tomatoes with their juice, beef broth, uncooked pasta, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Give it all a good stir so everything is evenly mixed. This is where things start smelling incredible, and your kitchen will fill with cozy cheeseburger aromas in no time.
Step 4: Simmer Until the Pasta is Tender
Bring the mixture up to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. Most of the liquid will be absorbed, and your noodles will be perfectly tender and packed with all those rich flavors.
Step 5: Make it Cheesy and Creamy
Take the pan off the heat. Now, generously stir in your shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and sour cream. As you mix, the cheeses melt into the pasta while the sour cream produces the creamiest, most mouthwatering sauce. Let your Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Delight sit, uncovered, for 2–3 minutes to thicken up to spoonable perfection.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Scoop generous portions into bowls and top with plenty of chopped pickles and green onions if you like that classic burger crunch and tang. Serve it piping hot and watch how fast it disappears!
How to Serve Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Delight

Garnishes
A handful of chopped pickles brings a tangy crunch, while sliced green onions add a pop of freshness and color. For a little heat, toss on some chopped jalapeños, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who love spicy twists. Don’t be afraid to pile on your favorites — every bowl of Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Delight should be as unique as you are!
Side Dishes
This pasta is a meal in itself, but if you want to round out the plate, a crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette is the perfect match. Garlic bread or buttery rolls let you scoop up every last drop of sauce. For a retro diner vibe, serve with a side of classic potato wedges or crunchy coleslaw.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon your Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Delight into individual ramekins and top with extra cheese for a bubbly baked finish. For parties, serve mini portions in appetizer cups, or stuff leftovers into bell pepper halves and broil for a fun twist. You can even serve it “sloppy joe style” on toasted buns for the ultimate fusion food experience!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Delight keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and become even more satisfying — it makes the dreamiest lunch, even straight from the microwave.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze this dish, let the pasta cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and cheesy creaminess.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir well to redistribute the gooey cheeses until everything is hot and smooth once more. Fresh garnish just before serving to restore the brightness and texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Short shapes like penne, rotini, or shells work nicely too, just keep in mind that cooking times may vary a bit. Elbow macaroni is classic, but playful swaps can make Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Delight your own.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute the ground beef with your favorite plant-based ground or sautéed lentils, and use vegetable broth in place of beef broth. With the robust seasonings and creamy sauce, the Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Delight will still deliver loads of comfort.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For extra heat, add diced jalapeños to the beef while browning, toss in a pinch of cayenne or some pepper jack cheese. You can finish with a drizzle of hot sauce or sliced pickled peppers when serving your Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Delight.
Can I prepare this ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! Make Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Delight the night before, then reheat gently before your guests arrive. Add a splash of broth to refresh the sauce, and top with fresh garnishes just before serving.
What’s the best way to double the recipe?
Double every ingredient and use your largest pot or Dutch oven, making sure everything has space to simmer and cook evenly. The one-pot method makes it easy, and you’ll have enough Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Delight to feed a crowd or stash away for later meals.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to dig into your first spoonful of Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Delight — it’s pure, cozy joy in a bowl. Whether you make it for a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend, it’s bound to become a household favorite. Don’t forget to pass this recipe on to friends and family who could use a little extra comfort (and cheese!) in their lives. Enjoy every cheesy, beefy, blissful bite!
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Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Delight. A delicious one-pot meal that combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the ease of a pasta dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Cheese and Garnish:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Chopped pickles and green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in ketchup, mustard, diced tomatoes, broth, pasta, salt, pepper, and paprika. Simmer until pasta is tender.
- Add Cheese: Remove from heat, stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and sour cream until melted and creamy.
- Serve: Let sit to thicken slightly. Garnish with pickles and green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese.
- This dish reheats well and is perfect for weeknight meals or next-day lunches.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg