Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta

Introduction
Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta is a fun and comforting twist on two classic favorites: sloppy joes and cheeseburgers. Combining all the savory flavors of a sloppy joe with the creamy, cheesy goodness of a cheeseburger, this dish delivers ultimate satisfaction in every bite. With a rich, meaty sauce, tender pasta, and a generous amount of melty cheese, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner for families or anyone craving a hearty, easy-to-make meal. It’s the best of both worlds, and the one-pot nature makes cleanup a breeze.

The History Of
Sloppy Joes have a history deeply rooted in American cuisine, originating in the 1930s, and are believed to have been named after a cook named Joe at a café in Sioux City, Iowa. These saucy, messy sandwiches became an iconic comfort food, quickly making their way into school cafeterias and homes across the country. The idea of combining the flavors of a sloppy joe with a cheeseburger is a more recent innovation, merging two crowd-pleasing dishes into one easy-to-make pasta creation. The fusion of these flavors in a single dish reflects the growing trend of combining familiar comfort foods into new, exciting versions.

Ingredients Breakdown
▢1 lb ground beef – the main protein for the dish
▢1 medium onion, chopped – adds sweetness and depth to the sauce
▢2 cloves garlic, minced – infuses the dish with aromatic flavor
▢1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce – the base for the sloppy joe sauce
▢1 tbsp ketchup – for a tangy, sweet flavor
▢1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – adds savory richness
▢1 tbsp brown sugar – balances the tang of the sauce with sweetness
▢1 tsp mustard – adds a slight tang to mimic cheeseburger flavors
▢12 oz elbow macaroni or short-cut pasta – holds the cheesy sauce well
▢1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – melts beautifully into the pasta
▢1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – for extra creamy, gooey texture
▢Salt and pepper to taste – for seasoning the dish
▢Fresh parsley, chopped – for garnish and a pop of color

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat and cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat and return the beef to the pan.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and mustard. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water for later if needed.
5. Once the sauce is ready, stir in the cooked pasta. Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the pasta is coated with the cheesy sauce.
6. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Tips for the Perfect Dish

• Be sure to brown the beef well for extra flavor.
• For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Use a good quality cheddar cheese for the best melting and flavor.
• Stir the pasta gently into the sauce to prevent it from breaking apart.
• If you prefer a crispier topping, you can broil the dish for 2-3 minutes after adding the cheese to get a golden finish.

Variations and Customizations

• You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• For a vegetarian version, use a plant-based ground meat substitute or just load up on extra vegetables.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for a bit of heat, or gouda for a smoky flavor.
• If you love bacon, add some crispy crumbled bacon to the pasta for an extra layer of flavor.
• To make it a one-pan dish, you can cook the pasta directly in the sauce by adding it along with water or broth and letting it cook until the pasta absorbs the sauce.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta offers a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, though it is on the richer side due to the combination of beef and cheese. To make it a bit lighter, consider using lean ground beef or a plant-based meat alternative. The addition of onions and garlic provides some vitamins and antioxidants, while the cheese offers calcium and protein. If you want to boost the nutritional value, you can add in vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. To reduce sodium, opt for low-sodium tomato sauce and avoid adding too much extra salt.

FAQ

1. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
2. Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. When reheating, add a bit of water to keep the sauce creamy.
3. Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or fusilli are great alternatives that will hold the sauce well.
4. Can I make it spicier? Yes, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or jalapeños to the sauce will give it an extra kick.
5. Can I use different cheese? Feel free to swap the cheddar and mozzarella for any cheese you prefer, such as Monterey Jack or Colby.

Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta

Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta combines the savory, meaty flavors of sloppy joes with the gooey, melty cheese of a cheeseburger in a simple pasta dish. It's a fun, comforting meal that’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings 8

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb uncooked 99% lean ground turkey breast
• 1 tablespoon hamburger seasoning McCormick Grill Mates Hamburger Seasoning is highly recommended!
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 small onion diced
• 1 medium garlic clove minced
• 3 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
• ½ cup water
• 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
• 12 oz medium-sized pasta radiatore is preferred, but rotini, medium shells, orecchiette, or any similar-sized pasta will work great
• 2 oz ⅓ less-fat cream cheese
• 4 oz shredded 2% milk sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes

Instructions

 

• Lightly spray a 5 QT Dutch oven or a large pot with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula or cooking spoon as it starts to brown and form small chunks. Stir in the hamburger seasoning and Worcestershire sauce. Then, add the chopped onion and stir. Continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until the onions soften and the turkey is fully cooked. Add the minced garlic and stir, cooking for another 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
• Pour in the beef broth, water, and tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Add the pasta and stir again. Use the back of your spatula or spoon to press the ingredients just under the surface of the liquid. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low to simmer. Let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom and gets evenly cooked.
• When the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, ketchup, and mustard until everything is well combined and the cheese has melted into a smooth sauce. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and stir to evenly distribute them throughout the dish. Serve warm.