Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 6-8
Ingredients
Meat & Pasta:
-
1 lb ground beef
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
12 oz elbow macaroni (or any small pasta)
-
3 cups beef broth
-
1 cup water
Sloppy Cheeseburger Sauce:
-
1 cup ketchup
-
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
-
2 tablespoons brown sugar
-
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
-
1 tablespoon pickle juice (optional, but recommended)
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon onion powder
-
½ teaspoon salt
-
½ teaspoon black pepper
Cheesy Goodness:
-
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
-
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
-
½ cup heavy cream (or cream cheese, softened)
Toppings (optional):
-
Chopped pickles
-
Diced onion
-
Shredded lettuce
-
Tomato slices
-
Bacon bits
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Add Pasta and Liquid
Sprinkle the uncooked elbow macaroni over the beef. Pour in the beef broth and water. Stir to combine, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged.
Step 3: Add Sloppy Sauce Ingredients
Add ketchup, yellow mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, pickle juice (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 5: Make It Creamy and Cheesy
Reduce heat to low. Add the heavy cream (or cream cheese) and stir until smooth. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring constantly until fully melted and creamy.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Give it a taste. Need more tang? Add more mustard or pickle juice. Want it sweeter? Add a little more brown sugar. Want more cheeseburger flavor? Stir in an extra handful of cheddar.
Step 7: Serve
Scoop into bowls and top with chopped pickles, diced onion, lettuce, tomato, or bacon bits. Serve hot.