This hearty, cheesy pasta dish combines all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in an easy one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s creamy, satisfying, and ready in just 30 minutes!
What You’ll Need
Meat & Vegetables:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta & Liquids:
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
Seasonings & Flavor:
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese & Garnish:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Simple Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef (5 minutes)
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns. This takes about 5 minutes. When no pink remains, carefully drain off any extra fat.
Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic (4 minutes)
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the same skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and see-through.
Step 3: Add Everything Else (1 minute)
Stir in the uncooked pasta, beef broth, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, ketchup, smoked paprika, onion powder, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta (15-20 minutes)
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then turn the heat down to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes or so to prevent sticking. The pasta is ready when it’s tender and has soaked up most of the liquid.
Step 5: Make it Creamy (3 minutes)
Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring gently until the cheese melts completely and everything looks creamy. Let it cook for 2-3 more minutes on low heat.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if you like, and serve while it’s nice and hot!
Helpful Tips for Success
- Use a large skillet: This recipe makes a generous amount, so make sure your pan is big enough
- Don’t skip the lid: Covering the pasta helps it cook evenly and absorb the flavors
- Stir gently: When adding the cheese, stir slowly to prevent it from getting stringy
- Taste and adjust: Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or any seasonings to suit your taste
What Makes This Recipe Special
This one-pot wonder brings together the beloved flavors of a sloppy joe and a cheeseburger in pasta form. The beef broth cooks the pasta while infusing it with rich flavor, and the combination of Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and ketchup creates that classic American comfort food taste we all love.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 4-6 people
Perfect for family dinners, potluck gatherings, or whenever you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and satisfying!
