Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta with extra tips and steps to make each layer of flavor stand out!
Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: 2 pounds (80/20 ground beef gives a good balance of flavor without too much grease)
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: 2 cans, roasted garlic flavor (or classic if preferred) – no need to dilute
- Velveeta Cheese: 1 large block (16 oz), Mexican-flavored variety if you want a little extra spice, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Pasta Shells: 1 pound (or other pasta like penne or elbow macaroni), cooked al dente
- Optional Seasonings:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes for a little heat, if desired
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes depending on the brand). Drain the pasta and set it aside. (Cooking it al dente ensures it holds up well when mixed with the cheesy sauce.)
- Brown the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to build flavor from the start.
- Cook until fully browned, about 6-8 minutes, using a spatula or wooden spoon to break it up into small, even crumbles.
- Drain excess fat to keep the final dish from being overly greasy.
- Incorporate Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Once the ground beef is browned and drained, reduce the heat to medium.
- Add both cans of cream of mushroom soup directly into the skillet with the beef. The soup adds creaminess and an umami flavor to the dish.
- Stir thoroughly until the soup and beef are well-combined and heated through. This mixture should be smooth and thick.
- Add Cubed Velveeta
- With the heat still on medium, begin adding Velveeta cheese cubes a few at a time, stirring continuously. Allow each batch of cubes to melt before adding more to avoid clumping.
- Continue until all the Velveeta has melted into the beef and soup mixture. The cheese will create a rich, gooey sauce that binds everything together.
- Season and Adjust for Flavor
- Now is a great time to add additional seasonings if desired:
- Garlic powder and onion powder to boost the savory notes
- A sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat
- Salt and black pepper to taste (Be careful with salt, as the cheese and soup add saltiness.)
- Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Once the sauce is smooth and well-seasoned, add the drained pasta shells directly into the skillet with the beef and cheese mixture.
- Use a large spoon to gently fold the pasta into the sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the dish immediately, while it’s still hot and creamy.
- For a garnish, try topping with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese, like cheddar or Monterey Jack, for added flavor and presentation.
Additional Tips and Variations
- For a Baked Casserole Version: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish, sprinkle with extra shredded cheese, and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly on top.
- Vegetable Additions: Try adding sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or spinach for a nutritional boost.
- Substitute Options:
- If you’d like a different cheese flavor, substitute the Velveeta with shredded cheddar or Colby Jack.
- Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter version.
This Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta is a comforting, budget-friendly meal that combines the flavors of a cheeseburger with the heartiness of pasta. Enjoy!