Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta

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

  1. 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.)
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.
  1. 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.)
  1. 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.
  1. 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!

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