Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta (Print version)

A saucy one-pot pasta with ground beef, cheddar, pickles, and a tangy sloppy joe style cheeseburger sauce.

# Ingredients:

For the beef and sauce

01 - 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 85 percent lean
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
05 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
06 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
08 - 1/3 cup (80 g) ketchup
09 - 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
10 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
11 - 2 tablespoons dill pickle brine
12 - 3 cups (720 ml) low-sodium beef broth

For the pasta and finish

13 - 12 oz (340 g) small pasta shells or elbow macaroni
14 - 2 cups (225 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
15 - 1/2 cup (75 g) chopped dill pickles, plus more for serving
16 - 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or sliced green onions, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Set a deep 12-inch skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up, until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess grease if needed.
02 - Add the onion, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
03 - Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, pickle brine, and beef broth. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen browned bits.
04 - Add the dry pasta and stir well. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 10-13 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the pasta is just tender. Add a splash of broth or water if the skillet gets dry before the pasta is done.
05 - Turn off the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar a handful at a time until melted and creamy. The sauce should be glossy and a little loose.
06 - Fold in the chopped pickles. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, mustard, or pickle brine. Serve warm with extra pickles and parsley or green onions if using.

# Good to know:

01 - Best served right after cooking while the cheese sauce is creamy.
02 - If reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
03 - Cook ground beef fully before simmering the pasta.

Back