This Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta brings all the bold, nostalgic flavors of your favorite burger—savory beef, tangy ketchup, melty cheese—into a warm, hearty pasta dish the whole family will love. Even better? It’s made with simple, lightened-up ingredients to keep it satisfying without the extra calories. Think skillet meal meets cheeseburger bliss—with a creamy, cheesy finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
Quick & Easy: On the table in just 30 minutes—perfect for weeknights.
Light Yet Hearty: Comfort food that fits into a balanced lifestyle.
Family-Approved: Kid-friendly, picky-eater tested.
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat or high-protein elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 lb lean ground beef or ground turkey (93% lean or higher)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional for a smoky twist)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or skim milk)
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- ¾ cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp light cream cheese or Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
- Fresh chopped parsley or diced pickles, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Meat
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the meat is browned and onion is soft, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add Seasonings & Liquids
Stir in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add beef broth, milk, ketchup, and mustard. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Add Cheese & Pasta
Lower the heat. Stir in cheddar cheese and cream cheese (or Greek yogurt) until melted and creamy. Add the cooked pasta and toss until well combined.
5. Serve
Spoon into bowls, garnish as desired, and enjoy warm.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
Calories: 310
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 10g
Protein: 27g
Fiber: 4g
Tips for Success
- Use Lean Meat: Ground turkey or extra-lean beef cuts calories without sacrificing flavor.
- Boost Fiber: Whole wheat or chickpea pasta adds fiber and protein.
- Creamy Swap: Use nonfat Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for extra protein.
- Double It: This dish reheats beautifully—great for meal prep!
Why This Recipe Works
It transforms your cheeseburger cravings into a hearty, wholesome dinner you can feel good about. Creamy, cheesy, and rich in flavor, it satisfies without being heavy. Perfect for busy nights or when you just want a nostalgic, feel-good meal.
Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta is the ultimate lighter twist on a fast-food favorite. It’s everything you love about a cheeseburger in cozy, pasta form—quick to make, easy to clean up, and always a hit at the dinner table. One skillet, thirty minutes, total satisfaction.
Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta – A Lighter Comfort Food Favorite
6
servings10
minutes20
minutes310
kcal30
minutesThis Cheesy Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta brings all the bold, nostalgic flavors of your favorite burger—savory beef, tangy ketchup, melty cheese—into a warm, hearty pasta dish the whole family will love. Even better? It’s made with simple, lightened-up ingredients to keep it satisfying without the extra calories. Think skillet meal meets cheeseburger bliss—with a creamy, cheesy finish.
Ingredients
8 oz whole wheat or high-protein elbow macaroni (uncooked)
1 lb lean ground beef or ground turkey (93% lean or higher)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional for a smoky twist)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup low-sodium beef broth
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or skim milk)
½ cup ketchup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
¾ cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp light cream cheese or Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
Fresh chopped parsley or diced pickles, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Brown the Meat
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the meat is browned and onion is soft, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. - Add Seasonings & Liquids
Stir in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add beef broth, milk, ketchup, and mustard. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. - Add Cheese & Pasta
Lower the heat. Stir in cheddar cheese and cream cheese (or Greek yogurt) until melted and creamy. Add the cooked pasta and toss until well combined. - Serve
Spoon into bowls, garnish as desired, and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Use Lean Meat: Ground turkey or extra-lean beef cuts calories without sacrificing flavor.
Boost Fiber: Whole wheat or chickpea pasta adds fiber and protein.
Creamy Swap: Use nonfat Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for extra protein.
Double It: This dish reheats beautifully—great for meal prep!