If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that brings all the flavors of a classic sloppy joe into a cozy pasta dish, you’re in for a treat with this One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that’s as simple as it is satisfying, blending tender ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and tender pasta all cooked together in one pot for an easy cleanup. This recipe delivers big on flavor without the fuss, making it an instant favorite for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe just right hinges on a few simple yet essential ingredients. Each one contributes its own special touch—from savory depth to a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors, plus a bit of fresh brightness at the end.
- Olive oil: Provides a smooth base for sautéing the onions and beef, enhancing flavor and preventing sticking.
- Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and a mild sharpness that softens during cooking.
- Ground beef: The hearty protein star of the dish that offers rich, meaty flavor and satisfying texture.
- Garlic: Gives an aromatic boost that layers perfectly with the beef and tomato notes.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the acidity.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds a bright tang that lifts the dish and complements the tomato elements.
- Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the sauce’s richness.
- Beef stock: Builds a savory foundation and moistens the pasta as it cooks.
- Mezze penne or small pasta shape: Holds the sauce well and cooks evenly with the other ingredients.
- Tomato sauce: Provides the classic sloppy joe tomato base with a smooth texture.
- Brown sugar: Balances the acidity with a touch of sweetness for a well-rounded flavor profile.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds complexity and umami depth that makes the dish irresistibly savory.
- Chopped parsley: Brings a fresh, herbaceous lift to finish the dish beautifully.
- Grated cheddar cheese: A melty, cheesy topping that adds richness and a comforting finish.
How to Make One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large, deep pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced yellow onion and cook it gently until it softens and becomes fragrant—about five minutes should do it. Then add the minced garlic and ground beef, breaking the meat up with your spoon as it browns evenly. Sprinkle in the kosher salt to season and pour in the apple cider vinegar, which will help lift all those browned bits off the bottom and add a sharp tanginess. Stir in the tomato paste until it’s fully incorporated, giving the beef a rich, tomato-flavored coat.
Step 2: Add Liquid and Pasta
Next, pour in the beef stock and bring the entire mixture to a lively boil. Add your mezze penne or preferred small pasta shape, pressing it down gently to make sure it’s submerged under the liquid. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll want the pasta to be just about cooked, with most of the liquid absorbed, so keep an eye on it to avoid sticking.
Step 3: Combine with Sauce and Finish Cooking
Once the pasta looks almost perfect, stir in the tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped parsley. Bring everything back to a gentle simmer and keep stirring frequently to prevent pasta from clumping. Cook for another five minutes or until the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency and the pasta is tender to the bite.
Step 4: Serve
Serve the piping hot One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta topped generously with grated cheddar cheese. The warm, melty cheese is the perfect finishing touch for this cozy, flavorful dish.
How to Serve One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe with fresh garnishes like a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley for a splash of vibrant color and herbal brightness. A few red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick if you’re feeling adventurous, while a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce can bring creamy or spicy contrasts that elevate every bite.
Side Dishes
Since this pasta is wonderfully filling on its own, simple side dishes work best. Crisp green salads with a tangy vinaigrette provide a refreshing counterpart, or roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or broccoli add texture and nutritional balance. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are classic complements that help soak up any extra sauce and round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to mix things up? Serve the One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe in fun, individual mini cast-iron skillets for a charming rustic touch that’ll wow guests. For casual meals, try stuffing bell pepper halves with the pasta mixture and baking briefly for a colorful presentation. Another idea is layering the pasta in a baking dish, topping with extra cheese, and broiling until bubbly and golden for a casserole-style treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making leftovers a delicious second meal. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep the texture firm.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish for longer, it freezes well. Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results. Avoid freezing if you plan to add cheese as a topping; add that fresh when serving instead.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and adding a splash of water or beef stock if the sauce thickens too much. Microwaving works too—cover loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot. Top with freshly grated cheddar cheese for that fresh-from-the-pot experience.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work just fine, though they may require slightly less cooking time and the flavor will be a bit lighter. You might want to add a pinch more seasoning or a dash of soy sauce or smoked paprika to boost the savory notes.
What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
Small pasta shapes like mezze penne, elbow macaroni, small shells, or ditalini are ideal because they cook evenly and hold onto the sauce well. Avoid overly large or flat noodles that might not cook fully in one pot or soak up the sauce as nicely.
Is the dish spicy? Can I make it more or less spicy?
This One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe is mild and kid-friendly as written, but you can easily adjust the spice level by adding crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a hot sauce of your choice while cooking or when serving.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef stock. The tomato and seasoning combo will still create that delicious sloppy joe flavor.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply substitute the pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. Make sure any Worcestershire sauce or other packaged ingredients you use are gluten-free as well—that way, everyone can enjoy this comforting meal without worry.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to comfort foods because it’s straightforward, flavorful, and perfect for busy days when you want something cozy without too much effort. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a hug on a plate and brings a smile to everyone’s face at the dinner table. I really hope you give it a try and put your own twist on it too!
Print
One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta combines the rich, savory flavors of the classic Sloppy Joe sandwich into a hearty and comforting pasta dish. Ground beef is sautéed with onions, garlic, and tangy tomato-based sauce, then cooked together with pasta in one pot for a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Liquids and Sauces
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef stock
- 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Pasta and Seasonings
- 8 ounces mezze penne or other small pasta shape
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Garnish
- Grated cheddar cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Saute Aromatics and Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it starts to soften, about five minutes. Add the minced garlic and ground beef, breaking the beef up as it browns. Season with kosher salt and stir in apple cider vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Mix in the tomato paste until it’s fully incorporated.
- Add Liquid and Pasta: Pour in the beef stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the pasta, pressing it down so it is submerged in the liquid. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is almost cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Combine with Sauce and Finish Cooking: Stir in the tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped parsley. Bring to a gentle simmer and continue to cook, stirring so the pasta doesn’t stick, for another 5 minutes or until the pasta is perfectly cooked and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, topped with grated cheddar cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use a pasta shape that cooks quickly to ensure everything finishes cooking at the same time.
- Stir frequently after adding pasta to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions and garlic.
- This dish stores well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove with a splash of beef stock or water.
