Description

This Sloppy Joe Pasta recipe transforms the classic Sloppy Joe into a hearty, comforting pasta dish perfect for family dinners. Featuring lean ground beef cooked with aromatic vegetables and a flavorful tomato-based sauce seasoned with chili powder, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce, it’s combined with tender penne pasta to create a satisfying meal that is ready in just 35 minutes.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 pound lean ground beef
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
3 cups chicken stock
24 ounces strained tomatoes (1 jar or tomato purée)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
10 ounces penne or any short pasta
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Heat the oil and sauté vegetables: In a large skillet or pot, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and red bell pepper, cooking until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Cook the ground beef: Add 1 pound of lean ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Season the beef mixture: Stir in 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon chili powder, and 1 tablespoon garlic powder. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to bloom the spices.
Add liquids and simmer: Pour in 3 cups chicken stock, 24 ounces strained tomatoes or tomato purée, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 2 tablespoons brown sugar. Stir well to combine.
Cook the pasta within the sauce: Add 10 ounces of penne pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, about 12-15 minutes.
Finish and serve: Adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon chopped parsley if desired for freshness and color. Serve the dish warm, garnished with additional parsley if preferred.

Notes

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Using strained tomatoes ensures a smooth sauce; crushed tomatoes can be used but will result in a chunkier texture.
Leftovers reheat well and make an excellent next-day meal.
For a vegetarian version, replace meat with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.