If you love hearty comfort food but dread a mountain of dishes, let me introduce you to the One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe. This irresistible mashup combines everything you adore about classic Sloppy Joes—savory beef, tangy-sweet sauce, a little kick of spice—with tender pasta, all in one pot for happy tummies and easy cleanup. The cheese melts right in for creamy goodness, and it’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a satisfying, family-friendly meal with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe plays a key role—bringing flavor, color, or texture so each bite is downright craveable. Simple staples turn magic together in one pan, making dinner both easy and memorable.
- Ground beef (1 lb): The star of the show, offering hearty flavor and that signature Sloppy Joe heartiness.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Gives a rich base to brown your beef and sauté the veggies.
- Yellow onion, diced (1 small): Brings in subtle sweetness and savory notes that are essential for depth.
- Green bell pepper, diced (1/2): Adds a pop of color and mild crunch for classic Sloppy Joe flavor.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Offers aromatic warmth that brightens the whole dish.
- Ketchup (1/4 cup): Adds the signature tangy sweetness to the sauce.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce perfectly.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): A little goes a long way for deep umami goodness.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Balances out acidity and brings that classic sweet note.
- Yellow mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds zesty brightness to round out flavors.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Gives gentle smokiness and a dash of flavor complexity.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for making the ingredients sing together.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Offers a hint of bite to wake up your taste buds.
- Beef broth (2 cups): Soaks right into the pasta for a rich, savory finish.
- Uncooked elbow macaroni/pasta of choice (1 ½ cups): Use your favorite shape—this is what soaks up all the amazing flavors.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts in for creamy, cheesy bites throughout.
- Chopped parsley (optional): The perfect fresh, colorful finish if you want a little extra flair!
How to Make One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by grabbing a large pot or deep skillet and set it over medium heat. Swirl in the olive oil, then add the ground beef. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until it’s thoroughly browned—this builds that savory foundation. If there’s a lot of excess grease, feel free to drain it off, but leave a little behind for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Once the beef is browned, toss in your diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for 3–4 minutes until the veggies soften and become fragrant. These aromatics add sweetness, a bit of crunch, and plenty of character that makes this dish reminiscent of classic Sloppy Joes.
Step 3: Mix in the Saucy Ingredients
Now it’s time for the signature Sloppy Joe flavor! Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a loving mix so the beef and veggies are coated in saucy goodness. You’ll see the colors and aroma start to pop immediately.
Step 4: Add Broth and Pasta
Pour in the beef broth and stir in your uncooked pasta of choice. This step is where the magic happens—the pasta cooks directly in the seasoned broth, soaking up all that Sloppy Joe flavor while keeping dinner cleanup a breeze.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe simmer away for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks, and watch as the pasta becomes tender and the sauce thickens just right.
Step 6: Stir in the Cheese
When the pasta is ready and most of the liquid is absorbed, sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until it’s all melted and leaves the pasta creamy and dreamy—this is what really takes the dish over the top.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
If you’re feeling fancy, scatter some chopped parsley over the top for a pop of fresh green. Serve hot and watch everyone race to the table!
How to Serve One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for freshness and color, or a little extra cheddar if you’re feeling indulgent. Crushed red pepper flakes can give it a subtle kick, and even a few sliced green onions add a nice zing for whoever loves an extra burst of flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty pasta with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies to keep things balanced and colorful. If you want to channel classic cookout vibes, a scoop of coleslaw or pickles alongside adds fun contrast and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Ladle the pasta into shallow bowls for maximum sauce coverage, or serve in ramekins as a fun twist on Sloppy Joe sliders. For parties, add a scoop onto toasted burger buns or stuff into bell peppers for a show-stopping, mess-free presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe to an airtight container while still slightly warm (not hot). It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, and the flavors meld beautifully as it sits—making lunch or next-day dinners extra tasty.
Freezing
This recipe freezes surprisingly well. Once cooled, spoon portions into freezer-safe containers or bags. Lay them flat for compact storage and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed, and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Stir occasionally so the cheese melts evenly, and taste to adjust salt or toppings as desired.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken make delicious swaps in the One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe. The flavor will be a little lighter, but still wonderfully savory and satisfying. You may want to use a touch more olive oil for extra juiciness.
Which pasta shapes work best?
Elbow macaroni is classic, but this One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe welcomes rotini, shells, or any small shape you love. Just stick with pasta that cooks in about 10-12 minutes for best results.
Is this recipe spicy?
Nope! It’s kid-friendly and mild, with bright, tangy notes and just a little paprika warmth. If you love heat, add a splash of hot sauce, chili flakes, or even diced jalapeno with the veggies.
Can I make this recipe gluten free?
Yes, you can! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta (watch the cook time and add a bit more broth if needed). Double-check your other ingredients, especially Worcestershire sauce, to make sure they’re gluten-free as well.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
You bet! The One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe easily doubles—just use a larger pot and plan to add a little extra broth so the pasta cooks evenly. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or feeding hungry teens.
Final Thoughts
The One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe is my go-to when I want all the joy of comfort food without the pile of dishes. It’s endlessly flexible, kid-approved, and sure to become a household favorite. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can taste so irresistibly satisfying!
Print
One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta recipe is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Combining classic sloppy joe flavors with pasta and cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Pasta:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 ½ cups uncooked elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add Vegetables and Sauce: Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened. Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Cook Pasta: Pour in beef broth and stir in the uncooked pasta. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10–12 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Garnish with parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Use any small pasta shape you prefer, like rotini or shells.
- For extra heat, add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes.
- This dish reheats well for leftovers or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
