One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta

Dive into the delightful fusion of classic sloppy joe flavors and comforting pasta in this one-pot meal! One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta is packed with savory ingredients and topped with melted cheddar, it’s a dish that will make a new family favorite!

Sloppy Joes are a classic American comfort food, typically consisting of ground meat, (often beef), cooked with a tangy and sweet tomato-based sauce and served on a bun. The mixture usually includes onions, peppers, and various seasonings that come together, producing a perfect blend of flavors: the sweetness from the ketchup or tomato sauce, the tang from vinegar or Worcestershire sauce, the heat from spices, and the savory depth of the meat. Now, imagine infusing those flavors into a hearty pasta dish!

Enter this one-pot sloppy joe pasta recipe: a creative twist on the iconic sandwich that translates the magic of Sloppy Joes into a satisfying and easy-to-make pasta meal. As an experienced home chef, I know how important it is to get a satisfying dinner on the table quickly, and this dish is the one.

Start by sautéing your onions and bell pepper in a skillet, toss in your ground meat and seasonings, and sauté until browned. Add your wet ingredients, then add the pasta to soak up the flavors. Creamy cheddar gets mixed in until everything is combined and delicious! 

Using just a single pot minimizes cleanup, and its speedy cooking time means dinner’s on the table faster. It’s a no-brainer addition to any dinner rotation, ensuring a satisfying meal without the fuss! If you like this quick dinner, be sure to check out my One Pan Picadillo or 30 Minute Meatball Subs to make next!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A perfect fusion of the iconic Sloppy Joes and comforting pasta, it brings two favorites onto one plate.
• With its one-pot design, this recipe guarantees a delicious meal and minimal cleanup, saving you time.
• Perfect for busy nights, it’s a time-saving dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor or heartiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Olive Oil – Provides a base for sautéing and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Bell Pepper and Onions – Add a combination of sweetness and savory depth.
• Dried Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder) – These essential spices work to elevate the meat, offering depth, warmth and a touch of heat.
• Ketchup – Introduces a sweet and tangy dimension reminiscent of the classic Sloppy Joe taste.
• Dijon Mustard – Adds a sharp and zesty contrast to the sweetness of the ketchup, deepening the flavor complexity.
• Worcestershire Sauce – Infuses the dish with a rich, umami depth and a hint of tang.
• Tomato Paste – Acts as a flavor concentrator, enriching the sauce with a robust tomato taste.
• Low Sodium Beef Broth – Provides the necessary liquid to cook the pasta while adding a savory depth that complements the meat.
• Macaroni Pasta – Serves as the hearty base, absorbing the flavors and making the dish fulfilling and satisfying.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Melts into the hot pasta, adding a creamy richness that binds the ingredients together.
• Chopped Parsley – Offers a fresh finish and a pop of color, balancing the rich ingredients with its herbal brightness.

How To Make Sloppy Joe Pasta

Sauté the vegetables: Add the olive oil to a large skillet and preheat it over medium-high heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and a pinch of salt. Sauté with a spatula for 3-4 minutes or until the veggies begin to soften. 

Cook the ground beef: To the skillet, add the ground beef and dried seasonings. Break up the meat with a spatula and cook for 5-7 minutes until the beef is fully browned. 

Assemble the sauce: Pour in the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and broth and mix until well combined. 

Cook the pasta: To the sauce, add the macaroni pasta and bring to a boil, pressing down on the noodles until they are mostly covered by the liquid. Lower heat to a simmer and cook for about 9-10 minutes until noodles are tender and absorb most of the liquid. 

Add cheese and serve: Once the noodles are cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the cheese until melted. Garnish with parsley and serve. Enjoy! 

Recipe Tips

• Depending on the exact size and type of your pasta, cooking times may vary slightly. Test a piece a minute or so before the recommended time is up to catch your preferred level of doneness.
• Stir in the cheese gradually and off direct heat to ensure it melts smoothly without becoming grainy.
• Depending on your preference, you can simmer the sauce longer for thickness or add a splash of liquid to thin it out. It’s best to serve this dish hot, right after the cheese has melted.

Variations

• Swap out the ground beef for lentils or tofu to create a meatless version that’s just as hearty.
• Instead of ground beef, feel free to use ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground venison as a substitute.
• Add a diced jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce to the mix if you’re craving a spicier kick to your dish.
• Incorporate a dollop of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream into the sauce for a richer, creamier texture.
• Mix in fresh basil, oregano, or thyme to add another layer of aromatic depth to the dish.
• Toss in diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for an extra serving of veggies and a fuller, more varied texture.
• For a delightful contrast in texture, sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips on top just before serving.

Storing & Freezing

Storing: Transfer cooled pasta to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in a microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Freezing: Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, ensuring as much air is removed as possible. The pasta will retain its best quality for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to serve, it’s best to thaw the pasta in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to refresh the sauce.

FAQ

Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta in this recipe?

Yes. Whole wheat pasta will add a nuttier flavor and may require a slightly longer cooking time, while gluten-free pasta varieties should be monitored closely as their cooking times can vary based on the ingredients used.

My sauce seems a bit runny; will it thicken as it cools?

Yes, as the dish cools, the sauce will continue to be absorbed by the pasta, making it thicker. If you find it too runny even after cooling slightly, you can simmer it a bit longer to achieve your desired consistency.

Can I use a pre-made sloppy joe sauce instead?

You can, however, the taste may not be as fresh as canned sloppy joe sauce contains preservatives and fillers that will alter the taste of the dish. 

More Easy Pasta Dinners

• Butternut Squash Skillet Pasta
• Tomato, Basil, and Garlic Pasta
• Lemon Broccoli Pasta
• One Pot Cheesy Pasta Bake

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