One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta

Name: One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, small dice; 1 red bell pepper, small dice; 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey); 1 teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 2 tablespoons ketchup; 2 teaspoons dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 2 ½ cups low sodium beef broth (chicken broth also works); 2 cups macaroni pasta (or any small pasta like shells); 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley for garnish

by Laney Schwartz on Sep 19, 2023 (updated May 9, 2025) 12 comments

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 6 reviews

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!

Ingredient Notes

bowls of ingredients on a grey backgorund

Dried Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder) – The usuals.
Dijon Mustard – Trust me on this one.
Worcestershire Sauce – A little goes a long way.
Low Sodium Beef Broth – Always go low sodium so you can control the salt.

How To Make Sloppy Joe Pasta

skillet with chopped onion and bell peppers — Sauté the onion and bell pepper in a skillet.

ground beef sautéed with onions and peppers — Brown the meat in the pan.

macaroni noodles in a skillet with ground meat — Add the pasta with the broth and simmer.

cooked sloppy joe pasta bake in a skillet — Cook until pasta is cooked through.

shredded cheese on top of sloppy joe pasta — Top with cheese and stir in.

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

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.

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.