If you love the classic comfort food flavor of sloppy joes but are craving something a little more hearty and saucy, this One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It combines tender pasta tossed in a rich, savory beef and tomato sauce that’s bursting with familiar tangy-sweet notes, all cooked together in one pot for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. This dish is a delightful twist on a beloved favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a satisfying meal without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish on the table couldn’t be simpler thanks to a handful of straightforward ingredients that each add something special, from bold flavor and satisfying texture to vibrant color and comfort-filled warmth.
- Olive oil: Essential for sautéing the onions and beef, it adds a smooth, subtle richness to start the dish.
- Yellow onion, diced: Brings a gentle sweetness and savory base that softens as it cooks down.
- Ground beef: The hearty protein that makes this pasta feel like a comforting meal.
- Garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth and a touch of sharpness that enhances every bite.
- Kosher salt: Vital for seasoning and bringing out the full flavors of the ingredients.
- Apple cider vinegar: Injects a subtle tang that brightens the sauce and balances the sweetness.
- Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that gives the sauce its rich body and color.
- Beef stock: The liquid base that cooks the pasta and infuses the dish with savory notes.
- Mezze penne pasta: Small tube-shaped pasta that holds onto the sauce beautifully, perfect for this one-pot wonder.
- Tomato sauce: Adds smoothness and a luscious tomato backdrop for the sloppy joe flavors.
- Brown sugar: Provides the perfect counterpoint of sweetness to complement the vinegar and tomato.
- Worcestershire sauce: Contributes an umami boost that deepens the sauce complexity.
- Chopped parsley: A fresh herbaceous note to lighten and finish the dish.
- Grated cheddar cheese: Optional, but highly recommended for melting on top and adding creamy, tangy richness.
How to Make One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your diced yellow onions and cook them gently until they soften and start to sweeten, about five minutes. Then add the minced garlic and ground beef. Break up that beef as it browns evenly, seasoning it with kosher salt to enhance its natural flavor. Stir in the apple cider vinegar, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the pot’s bottom, which builds wonderful depth. Finish this step by folding in tomato paste until it’s fully incorporated and beautifully coats the mixture.
Step 2: Add Liquid and Pasta
Pour in beef stock and crank the heat just until everything comes to a boil. Add your mezze penne pasta next, gently pressing it down so it’s fully submerged in the liquid. Let it simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the pasta is nearly cooked and the liquid has mostly evaporated. This method ensures every noodle cooks evenly and absorbs all those rich meaty flavors.
Step 3: Combine with Sauce and Finish Cooking
Now it’s time to bring it all together with a luscious tomato sauce. Stir in canned tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh chopped parsley. Return the mixture to a gentle simmer, keeping an eye on the pasta so it doesn’t stick. Cook it for an additional five minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the pasta to cook perfectly tender, absorbing all those tangy, sweet, and savory notes.
Step 4: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Once cooked to perfection, serve this fabulous One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta hot from the stove. Top it generously with grated cheddar cheese if you love that extra melty, cheesy touch. Every bite delivers the comforting familiarity of sloppy joes combined with the cozy fulfillment of pasta, all in a single glorious pot.
How to Serve One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a handful of freshly grated cheddar cheese instantly elevates the dish, adding layers of freshness or creamy decadence. You could even try a few sliced green onions or some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a subtle kick.
Side Dishes
This flavorful pasta stands well on its own, but pairing it with a crisp garden salad or roasted vegetables adds a refreshing contrast that balances the rich sauce. Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls are also perfect for mopping up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe in shallow bowls for a cozy family-style feel, or plate it individually with a sprinkle of cheddar and parsley for a restaurant-worthy presentation. Adding a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of sour cream can add an extra touch of elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Its flavors even deepen and improve overnight, making it an excellent choice for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers by placing the pasta in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip bag, keeping it fresh for up to 2 months. When freezing, leave a little bit of room for expansion and make sure to press out excess air for the best quality.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or beef stock to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave it covered in short bursts, stirring in between, to heat evenly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works well in this One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe. Just be mindful it may cook slightly faster and be less fatty, so you might want to add a little extra olive oil or beef stock to keep the sauce moist.
What kind of pasta works best?
Small pasta shapes like mezze penne, elbows, or small shells are ideal because they cook quickly and hold onto the sauce beautifully. Avoid large shapes that take longer to cook or thin pasta like angel hair.
Is this recipe spicy?
This recipe is not spicy by default, but you can easily add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the pot while cooking if you prefer a little heat.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils, and swap beef stock for vegetable broth. The sauce flavors still work wonderfully with these swaps.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be thick and cling well to the pasta, not watery. If it seems too thin at the end, continue to simmer gently until it reduces and reaches a saucy, hearty consistency perfect for serving.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe is a deliciously clever spin on a classic favorite, bringing together comfort, ease, and big flavor in every bite. If you’re looking for a meal that satisfies your craving for hearty, saucy goodness without keeping you stuck in the kitchen, give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your go-to weeknight dishes. Trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Print
One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the classic sloppy joe flavors with tender pasta in a convenient, all-in-one pot recipe. Ground beef is sautéed with onions and garlic, then simmered with tomato paste, beef stock, and tomato sauce, creating a rich and comforting meal ready in just 35 minutes. Topped with grated cheddar cheese and fresh parsley, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef stock
- 8 ounces mezze penne or other small pasta shape
- 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 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 begins to soften, about five minutes. Then add the minced garlic and ground beef, breaking up the beef as it browns. Season with kosher salt, and stir in the apple cider vinegar while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Mix in the tomato paste until fully incorporated.
- Add Liquid and Pasta: Pour in the beef stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the pasta, pressing it down to ensure it is submerged in the liquid. Simmer for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is nearly cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Combine with Sauce and Finish Cooking: Stir in the tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped parsley. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the pasta is perfectly cooked and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, topped with grated cheddar cheese if desired, and enjoy your flavorful one pot sloppy joe pasta.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter variation.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Make sure to stir occasionally during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking to the pot.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on stovetop with a splash of beef stock or water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
