One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A true one-pot meal with minimal cleanup.
• Packed with bold, comforting sloppy joe flavors.
• Ready in about 35 minutes.
• Great for kids and adults alike.
• Easily customizable with different pasta shapes or add-ins.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add minced garlic and ground beef. Cook, breaking up the beef as it browns. Season with kosher salt.
3. Pour in apple cider vinegar, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in tomato paste until thoroughly combined.
4. Add beef stock and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and press it down so it’s fully submerged. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is nearly cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
5. Stir in tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and parsley. Simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and the sauce thickens.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated cheddar cheese if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: About 10 minutes
Cook Time: About 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add diced bell peppers or celery for extra texture.
• Swap mezze penne for rotini, shells, or elbow macaroni.
• Spice it up with crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños.
• Stir in a splash of barbecue sauce for a smokier flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce, or warm in the microwave until heated through.
To freeze, cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats very well and is great for meal prep.

What pasta shapes work best?

Short pasta shapes like penne, shells, rotini, or elbows cook evenly in one-pot dishes.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure all sauces and broths are gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely—bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini make great additions.

Do I need to drain the beef?

If your beef is very fatty, you can drain some fat, but it’s not always necessary.

What if the pasta absorbs too much liquid?

Add a splash of beef stock or water as needed while cooking.

Can I make it spicier?

Add hot sauce, chili flakes, or diced jalapeños to increase heat.

Can I substitute the beef stock?

Chicken or vegetable stock will also work in a pinch.

How do I keep the pasta from sticking?

Stir occasionally, especially during the first few minutes of cooking.

Can I freeze it with the pasta?

Yes, although the pasta may soften slightly when thawed.

Conclusion

This One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta is a flavorful, fuss-free dinner that transforms classic sloppy joe flavors into a hearty, comforting pasta dish. Simple enough for weeknights and satisfying enough for the whole family, it’s sure to become a repeat favorite.

One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe

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A hearty, one-pot pasta dish that combines classic sloppy joe flavors with tender pasta in a tangy, savory, slightly sweet sauce—perfect for family-friendly weeknight meals.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop, One Pot
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup yellow onion, diced
• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups beef stock
• 8 oz mezze penne or other small pasta
• 15 oz can tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley
• Grated cheddar cheese, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add garlic and ground beef. Cook, breaking the beef apart, and season with kosher salt.
3. Pour in apple cider vinegar and scrape up browned bits. Stir in tomato paste.
4. Add beef stock and bring to a boil. Add pasta and press to submerge. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is nearly cooked and most liquid is absorbed.
5. Stir in tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and parsley. Simmer 5 minutes more until pasta is fully cooked and sauce thickens.
6. Serve hot and garnish with grated cheddar cheese if desired.

Notes

• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add bell peppers, carrots, or celery for extra veggies.
• Rotini, shells, or elbows also work well in this recipe.
• Add chili flakes or jalapeños for heat.
• A splash of barbecue sauce adds smoky depth.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 980 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg