Sloppy Joe Noodle Skillet

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Sloppy Joe Noodle Skillet takes all the best parts of a Sloppy Joe sandwich and turns it into a convenient, one-pot pasta dish. The ground beef is cooked with onions, garlic, and a sweet-and-tangy tomato sauce, then mixed with noodles for a comforting, easy-to-eat meal. It’s a quick, simple recipe that’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings when you want something tasty and filling without a lot of effort. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since it’s all made in one pan!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

• 1/4 cup ketchup

• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)

• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)

• 1 cup beef broth (or water)

• 8 oz elbow macaroni or any short pasta

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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

Directions

1. Cook the beef: In a large skillet or pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

2. Add the onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the cooked beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

3. Make the Sloppy Joe sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and chili powder (if using). Stir to combine, and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the flavors meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Cook the pasta: Add the beef broth (or water) to the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the uncooked pasta and cover the skillet. Let the pasta cook in the sauce for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. If the mixture gets too thick, you can add a little more broth or water.

5. Add cheese (optional): Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover the skillet for a couple of minutes to allow the cheese to melt and become bubbly.

6. Serve: Garnish the skillet with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve the Sloppy Joe Noodle Skillet hot. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes 4 servings.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add Veggies: Toss in some chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra veggies and nutrition.

• Spicy Version: For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

• Cheese Variety: You can use different cheeses such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a cheese blend for variety.

• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions.

• Veggie-Only Version: Replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian or vegan option.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover Sloppy Joe Noodle Skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative. Just adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the protein you use.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any short pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli. Just make sure the pasta cooks in the sauce until tender.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the Sloppy Joe Noodle Skillet in advance, then store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

4. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2-3 months. Just let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat on the stove.

5. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic in a pan, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the pasta and broth, and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 2 hours, adding the cheese toward the end of cooking.

6. Can I make this spicier?

Yes! Add diced jalapeños, more chili powder, or a splash of hot sauce to turn up the heat. You can also use spicy mustard or pepper jack cheese for extra spice.

7. Can I add more veggies?

Definitely! You can add any vegetables you like. Consider adding diced carrots, corn, or even peas for more texture and flavor. Just sauté them along with the onions and garlic.

8. How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. You can also serve it with a dollop of dairy-free sour cream for added creaminess.

9. Can I make this recipe with canned Sloppy Joe sauce?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can substitute store-bought Sloppy Joe sauce for the homemade sauce in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to your taste.

10. Can I make this recipe spicier without adding heat?

Yes, you can add extra spices like smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke for depth and smokiness without increasing the heat level.

Conclusion

The Sloppy Joe Noodle Skillet is the ultimate comfort food: easy, flavorful, and filling. It takes the best of both worlds—Sloppy Joes and pasta—and combines them into a one-pot meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing a quick weeknight dinner, this dish will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. Plus, it’s easy to customize, so you can adjust it to suit your family’s tastes. Enjoy this hearty and delicious meal tonight!