One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta
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Sloppy Joes have been a longtime favorite in our house, and surprisingly, that hasn’t changed—even with my kids now 21, 18, and 14. You’d think they might have outgrown this classic childhood meal, but nope! They still get excited when they see it on the menu, and honestly, I love that it brings back those cozy, familiar flavors we’ve all enjoyed for years.
This One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta is a fun twist on the original—same bold, tangy-sweet flavor, but transformed into a hearty, comforting pasta dish. Everything cooks together in a single pot, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy dinner with your crew. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nostalgic but just a little different. It’s a great addition to your dinner rotation.
Ingredients for One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta
- ONION
- GROUND BEEF
- GARLIC
- SALT
- APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
- TOMATO PASTE
- BEEF BROTH
- PENNE PASTA
- TOMATO SAUCE
- BROWN SUGAR
- WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE
- CHEDDAR CHEESE
Instructions for One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, and cook until the beef is fully browned and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish light and flavorful.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute, just until fragrant. Add the salt, vinegar, and tomato paste, stirring until everything is well combined and the beef is coated in that rich, tangy base.
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the uncooked pasta, making sure it’s fully submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is nearly tender and most of the broth has been absorbed.
Next, stir in the tomato sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Let everything simmer for another 5 minutes, until the pasta is fully cooked and the sauce is thick and flavorful.
Serve hot, topped with a sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese for that classic sloppy joe finish. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s easy to make, easy to clean up, and totally satisfying!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Short pasta shapes like elbow macaroni and rotini noodles work well. Just keep an eye on cooking time—some shapes may cook faster or slower than others.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can! Cook the dish, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken is a great lean alternative and still pairs well with the sloppy joe flavors.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Very! It’s a fun twist on a classic, and the sweet-savory sauce is usually a hit with kids. You can even dial back the vinegar or Worcestershire if your little ones prefer milder flavors.
What cheese works best for topping?
Cheddar is classic, but you can also try Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend for extra melty goodness.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Salsa Sloppy Joes
- Sloppy Joe Pasta Bake
- Italian Sloppy Joe Sub Sandwiches
- Sloppy Joe Cornbread Skillet
One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ medium onion diced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 3 cups beef broth
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- cheddar cheese grater (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion together until fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add in the salt, vinegar, tomato paste and stir until combined with the beef.
- Add the beef broth and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and be sure it’s covered.with the broth. Simmer for about ten minutes or so until the pasta almost cooked through and most of the liquid as been absorbed.
- Mix in the tomato sauce, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the pasta cooked. Serve topped with grated cheddar cheese.
Nutrition
Recipe adapted from Amanda’s Cookin’.
