Description
This One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta recipe combines the classic sloppy joe flavors with tender pasta in a hearty, comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Ground beef is sautéed with onions and garlic, then simmered with tomato sauce, beef stock, and seasonings all in one pot, making cleanup easy and delivering rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
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 diced yellow onion and cook until softened, about five minutes. Stir in minced garlic and add ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Season with kosher salt and pour in apple cider vinegar, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen browned bits. Mix in the tomato paste until evenly combined.
- Add Liquid and Pasta: Pour in the beef stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the pasta, pressing it down so it is submerged in the liquid. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is almost cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Combine with Sauce and Finish Cooking: Stir in tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped parsley. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally 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.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce during the simmering step.
- Make sure the pasta is fully submerged while cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
