This One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe is the dinner hero you never knew you needed! It’s everything you love about classic sloppy joes—rich, tangy-sweet meat sauce, soft peppers, and gooey cheddar—in a simple weeknight pasta dish that cooks all in one pot. The flavor is nostalgic yet fun, the clean-up is a breeze, and your whole family will find themselves asking for seconds.

One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One reason I keep returning to this One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe is how straightforward the ingredient list is. You probably have most of these kitchen staples already, and together they create layers of savory, vibrant flavor in every bite.

Olive oil: Adds depth and helps create a silky base when browning the meat.
Ground beef: The heart of the dish; use lean beef for less grease or try turkey for a lighter spin.
Onion (diced): Releases sweetness and aroma, giving the sauce a comforting backbone.
Garlic (minced): Brings a punchy, irresistible aroma that makes the whole pot so inviting.
Green bell pepper (diced): Adds color and crunch, balancing out the richness with freshness.
Canned tomato sauce: A velvety base that soaks into the pasta and bonds the flavors together.
Ketchup: That familiar tang and hint of sweetness, essential for Sloppy Joe authenticity.
Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the savory notes and lends a subtle complexity.
Brown sugar: Rounds out the acidity with a gentle sweetness.
Mustard: A dash of zesty sharpness that keeps you coming back for more.
Salt and black pepper: Balances and elevates all the other flavors; adjust to taste.
Beef broth: Adds meaty richness while cooking the pasta directly in the sauce.
Uncooked elbow macaroni or small pasta: Cooks right in the pot for one less pan to wash.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts to creamy perfection, finishing each bite with indulgent comfort.
Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh pop of color and herbal lift for serving.

How to Make One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, and break it up with a spoon as it browns. This is your flavor foundation—let the beef develop some color for the most mouthwatering results. Once browned, drain off any excess fat for a lighter, less greasy sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies

Next, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, and green bell pepper. Let them sizzle together for 3 to 4 minutes. You want the onions to become translucent and the peppers to soften just enough while keeping their gorgeous color. This step infuses savory flavor and a hint of sweetness into the One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe right from the start.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well so everything is evenly combined. The kitchen will start to smell incredible at this stage—the tomato base and ketchup create the signature “sloppy joe” taste with a beautiful balance of sweetness, tang, and spice.

Step 4: Add Broth and Pasta

Pour in the beef broth and add the uncooked pasta straight to the pot. Stir to make sure each noodle is nestled into the sauce. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat, cover, and let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and check for doneness—the pasta should be tender, and most of the liquid will be absorbed.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese

Take the pot off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until the sauce turns creamy and all the pasta is cloaked in that cheesy goodness. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle over chopped parsley for a burst of fresh color. Now, your One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe is ready to dazzle at the dinner table!

How to Serve One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley really makes the colors pop and adds a bright, herbal finish. If you love extra cheese, a little more cheddar or even some Monterey Jack over the top as it melts is a real treat. Scallions or a touch of red pepper flakes are fantastic for a spicy kick.

Side Dishes

This One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe is hearty as-is, but it’s wonderful with a crisp green salad or buttery garlic bread on the side. For a classic combo, serve it with steamed green beans or roasted broccoli—the fresh veggies balance the richness of the pasta beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon the pasta into individual bowls and top with extra cheese for a fun family-style dinner. Or, serve it “casserole style” by broiling extra cheese on top, then scooping it out like a baked pasta. You can even spoon leftovers into sweet bell pepper halves and bake for a delicious twist on stuffed peppers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

This pasta freezes well! Just portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating—this is a lifesaver for busy nights or quick lunches later on.

Reheating

Gently reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through to promote even heating. On the stovetop, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce and stir over medium heat until hot. The flavors are just as delicious as day one!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Any small, short pasta like shells or rotini works great in this One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe—just be mindful of cook time and adjust liquid as needed.

Is there a way to make it lighter?

Yes, swap in ground turkey or chicken for the beef, and use reduced-fat cheese if you’d like. The results are still wonderfully savory and satisfying!

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Opt for your favorite plant-based ground and use vegetable broth instead of beef. The same delicious flavors come through—just skip the meat and enjoy.

What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?

Try substituting with a splash of soy sauce and a little extra mustard, or simply leave it out—the One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe will still be full of flavor.

How can I spice it up?

Add hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or even diced jalapeños when sautéing the onions and peppers. You can easily customize the heat to suit your tastes!

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe really is comfort food at its finest—quick, crowd-pleasing, and so easy to make. I can’t wait for you to enjoy this cheerful mash-up of two classic favorites. Grab your biggest spoon and give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!

One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta recipe is a hearty and delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich, combining savory ground beef with tender pasta in a cheesy sauce. It’s a quick and easy meal that the whole family will love!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sloppy Joe Pasta:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 green bell pepper (diced)
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
½ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon mustard
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups beef broth
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni or small pasta
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil and brown beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot, add ground beef, and cook until browned.
Add vegetables and sauce: Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper.
Cook pasta: Pour in beef broth and pasta. Simmer until pasta is tender.
Melt cheese and serve: Remove from heat, stir in cheddar cheese until creamy. Garnish with parsley and serve.