Description

This One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta recipe combines the classic flavors of sloppy joes with the comfort of pasta, all cooked together in a single pot for an easy, flavorful meal. Ground beef, aromatic onions, garlic, and a tangy tomato sauce meld with tender pasta to create a hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Topped with grated cheddar cheese and fresh parsley, this recipe offers a satisfying and convenient twist on a beloved classic.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup yellow onion, diced
1 pound ground beef
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon kosher salt

Sauce and Seasonings

¼ cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups beef stock
15 ounce can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Pasta and Garnish

8 ounces mezze penne or other small pasta shape
Grated cheddar cheese, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Saute Aromatics and Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it softens, about five minutes. Stir in minced garlic and ground beef, breaking the beef up as it browns. Season with kosher salt. Mix in the apple cider vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the pot’s bottom, then stir in the tomato paste until fully incorporated.
Add Liquid and Pasta: Pour in the beef stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the pasta, pressing it down to submerge in the liquid. Reduce to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is nearly cooked and most liquid is absorbed.
Combine with Sauce and Finish Cooking: Stir in the tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped parsley. Bring to a gentle simmer and continue cooking for another five minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the pasta is perfectly cooked and the sauce thickens.
Serve: Plate the pasta hot and garnish with grated cheddar cheese if desired. Enjoy the delicious one-pot meal while warm.

Notes

Use mezze penne or any small pasta that cooks evenly in a pot.
Scraping the browned bits from the bottom when adding vinegar adds depth to the sauce.
Stir frequently during the final simmer to prevent pasta from sticking or burning.
Feel free to substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a different protein option.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated with a splash of beef stock or water.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American