Easy Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe That Brings Bold Comfort to Dinner

This Easy Sloppy Joe Pasta combines the sweet-savory flavor of classic Sloppy Joes with hearty pasta for a comforting one-pot dinner that’s full of bold personality. It’s a quick, budget-friendly meal I like to throw together on busy weeknights, and it never fails to satisfy both kids and adults.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe blends nostalgia with practicality. It’s got all the messy, saucy goodness of a Sloppy Joe sandwich, but without the bun—just tossed with pasta for an easy, filling dinner. It cooks in one pot, uses simple pantry ingredients, and is ready in under 30 minutes. Plus, it reheats like a dream, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup tomato sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups short pasta (elbow, rotini, or penne)
2 1/2 cups water or beef broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. I heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

2. I add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. I drain any excess grease if needed.

3. I stir in the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, cooking for another 3–4 minutes until softened.

4. I mix in the tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper.

5. I add the uncooked pasta and water (or broth) directly to the skillet, stirring everything to combine.

6. I bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is thickened.

7. I stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

8. I garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if I want to dress it up a little.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I swap the ground beef for ground chicken or plant-based crumbles. I also like adding corn or peas for a pop of sweetness and color. For a spicier version, I mix in a bit of hot sauce or chili powder. If I want a creamy twist, I stir in a splash of cream cheese or sour cream at the end.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it in short bursts, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick. It freezes well too—I just let it cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, I often use elbow macaroni or rotini, but any short pasta works. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if using a different shape.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. I make it earlier in the day and reheat it right before dinner. The flavors actually deepen as it sits.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Very. The sweet-savory sauce, cheesy finish, and soft pasta make it a hit with kids every time I serve it.

What if the sauce gets too thick?

I simply add a splash of water or broth during cooking or reheating to loosen it up without losing flavor.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, I just skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative. The pasta and sauce still come out deliciously rich.

Conclusion

This Sloppy Joe Pasta is the kind of meal I turn to when I want something easy, filling, and totally satisfying. It brings all the comforting flavors of a Sloppy Joe, with the convenience of a one-pot pasta dish. It’s bold, nostalgic, and a guaranteed weeknight winner in my kitchen.

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