This Easy Crockpot Sloppy Joe Pasta is a nostalgic, comfort-food mashup that combines the sweet and tangy flavors of a classic sloppy joe with a hearty pasta dish. Despite the name, this specific version comes together quickly on the stovetop in just one pot, delivering that slow-simmered taste in a fraction of the time.
With savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce, this meal is a family favorite that is ready to serve in under 45 minutes.
Recipe Details
- Flavor Profile: A mouthwatering blend of savory beef and tomato, balanced by the sweetness of brown sugar and the tang of apple cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce.
- Texture: The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, releasing starch that makes the dish thick, saucy, and incredibly satisfying.
- Time: 10 minutes prep, 30 minutes cook time.
- Difficulty: Easy. It utilizes a one-pot method where the pasta and sauce cook together.
What You’ll Need
To make this recipe, you will need a large pot or deep skillet (like a Dutch oven) to accommodate the beef, liquid, and pasta. A sturdy spatula is essential for breaking up the meat. The ingredients rely on pantry staples like tomato sauce, brown sugar, and pasta, paired with ground beef and fresh aromatics.
Ingredient Notes
- Ground Beef – A pound of ground beef provides the hearty base. Using a spatula to break it up ensures you get savory meat in every bite.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – This adds a crucial tang that cuts through the richness of the beef and balances the sugar. It is also used to deglaze the pan.
- Tomato Paste – Two tablespoons add a concentrated tomato flavor and help thicken the base.
- Beef Stock – Cooking the pasta in beef stock instead of water infuses the noodles with deep, savory flavor.
- Mezze Penne – This smaller version of penne is perfect for this dish, but any small pasta shape works well to catch the sauce.
- Tomato Sauce – A 15-ounce can provides the main body of the sloppy joe sauce.
- Brown Sugar – Essential for that classic sloppy joe sweetness.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Adds a salty, umami kick.
- Aromatics – Onion and garlic build the flavor foundation.
Add-ins and Substitutions
- Vegetables – Diced green bell peppers are a classic sloppy joe addition that can be sautéed with the onions.
- Protein – Ground turkey or chicken works well as a lighter substitute for beef.
- Pasta – If you can’t find mezze penne, standard penne, rotini, or macaroni are great alternatives.
- Spice – A pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder can be added for a little heat.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Sloppy Joe Pasta
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or pan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until they start to soften, about five minutes.
- Brown Beef: Add the minced garlic and ground beef, using a spatula to break it up as it cooks.
- Deglaze: Add the salt and apple cider vinegar, and scrape up any browned bits that have collected on the bottom of the pan. This adds incredible flavor.
- Add Paste: Add the tomato paste and stir until it’s melted into the beef.
- Cook Pasta: Add the beef stock and bring it to a boil. Add the pasta and press it into the liquid so it’s covered. Let it all simmer for about ten minutes or so until the pasta is almost cooked through and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Finish the Sauce: Add the tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and parsley and stir. Bring it to a simmer and let it all cook together, stirring so it doesn’t stick to the bottom, until the pasta is fully cooked through, another five minutes or so.
- Serve: Serve with grated cheddar cheese for garnish (optional).
Pro Tip: Stir frequently during the final simmer! As the pasta finishes cooking and the sauce thickens with the tomato sauce and sugar, it can stick to the bottom of the pot if left unattended.
Recipe Tips
- Pasta Doneness: The pasta cooks in two stages (first with stock, then with sauce). Make sure it is almost done before adding the thick tomato sauce and sugar, as acids and sugars can sometimes slow down the softening of the pasta.
- Deglazing: Adding the vinegar to the hot pan lifts the “fond” (browned bits) off the bottom. Do not skip scraping the pan; that is where the flavor lives!
- Liquid Levels: If the liquid evaporates too quickly before the pasta is tender, splash in a little extra beef broth or water.
FAQs
- Can I use water instead of beef stock? You can, but you will lose a lot of savory depth. If using water, you might need to increase the salt slightly.
- Is this spicy? No, this is a sweet and savory family-friendly dish.
- How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb more sauce as it sits.
Serving Suggestions
- Vegetables: A side of steamed green beans or corn pairs perfectly with the sweet BBQ-style flavors.
- Bread: Serve with a slice of cornbread or a dinner roll.
- Cheese: Don’t skip the cheddar garnish! It melts into the warm pasta for a delicious finish.
Make This Recipe in Advance
- Prep: You can dice the onions and measure out the sauces ahead of time.
- Reheating: This dish reheats well in the microwave. If it seems dry, add a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Easy Crockpot Sloppy Joe Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 Servings 1x
Description
This Easy Crockpot Sloppy Joe Pasta is a nostalgic, comfort-food mashup that combines the sweet and tangy flavors of a classic sloppy joe with a hearty pasta dish. Note: Despite the “Crockpot” name, this specific version is designed to come together quickly on the stovetop in just one pot, delivering that slow-simmered taste in a fraction of the time. With savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce, this family favorite is ready to serve in under 45 minutes.
Ingredients
The Beef Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (for deglazing)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
The Pasta & Liquid
- 2 cups beef stock
- 8 oz mezze penne or small pasta shape (approx. 2 1/4 cups)
The Sauce Finish
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Cheddar cheese, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Sauté Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet (Dutch oven) over medium heat. Cook: Add the diced onions and cook until they start to soften, about 5 minutes.
Brown Beef
Add the minced garlic and ground beef. Cook: Use a spatula to break up the meat as it cooks until browned. Drain fat if necessary.
Deglaze
Add the salt and apple cider vinegar. Scrape: Scrape up any browned bits (“fond”) stuck to the bottom of the pan this adds incredible flavor.
Add Paste & Liquid
Stir in the tomato paste until it melts into the beef. Boil: Pour in the beef stock and bring the mixture to a boil.
Cook Pasta
Stir in the uncooked pasta. Press it down so it is mostly submerged. Simmer: Reduce heat slightly and let simmer for about 10 minutes. Check: Cook until the pasta is almost tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Finish the Sauce
Stir in the tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and parsley. Simmer: Bring back to a simmer and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. The sauce will thicken and coat the pasta.
Serve
Garnish with grated Cheddar cheese and serve hot.
Notes
Stovetop Method: As mentioned in the description, this recipe uses a one-pot stovetop method for speed. If you actually want to use a Slow Cooker, you would brown the beef and onions first, then dump everything (except the pasta) into the crockpot on Low for 4 hours, adding the cooked pasta at the end.
Deglazing is Key: Don’t skip the vinegar step! The acid cuts through the richness of the meat and lifts the caramelized flavor from the pan bottom.
Stir Frequently: During the final step (Step 6), the sauce becomes thick and sugary. You must stir often to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Liquid Adjustments: If the liquid evaporates too quickly before the pasta is tender in Step 5, splash in an extra 1/4 cup of beef broth or water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner / One Pot
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of Recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: sloppy joe pasta, one pot pasta recipe, ground beef dinner, homemade hamburger helper, stovetop casserole, easy weeknight meals, kid friendly dinner
