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