Description
This One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal, combining the nostalgic flavors of a classic sloppy joe with cheesy macaroni. Cooked entirely in one skillet for easy cleanup, this 30-minute meal features a velvety, savory sauce that clings perfectly to every noodle.
Ingredients
The Meat & Aromatics
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Spice Blend: 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, 1/2 tsp each garlic powder and paprika, 1 tsp chili powder
The Sloppy Joe Sauce & Pasta
- 2 cups macaroni pasta
- 2 1/2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
The Finish
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Sauté: Heat oil in a large skillet. Sauté onion and bell pepper until softened.
Brown: Add ground beef and spice blend. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Simmer: Stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire, and tomato paste. Add broth and macaroni. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
Cook: Cover and simmer for 9–10 minutes until pasta is tender.
Finish: Turn off heat. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
Submerging the Noodles: Press the macaroni into the liquid before covering to ensure every piece cooks evenly.
Sauce Consistency: The sauce may look thin initially, but the natural starches from the pasta will thicken it into a glossy gravy as it rests.
The Mustard Choice: Dijon adds a sophisticated tang that balances the sweetness of the ketchup better than yellow mustard.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot / Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Bowl
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 910mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: one pot sloppy joe pasta, cheesy ground beef pasta, sloppy joe macaroni, easy one pan dinners, 30 minute meals, family friendly pasta, homemade sloppy joes