Description
This One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta recipe combines the classic savory flavors of Sloppy Joes with tender pasta, all cooked together in a single pot for a comforting, easy-to-make weeknight dinner. Ground beef, aromatic onions, garlic, and a tangy tomato-based sauce simmer with mezze penne until perfectly tender, creating a hearty dish topped with melted cheddar cheese that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef stock
- 8 ounces mezze penne or other small pasta shape
- 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Grated cheddar cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Saute Aromatics and Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until it starts to soften, about five minutes. Add minced garlic and ground beef, breaking the beef up as it browns. Season with kosher salt and stir in apple cider vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Mix in the tomato paste until fully incorporated.
- Add Liquid and Pasta: Pour in beef stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the pasta, pressing it down so it is submerged in the liquid. Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is almost cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Combine with Sauce and Finish Cooking: Stir in tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped parsley. Bring to a gentle simmer and continue to cook, stirring occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick, for another 5 minutes or until the pasta is perfectly cooked and the sauce is thickened.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, topped with grated cheddar cheese if desired.
Notes
- Mezze penne can be substituted with any small pasta shape like elbow macaroni or small shells.
- Adjust the brown sugar amount depending on your preference for sweetness.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Cheddar cheese garnish is optional but adds a creamy, tangy finish to the dish.
