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Ready for a fun twist on classic comfort food? My Sloppy Joe Pasta recipe is the best of both worlds and a dish the whole family will love.
This recipe is one of my favorites because it combines the tangy taste of Sloppy Joes with tender macaroni pasta, creating a satisfying meal that everyone raves about. Plus, it only takes twenty-five minutes to make, so it is perfect for busy weeknights or a lazy weekend when I do not want to spend much time in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make Sloppy Joe pasta, including simple substitutions.
- 8 oz uncooked elbow macaroni – It holds the sauce well without overpowering the dish. You could also sub in medium shells or rotini.
- 1 lb lean ground beef – Adds rich flavor and heartiness. Use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles if you’re lightening things up.
- ½ small onion, diced – Brings a mellow sweetness to the savory sauce. You can use shallot or 1 teaspoon of onion powder instead.
- 1 small green pepper, diced – For crunch and that signature Sloppy Joe flavor. Red or yellow bell peppers work, too.
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced – Adds lots of great flavor. Use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder if you’re out.
- ½ teaspoon salt + ½ teaspoon pepper – Basic seasonings that balance and enhance all the other flavors.
- 15 oz can tomato sauce – Forms the base of the rich, tomato sauce. Crushed tomatoes or even marinara also work.
- ¾ cup ketchup – Adds that classic Sloppy Joe sweetness and zing. Try BBQ sauce for a smokier flavor.
- ¾ cup beef broth – Helps loosen the sauce while adding savory depth. You can sub with chicken or veggie broth.
- 1½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce – Brings that irresistible umami flavor. You can also use soy sauce.
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar – Brightens the whole dish and cuts through the richness.
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder – Adds tang and depth without overpowering the dish. You can use 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard instead.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – For a hint of warmth and color. Smoked paprika will take things in a deeper, more savory direction.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully into the hot pasta, adding creaminess.
- Chopped parsley – Optional, but adds a fresh pop of color and flavor.
How To Make Sloppy Joe Pasta
***This is just a teaser! To see the complete ingredient list and step-by-step instructions, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Boil the macaroni for eight minutes. Drain and set the pasta aside.
- Cook the ground beef, onion, green pepper, garlic, salt, and pepper on medium-high until the ground beef is browned.
- Reduce the heat to medium-high, stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, broth, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, yellow mustard, and paprika, and cook for three to four minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cooked macaroni.
- Garnish with cheese and parsley before serving.
Recipe Tips
Salt your pasta water – It’s the first step to flavorful pasta, and it really makes a difference.
Don’t overcook the pasta – Slightly underdone is best so it doesn’t go mushy when mixed into the sauce.
Make It A Meal
- Serve this sloppy joe pasta with a simple green salad and crunchy garlic bread. I also recommend this Dirty Dr. Pepper!
Sloppy Joe Pasta
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Large Skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp Knife
Ingredients
- 16 oz uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ small onion diced
- 1 small green pepper diced
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
- ¾ cup ketchup
- ¾ cup beef broth
- 1 ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
GARNISHES:
- Cheddar cheese
- Parsley
Instructions
- Add the uncooked macaroni to a large pot of water and boil for 8 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Spray a large skillet with non-stick spray. Add the ground beef, onion, pepper, garlic, salt, and pepper, and cook on medium-high until the ground beef is browned.
- Reduce the heat to medium-high and add in the tomato sauce, ketchup, broth, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, yellow mustard, and paprika.
- Mix until all incorporated and let it cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and add in the cooked macaroni.
- Garnish with cheddar cheese and parsley.
- Serve and Enjoy!
Notes
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water.
- Freezer: Yes, you can freeze it! Let it cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. Or warm it on the stovetop over medium-low with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
- Make ahead: You can make the meat sauce in advance and store it separately. Just boil fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Sloppy Joes Pasta Recipe FAQs
I prefer macaroni pasta, but you could use other short pasta such as rotini or penne.
This dish freezes well. Store it in an airtight container in the freezer. It will stay fresh for up to three months.
Because this is such a quick dish to make, I prefer to make it the day of. However, you can make it the day before and store it in an airtight container. You may want to add a little bit of water when you reheat it so as not to dry it out.
