This Sloppy Joe Pasta is the tastiest quick dish to make on a busy weeknight. The rich ground beef and tomato sauce is cheesy and delicious, with all the flavors you love in a classic Sloppy Joe!
Love a saucy ground beef pasta? Give my Mexican taco pasta a go.
I'm all about cozy dinners on busy weeknights when everyone's tired and needs something tasty and comforting and this Sloppy Joe pasta definitely fits the bill.
You get all the familiar flavors in a classic sloppy joe sandwich but in pasta form. It's a dish that will please even the pickiest of eaters and it could't be easier to make, too!
The rich, savory sauce clings to every bite of pasta, and with just a handful of simple ingredients, you can have this on the table in no time.
Why you'll love this sloppy joe pasta
- It's all the classic sloppy joe flavors you know and love, but mixed with pasta for a fun, cozy twist.
- It's super easy to throw together with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
- It's kid-approved and picky-eater-friendly, making it perfect for family dinners!
Ingredients notes and tips
Ground beef - I like to use lean ground beef to keep it hearty without being too greasy, but any ground beef will work.
Vegetables - Diced onion and bell pepper add a sweet, savory base; chop them small so they blend right into the sauce.
Aromatics - Fresh garlic is a must for that extra layer of flavor, and a pinch of chili flakes gives the sauce just the right amount of kick.
Tomato paste - This adds a rich, concentrated tomato flavor.
Ketchup - For that tangy sweetness that's a hallmark of sloppy joe flavor.
Dijon mustard - A little Dijon adds just enough sharpness to balance out the sweetness of the ketchup.
Worcestershire sauce - The secret to that smoky, savory depth that makes this dish so good!
Beef stock - Helps create the perfect saucy consistency and adds loads of flavor to tie everything together. Use low-sodium if you like.
Cheddar cheese - Freshly grated cheddar melts right into the pasta and makes it extra creamy and cheesy!
Pro tip
Don't forget to reserve a bit of the pasta water before draining - it's perfect for loosening up the sauce and making it cling to the pasta.
How to make sloppy joe pasta
This is a quick overview with step-by-step photos. See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.
Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet, sauté the onion and bell pepper until softened, then add the ground beef and cook until browned.
Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, and chili flakes, then mix in the ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and stock. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Add the pasta and cheddar cheese to the skillet, tossing until the cheese melts. Stir in fresh parsley, adjust seasoning, and serve!
Substitutions and variations
- Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat works great if you want to lighten things up or go vegetarian.
- Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrients and variety.
- Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream for an extra creamy sauce.
Helpful tips for the best sloppy joe pasta
- Use a wooden spoon or spatula to crumble the ground beef into small pieces so it mixes nicely with the sauce.
- Pre-grated cheese doesn't melt as smoothly, so grab a block of cheddar and grate it yourself for the best texture.
- Always taste the sauce before serving to see if it needs a little more salt, pepper, or even a touch of sugar.
Leftovers and storage
- Once the pasta has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Heat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little water or stock to loosen up the sauce if needed.
- Freeze leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 months, then thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
If you've tried this sloppy joe pasta recipe, please rate it and leave a comment below! I'd love to hear how it turned out.
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Sloppy Joe Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb orecchiette or another short pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 medium bell pepper diced
- 2 large garlic cloves finely chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1 cup cheddar cheese grated
- A handful fresh parsley roughly chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it generously, and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.1 lb orecchiette
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened.1 tablespoon olive oil1 medium onion1 medium bell pepper
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease if needed.1 lb ground beef
- Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, and red chili flakes and continue to cook for another minute.2 large garlic cloves2 tablespoons tomato paste¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
- Add the ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and stock and mix well to combine.¼ cup ketchup½ tablespoon Dijon mustard1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce1 teaspoon brown sugar½ teaspoon salt¼ teaspoon ground black pepper1 cup beef stock
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then add the pasta and cheddar cheese and toss well until the cheese is completely melted.1 cup cheddar cheese
- Stir in the fresh parsley, adjust the seasoning to taste and serve immediately.A handful fresh parsley
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