When you’re looking for a simple, delicious dinner that marries childhood nostalgia with comfort, Sloppy Joe Pasta is your answer. This recipe captures the beloved flavors of classic Sloppy Joes and combines them with the warmth of macaroni. The savory ground beef and tangy sauce create a mouthwatering mixture, while the elbow macaroni holds all that tasty goodness. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal; so, cleanup is a breeze! In just under 30 minutes, you can whip up this hearty dish that the whole family will love. With ingredients you likely have on hand, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Let’s jump into why you’ll appreciate this Sloppy Joe Pasta and how to create this delightful meal!
Why This Recipe Works
This Sloppy Joe Pasta recipe combines the classic flavors of a beloved childhood favorite with the comforting texture of macaroni, creating a dish that’s delicious and satisfying. The savory ground beef pairs perfectly with a zingy sauce, while the elbow macaroni absorbs all the tasty goodness. Plus, it’s a quick, one-pot meal that makes cleanup a breeze.
Why You’ll Love This Sloppy Joe Pasta
Who doesn’t love a hearty meal that comes together in under 30 minutes? This Sloppy Joe Pasta is not only comforting and filling, but it also brings nostalgia into every bite. Simple ingredients that are often found in your pantry make this recipe accessible anytime the craving hits. It’s perfect for busy weeknights but delicious enough to make it a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 16 oz uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ small onion, diced
- 1 small green pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 (15 oz) can 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
- Shredded Cheddar cheese, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Cooking the Perfect Sloppy Joe Pasta
Boil the Macaroni
Begin by adding the uncooked macaroni to a large pot of boiling salted water. Cook for approximately 8 minutes or until tender. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Sauté the Vegetables and Beef
In a large skillet, spray with non-stick cooking spray and set over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef along with the diced onion, green pepper, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is nicely browned and the vegetables are tender.
Create the Sloppy Joe Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, mustard powder, and paprika. Mix everything together and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Combine with the Macaroni
Remove the skillet from heat. Add the drained macaroni to the beef mixture and stir gently until well combined.
Serve and Garnish
Scoop the Sloppy Joe Pasta into bowls, garnishing each serving with shredded Cheddar cheese and fresh parsley. Enjoy this delightful dish hot!
Serving Suggestions
Serve with warm garlic bread or a simple side salad for a well-rounded meal. You can also offer pickles on the side for an added crunch!
Tips for Success
- Make sure not to overcook the macaroni; it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot beef mixture.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or your favorite seasoning blend.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or soy crumbles.
Variations
- For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Swap out elbow macaroni for any pasta shape you have on hand, such as penne or fusilli.
- Experiment with different cheeses; Pepper Jack or Mozzarella can bring different flavor profiles.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent it from drying out.
Pairing Ideas
This dish pairs well with a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or for a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling iced tea with lemon.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or even use a meat alternative for a vegetarian dish.
2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free pasta and check that your other ingredients (like sauces) are gluten-free as well.
3. Is it possible to freeze Sloppy Joe Pasta?
Yes, this dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers.
4. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Try incorporating zucchini, mushrooms, or corn for additional texture and flavor.
5. What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
Soy sauce can be used as a substitute, although it may alter the flavor slightly.
The Sloppy Joe Pasta is a perfect blend of nostalgia and convenience, making it a viable option for home cooks of all levels. Whip this up for your family, and enjoy the smile on their faces as they dig into this hearty, childlike comfort food. It’s a meal that not only sparks joy but also fosters connection over shared dishes at the dinner table. Give this recipe a try, and watch it become a staple in your home!
Print
Sloppy Joe Pasta
This Sloppy Joe Pasta marries nostalgic flavors with the comfort of macaroni. It’s a hearty, one-pot meal that’s quick and satisfying, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 16 oz uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ small onion, diced
- 1 small green pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 (15 oz) can 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
- Shredded Cheddar cheese, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Boil the macaroni in salted water for about 8 minutes until tender; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef, onion, green pepper, garlic, salt, and pepper over medium-high heat until beef is browned.
- Add tomato sauce, ketchup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, mustard powder, and paprika. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the drained macaroni until combined.
- Serve hot, garnished with shredded Cheddar cheese and fresh parsley.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Avoid overcooking the macaroni; it continues cooking when mixed with the beef.
For added flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or favorite seasoning.
Vegetarians can replace ground beef with lentils or soy crumbles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 47
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 24
- Cholesterol: 70
