Ooo yes 😄 Sloppy Joe Pasta is cozy, saucy, and super family-friendly. Here’s a clean, easy recipe that hits all the comfort-food notes.
Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe
(serves 4–6)
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni)
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Cook pasta
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions.
- Drain and set aside.
- Cook meat
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add vegetables
- Add onion and bell pepper to the skillet.
- Cook 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Make Sloppy Joe sauce
- Add tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer 8–10 minutes until thick and saucy.
- Combine
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet.
- Stir until fully coated.
- Mix in cheese if using until melted.
- Serve
- Serve hot with extra cheese on top if desired.
Tips & Variations
- 🧀 Add mozzarella for extra stretchiness
- 🌶️ Spice it up with chili flakes or hot sauce
- 🥩 Swap ground beef for turkey or sausage
- 🥖 Serve with garlic bread or a simple salad
If you want, I can also give you a one-pot version, baked cheesy Sloppy Joe pasta, or a kid-friendly mild version.
