Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! Any small pasta shape works—think elbows, rotini, or shells. Just keep an eye on cooking times since some shapes soften faster.

Is it okay to use ground turkey or even lentils instead of beef?

Definitely! Turkey and chicken are great lean substitutes, and for a meatless version, cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles work beautifully. Adjust seasonings as needed for your chosen protein.

What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?

No problem—white vinegar or even a splash of red wine vinegar will do the trick. The vinegar’s tang is important for that classic sloppy joe kick, so don’t leave it out.

Can I make this ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes! It reheats well and is perfect for meal prep. Just cool completely and store individual portions in airtight containers. Add a splash of water before reheating for best texture.

One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe

Name: One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
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

Description

This easy One Pot Sloppy Joe Pasta combines classic Sloppy Joe flavors with hearty pasta, all cooked conveniently in a single pot for a family-friendly dinner. The recipe features ground beef, onions, penne pasta, and a tangy-sweet tomato sauce, making it a comforting weeknight meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup yellow onion, diced
1 pound ground beef
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 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

For Serving (Optional)

Grated cheddar cheese, for garnish

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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 it’s 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 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

For extra flavor, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
Add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for more nutrition.
Beef stock can be replaced with chicken or vegetable stock if desired.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and sugar, based on your preferences.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 530
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 980mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0.8g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 75mg