This sloppy joe pasta is an easy weeknight dinner that tastes familiar without feeling like the same meal on repeat. Made with just six simple ingredients, it comes together fast and is hearty without being overly heavy. The ground beef adds plenty of protein, so it is not just a bowl of pasta, which makes it perfect after a long day of sports practice. It is one of those kid-approved dinners that always disappear at my house.
If easy, family-friendly dinners are what you are after, you might also love my Naan Flatbread Pizza for another quick meal everyone can customize. On nights when you want something hands off, Crockpot Lemon Chicken is always a solid option, and if you are looking for a one pan dinner with minimal cleanup, Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs is a reader favorite. These are all recipes I rotate through when schedules are full and dinner still needs to get on the table.
Equipment
The equipment section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.
Ingredients
- Ground beef – 2 lbs.
- Elbow macaroni
- Medium onion
- Minced garlic
- Sloppy Joe sauce – 2 (15 oz) cans
- Cheddar cheese
Directions
Cook your pasta according to the directions on the packaging and set it aside.
In a large skillet, add your ground beef and onion. Cook over medium heat until the ground beef has browned. Drain off any excess grease. Add in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Stir in the sloppy Joe sauce and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the elbow macaroni and cheddar cheese, cooking until all the cheese has melted.
Serve with some garlic bread and enjoy.
What should I serve with my Sloppy Joe Pasta?
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables – Broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, or eggplant.
- Side salad
FAQs (Because Life’s Too Busy for Guesswork)
If you'd like to add some heat to the dish, you can use cayenne pepper or drain a can of Rotel and add it at the spice level you prefer.
If you want it sweeter, you can add a spoonful of brown sugar or honey. I recommend adding only a little at a time to avoid over-sweetening.
Yes, if you want the sauce to be thicker, you can simmer it a little longer. But if you want it to be thinner, you can add a splash of water or broth.
If you want to make it creamy, you can add a scoop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. You can also use cottage cheese.
What are substitutions that I can make?
- Elbow macaroni – alternatives include rigatoni, bowtie, or penne pasta.
- Ground beef – You can also use ground chicken, turkey, or a veal mixture.
- Medium onion – Choose from yellow, white, or Vidalia onion.
- Cheddar cheese – You can choose from white cheddar, sharp or mild cheddar, Colby, or pepperjack cheese.
How should I store my leftover sloppy joe?
- Sloppy Joe Pasta should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-45-second intervals, stirring between intervals, until it reaches the desired temperature. To freeze, place in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag and remove as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Was this a win at your dinner table?
Leave a quick rating or review below! It helps other busy families find the recipes that actually get eaten.
Sloppy Joe Pasta
Equipment
- Medium pot
- Large skillet
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 15 oz cans sloppy joe sauce
- 8 oz cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Cook your pasta according to the directions on the packaging and set aside.
- In a large skillet, add your ground beef and onion. Cook over medium heat until the ground beef has browned. Drain off any excess grease. Add in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in the sloppy Joe sauce and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the elbow macaroni and cheddar cheese, cooking until all the cheese has melted.
- Serve with some garlic bread and enjoy.
Yum! I love that it’s simple, fast, and still filling, perfect for those busy nights!