Description
A hearty and flavorful Sloppy Joe Pasta recipe that combines the classic tangy and savory elements of sloppy joes with comforting pasta, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
Meat and Proteins
- 1 pound lean ground beef
Liquids and Sauces
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 24 ounces strained tomatoes (1 jar or tomato purée)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Pasta and Garnish
- 10 ounces penne or any short pasta
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet or pan over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced yellow onion and red bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Cook the ground beef: Add 1 pound of lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Season the meat: Stir in 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon chili powder, and 1 tablespoon garlic powder, mixing well to evenly coat the meat and vegetables.
- Add liquids and flavorings: Pour in 3 cups chicken stock, 24 ounces strained tomatoes, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 2 tablespoons brown sugar. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Simmer the sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
- Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, cook 10 ounces of penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sloppy joe sauce and stir thoroughly, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: If desired, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley over the top for a fresh color contrast and extra flavor. Serve the Sloppy Joe Pasta hot.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat in the dish.
- Adjust the chili powder and garlic powder to your preferred spice level.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
- Make sure to stir the sauce occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking and burning.
- Adding parsley at the end gives a nice freshness but can be omitted if unavailable.
