Description
A delicious and comforting Sloppy Joe Pasta recipe featuring ground beef simmered in a tangy tomato-based sauce, mixed with tender pasta and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 ounces penne or elbow macaroni
Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings & Garnish:
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Brown Meat: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease from the meat.
- Prepare Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and develop richness.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the meat sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the sauce.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta mixture. Stir gently until the cheese melts and is evenly distributed.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the Sloppy Joe Pasta warm.
Notes
- For a lighter alternative, substitute ground turkey for the ground beef.
- Add diced bell peppers when sautéing onions for extra flavor and crunch.
- This dish reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers.
