Description

A hearty and flavorful Sloppy Joe Pasta that combines the classic, tangy Sloppy Joe sauce with your favorite pasta. This recipe cooks tender ground beef with diced onions and bell peppers, simmered in a rich tomato base seasoned with chili powder, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Tossed with penne pasta and garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a delicious, comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

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Meat and Vegetables

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 pound lean ground beef

Seasonings and Sauces

1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
3 cups chicken stock
24 ounces strained tomatoes (1 jar or tomato purée)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar

Pasta and Garnish

10 ounces penne or any short pasta
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the base: Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and red bell pepper, sautéing until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Cook the beef: Add the 1 pound of lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook it thoroughly, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and no longer pink.
Season the mixture: Stir in 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon chili powder, and 1 tablespoon garlic powder. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
Add liquids and simmer: Pour in 3 cups of chicken stock and the 24 ounces of strained tomatoes or tomato purée. Add 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 2 tablespoons brown sugar. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Allow the mixture to simmer gently over medium-low heat, uncovered, for 15 minutes to thicken and develop flavor.
Cook pasta separately: While the sauce simmers, cook 10 ounces of penne or your preferred short pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well.
Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the Sloppy Joe sauce. Toss everything together so the pasta is fully coated with the sauce and heated through.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley on top for a fresh touch, if desired. Serve warm as a hearty main dish.

Notes

Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess fat in the dish.
Adjust chili powder and black pepper to taste if you prefer it spicier or milder.
Penne pasta works well as it holds the sauce, but any short pasta like rigatoni or farfalle can be substituted.
For a vegetarian version, swap ground beef with textured vegetable protein or a plant-based ground meat substitute and use vegetable stock.
The dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American