Can I prepare one-pan sloppy joes skillet dinner ahead of time?

Absolutely. This one-pan sloppy joes skillet dinner is perfect for make-ahead meals. You can cook the beef, chop the veggies, and even mix the sauce up to three days in advance. For full prep, make the entire dish and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When reheating, simply microwave individual portions or warm them on the stove with a splash of broth to bring back the saucy consistency.

What’s the best pasta for one-pan sloppy joes skillet dinner recipes?

Elbow macaroni is the most popular choice for a sloppy joes skillet dinner , but rotini, penne, or small shells also work well. The key is choosing pasta shapes that can soak up and hold the rich, tangy sauce. If you're going gluten-free, rice pasta or chickpea pasta are great substitutions that still deliver a satisfying texture.

How do I make one-pan sloppy joes skillet dinner vegetarian?

To turn this into a vegetarian one-pan sloppy joes skillet dinner , simply swap the ground beef for plant-based protein options like lentils, crumbled tofu, tempeh, or meatless ground alternatives. The bold, sweet-and-savory sauce does the heavy lifting, so even veggie-based versions taste just as hearty and satisfying.

How can I improve the flavor of my one-pan sloppy joes skillet dinner sauce?

To elevate the flavor of your one-pan sloppy joes skillet dinner, try enriching the sauce with a splash of Worcestershire, a pinch of paprika, a dash of vinegar, or fresh aromatics like minced garlic and chopped onion. These simple upgrades bring extra depth and help round out the sweet and tangy profile.

One-Pan Sloppy Joes Skillet Dinner – The Best 35-Minute Meal

Name: One-Pan Sloppy Joes Skillet Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American Comfort
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 pound ground beef (90% lean); 1 small yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 2 carrots, grated or finely chopped; 1/4 cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes (with juice); 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin; 8 ounces elbow macaroni; 2 cups water or low-sodium beef broth; 1 teaspoon kosher salt (to taste); 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; Optional toppings: pickle slices, jalapeños, fried onions, chopped parsley

Description

This one-pan sloppy joes skillet dinner is a fast, comforting, and family-friendly meal loaded with ground beef, tender pasta, and a sweet-savory homemade sloppy joe sauce. Ready in under 35 minutes and made in just one pan, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner solution with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 pound ground beef (90% lean)
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 carrots, grated or finely chopped
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes (with juice)
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 cups water or low-sodium beef broth
1 teaspoon kosher salt (to taste)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Optional toppings: pickle slices, jalapeños, fried onions, chopped parsley

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Instructions

Brown the beef: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 4–5 minutes.
Add vegetables and spices: Stir in onions, garlic, carrots, and bell pepper. Cook 4–5 minutes, then season with salt, pepper, and cumin.
Stir in sauce: Add ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, soy sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer for 5 minutes.
Add pasta and liquid: Stir in macaroni and broth. Cover and simmer over medium-low for 8–10 minutes, until pasta is almost cooked.
Uncover and finish cooking: Remove lid and cook another 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
Serve and garnish: Turn off heat. Serve hot with desired toppings like pickles, parsley, or jalapeños.

Notes

For best results, don’t overcook the pasta. Use gluten-free pasta or meatless crumbles to make this one-pan sloppy joes skillet dinner gluten-free or vegetarian. Leftovers reheat well and can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: one-pot dinners
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American Comfort