Sloppy Joe Skillet Dinner
This sloppy joe skillet dinner is a delightful one-pan meal packed with rich flavors and comfort. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy sloppy joe dinner combines macaroni and seasoned beef in a tangy-sweet sauce, making it a quick, delicious meal that the whole family will love.
Equipment
- Large skillet
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound 90% lean ground beef
- 2 carrots grated or diced
- 1 green bell pepper seeded and diced
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups water or low-sodium beef broth
Instructions
- Sauté the beef: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 4 minutes.
- Add the vegetables: Toss in the carrots, bell pepper, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and cumin. Cook until the veggies start to soften, approximately 5 minutes.
- Make the sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cook for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Add the macaroni: Pour in the pasta and water (or broth). Bring to a simmer again, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cover with a lid. Let it cook for 8 minutes until the macaroni is nearly tender.
- Finish and serve: Remove the lid and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is fully cooked and most of the liquid has evaporated (3–5 minutes). Serve immediately and top with optional garnishes like parsley or fried onions if desired.
Notes
Optional recipe notes or tips.