When comfort food cravings strike, nothing satisfies quite like the nostalgic combination of spaghetti and sloppy joes. This Cheesy Spaghetti Sloppy Joe mashup brings together two family favorites in one irresistible dish that’s sure to become a regular in your weeknight rotation.
I created this recipe on a busy Tuesday when I couldn’t decide between pasta night and sloppy joes. The result? A deliciously messy, cheese-topped creation that had everyone at the table asking for seconds. The tangy-sweet sloppy joe sauce coats every strand of spaghetti, while the melted cheese brings everything together in gooey perfection.
Why You’ll Love This
- Ready in just 45 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights
- Uses simple pantry staples you likely already have on hand
- Kid-approved comfort food that adults will equally enjoy
- One-pot preparation means minimal cleanup
- Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 tbsp butter or margarine
- 1 cup spaghetti noodles, broken into small pieces
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups marinara sauce with sweet basil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 4 large hamburger buns
- ¼ cup garlic butter or margarine
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. This twist on sloppy joes is going to be amazing – pasta and all!
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a dab of butter. Toss in the ground beef and diced onions, cooking and crumbling the beef until it's nicely browned and the onions are soft, about 5-6 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the water to your skillet with the beef, then stir in the broken spaghetti pieces. Spread them out evenly, cover with a lid, and let everything cook for 4 minutes at medium-high heat.
- Remove the lid and give everything a good stir. Pour in the marinara sauce and add the salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir well to combine all those flavors, then reduce the heat to low.
- While the spaghetti mixture simmers, place your hamburger buns cut-side up on a baking sheet. Spread them with garlic butter and pop them in the oven for 4-6 minutes until the edges start to turn golden brown.
- Add the shredded mozzarella to your skillet and stir until it's completely melted and everything is nice and cheesy. The mixture should be thick and saucy.
- Scoop generous portions of the cheesy spaghetti mixture onto your toasted garlic buns. Serve immediately while everything is hot and the cheese is still melty!
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier version, add a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture
- Ground turkey or chicken works great as a leaner alternative to beef
- Try different cheese combinations like mozzarella and provolone for an Italian twist
- Make it ahead: prepare the meat sauce up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate until ready to use
- For extra vegetables, add grated carrots or finely chopped mushrooms to the sauce
- Gluten-free option: use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish is practically a meal on its own, but pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a complete comfort food experience, serve with garlic bread or buttery Texas toast to soak up any extra sauce.
For a fun presentation at family dinners, set out small bowls of additional toppings like sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, or even crushed potato chips for extra crunch and customization.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- When reheating, add a splash of water or tomato sauce to prevent the pasta from drying out
- The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon – if too watery, simmer uncovered a few minutes longer
- For best flavor, don’t skip the simmering step – this allows all the flavors to meld together
FAQs
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes! The meat sauce can be made 1-2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve.
Can I freeze Cheesy Spaghetti Sloppy Joes?
The meat sauce freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and prepare fresh pasta when ready to serve.
What can I substitute for bell peppers if my family doesn’t like them?
You can simply omit them or substitute with finely diced carrots or celery for added texture without the bell pepper flavor.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The familiar flavors of spaghetti and sloppy joes combined with melty cheese make this a hit with children of all ages.
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