One Pot Sloppy Joe Ground Beef And Rice Recipe

There’s something about a dish that comes together in just one pot that feels like magic. This one pot sloppy Joe ground beef and rice recipe is the ultimate comfort meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with all the flavors of a traditional sloppy Joe, but with the added bonus of rice to soak up all that deliciousness. Plus, with minimal clean-up and easy-to-find ingredients, it’s a meal the whole family can get behind. I love how the rice takes on the rich, savory taste of the ground beef and sauces—it’s like a hug in a bowl!

this RECIPE

A childhood favorite with a twist

I first stumbled upon this recipe when I was craving something reminiscent of the sloppy Joes I used to have growing up, but with a little more “oomph.” You know the kind of meal that’s both nostalgic and satisfying, yet feels like something new? That’s exactly what this is. The first time I made it, the house smelled incredible—there’s just something about the combination of onions, Worcestershire sauce, and melted cheese that instantly transports you back to family dinners at the table. And then the rice comes in, adding a soft, almost risotto-like texture that’s impossible to resist. My kids were skeptical at first (they’re not huge fans of rice), but by the second bite, they were all in. Now, it’s one of our go-to meals when we’re short on time but still want something that feels special.

A quick look at sloppy Joe history

Sloppy Joes have been an American favorite for nearly a century. Some say the dish originated in the 1930s, when a cook named Joe from a café in Sioux City, Iowa, decided to add tomato sauce to his loose meat sandwich. The name stuck, and over the years, the humble sloppy Joe has evolved, with different regions and families adding their own unique twists. Traditionally made with ground beef and a tangy tomato-based sauce, sloppy Joes have found their way into everything from sandwiches to casseroles, and now—thanks to this recipe—into a one-pot meal with rice.

Let’s talk ingredients: the stars of the show

For such a simple dish, the ingredients in this sloppy Joe ground beef and rice recipe pack a serious punch of flavor.

• Lean ground beef: The base of this dish. I like to use lean ground beef because it minimizes the amount of grease, which makes the meal feel a bit lighter. You can swap it for ground turkey if you want something even leaner, and it tastes just as great.
• Diced yellow onions: These provide a slight sweetness and depth to the dish. I’ve used red onions in a pinch, and they work fine, but yellow is my favorite for this recipe.
• Condensed chicken broth: This adds an extra layer of savory goodness to the rice. If you’re out of chicken broth, beef broth or even vegetable broth works well too.
• Minute rice: Quick and easy, this is what keeps the recipe simple. You can substitute regular long-grain white rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time.
• Ketchup and Worcestershire sauce: These are essential for that classic sloppy Joe flavor. The ketchup brings sweetness, while Worcestershire adds that umami kick.
• Brown sugar: Just a tablespoon of this balances the tanginess from the ketchup.
• Cheese blend (mozzarella and cheddar): A combination of these two cheeses makes for the perfect gooey topping. Feel free to use any shredded cheese you have on hand—sharp cheddar is also a favorite of mine!

Kitchen gear: what you need (and what you can totally skip)

The best part about this recipe is how low-maintenance it is in terms of kitchen tools. You really only need a few basics, and you’re good to go.

• A large sauté pan: This is non-negotiable. You want something big enough to hold all the ingredients without everything spilling over. If you don’t have a sauté pan, a large skillet or even a wide pot will do.
• A sturdy spatula or wooden spoon: You’ll need this to break up the ground beef and stir everything together. I prefer a wooden spoon because it’s gentler on my pan.
• A lid for your pan: You’ll need this at the end to help the cheese melt on top. If your pan doesn’t come with a lid, you can use a sheet of foil in a pinch.

That’s it! Minimal tools, minimal fuss.

Step-by-step: making your one pot sloppy Joe ground beef and rice

Alright, let’s jump into the cooking process! This one’s super simple, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way to make it even easier.

1. Brown the beef and onions: Start by tossing your ground beef and diced onions into your large sauté pan over medium-high heat. As the beef starts to cook, use your spatula to break it up into small crumbles. The onions will soften and become translucent, releasing their sweetness into the beef. (Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan or the beef will steam instead of brown.)
2. Drain the grease: Once the beef is fully cooked and browned, go ahead and drain off any excess grease. This helps the final dish from feeling too heavy.
3. Add liquids and rice: Pour in your chicken broth and water. Once it’s simmering, stir in your Minute rice, making sure all the grains are submerged. This part always reminds me of making risotto—it’s a similar process, but way less involved! Let the rice cook until it absorbs all the liquid.
4. Incorporate the sauces and seasonings: Now it’s time to add that signature sloppy Joe flavor! Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, salt, pepper, and brown sugar. This mix will create a sauce that coats the rice and beef perfectly. Let it simmer for about 4 minutes, so the flavors really meld together.
5. Add the cheese: Stir in 2 cups of your shredded cheese until it’s fully melted and incorporated. Then, sprinkle the remaining cup over the top, cover the pan, and let it sit for a few minutes off the heat. This gives the cheese time to melt into a glorious, gooey layer.
6. Serve and enjoy: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, you’re ready to dish it up!

Fun variations to try

This recipe is super adaptable, and I’ve played around with a few variations that were all hits:

• Gluten-free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you make sure your ketchup and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan version: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based alternative (I’ve had great success with lentils or a meat substitute like Beyond Beef), and use vegan cheese.
• Spicy sloppy Joe rice: If you like a kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the ketchup. You could also stir in some chopped jalapeños.
• Seasonal twists: In the fall, I’ve thrown in some diced butternut squash, which adds a bit of sweetness and texture. In summer, fresh corn kernels are a fun addition.

How to serve this dish with flair

When it comes to serving, you can keep it simple with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. If you’re serving this to guests, consider dishing it up in individual bowls and adding a dollop of sour cream or even some crunchy tortilla strips on top for a fun texture contrast.

For sides, a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish, or roasted veggies like broccoli or Brussels sprouts make a great pairing.

beverage pairings

This dish has bold, tangy flavors, so you’ll want something refreshing to complement it. My top picks include:

• Iced tea: Lightly sweetened or unsweetened, depending on your preference. The tannins in the tea cut through the richness of the cheese and beef.
• Lemonade: Its tartness is a great contrast to the sweet and savory flavors of the sloppy Joe mixture.
• Sparkling water with a twist of lime: If you prefer something simple, this works perfectly. The carbonation helps cleanse the palate between bites.

Storage and reheating tips

If you have leftovers (and you might, depending on how much everyone digs in!), this dish stores well. Just pop it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: I find that reheating this in the microwave works best—just cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid to keep the moisture in. You can also reheat it on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if it starts to dry out.

Adjusting for larger or smaller crowds

This recipe is easy to scale up or down! If you’re cooking for a larger crowd, just double the ingredients. Be mindful, though, that if you double the rice, you may need a bit more liquid to ensure it cooks through.

If you’re cooking for two, you can halve the recipe, but I’d recommend making the full batch—it reheats beautifully for lunches the next day.

Final thoughts: give this recipe a try!

There’s a reason this one pot sloppy Joe ground beef and rice recipe has become a staple in my house. It’s easy, delicious, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to please. So, grab a pan and give it a go—you won’t be disappointed!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes! If you use long-grain rice, just adjust the cooking time since it takes longer than Minute rice.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can make the entire dish ahead of time and reheat it just before serving.

3. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, it freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating.

4. What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
Soy sauce or tamari are great substitutes if you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand.

5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Peas, carrots, and bell peppers are all great options to stir in after the rice has cooked.

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