One Pot Sloppy Joe Ground Beef And Rice Recipe

Who doesn’t love a hearty, cheesy, and incredibly easy one-pot meal? This One Pot Sloppy Joe Ground Beef and Rice is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together all the classic flavors of a sloppy Joe in a deliciously satisfying, rice-based twist. Picture juicy ground beef, savory onions, and a rich, tangy sauce, all topped with a gooey blanket of melted cheese. And the best part? You only need one pot, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor!

this RECIPE

A little backstory: why I adore this recipe 🍲

I still remember the first time I made this dish. It was one of those busy weeknights, and I was craving something comforting without the fuss of a full-on sloppy Joe sandwich. I also wanted something filling enough to feed my hungry family and flexible enough to make with pantry staples. This recipe checked every box. There’s something about the combination of tangy ketchup and savory Worcestershire sauce that brings a nostalgic, satisfying flavor, while the gooey cheese just takes it over the top. And because it’s all cooked in one pot, I could relax knowing I wouldn’t be left with a mountain of dishes afterward. Win-win!

How sloppy Joes got a one-pot upgrade

Sloppy Joes have been an American classic since the 1930s, when they were first served as saucy ground beef sandwiches. Over the years, people have come up with countless variations to bring that deliciously messy flavor to other dishes. This one-pot version ditches the bun and adds rice to create a hearty, filling dish that’s perfect for dinner any night of the week. It’s got all the messy, saucy goodness of a traditional sloppy Joe, but in a comforting, casserole-style form that’s easy to serve up to a crowd.

Let’s talk ingredients: what makes it all come together

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavors:

• Ground beef: The base of any good sloppy Joe. Go for lean ground beef here so you don’t end up with a greasy dish. If you’re out of beef, ground turkey works surprisingly well too.
• Diced yellow onions: Adds sweetness and a little crunch. If you want a milder onion flavor, go for white onions, or even green onions for a more subtle taste.
• Condensed chicken broth: This adds depth and a little bit of saltiness. If you prefer, you could use beef broth for an even richer flavor.
• White Minute rice: Minute rice is ideal for this one-pot recipe because it cooks quickly and absorbs all the delicious flavors. You can swap it with instant brown rice for a nuttier flavor and a little extra fiber.
• Ketchup: The star ingredient that gives that signature tangy, sweet flavor. In a pinch, you can mix tomato paste with a bit of sugar and vinegar.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory, umami boost to the sauce. If you don’t have it on hand, soy sauce can work as a substitute.
• Onion powder, salt, and pepper: These seasonings bring out the flavors in the beef and sauce. Feel free to adjust to taste.
• Brown sugar: A hint of sweetness to balance out the tanginess of the ketchup. You can skip it if you’re watching sugar intake, but it does round out the flavors beautifully.
• Shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend: The cheese is what takes this dish from good to amazing. I like a blend of mozzarella for meltiness and cheddar for sharpness.

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

One of the great things about this recipe is how simple it is in terms of equipment:

• Large sauté pan: A large, deep sauté pan with a lid is ideal. You want enough room to cook the ground beef and then add the rest of the ingredients without worrying about overflow.
• Stirring spoon: Use a sturdy spoon for stirring the ground beef and mixing in the rice and sauce. A wooden spoon works great, but a heat-safe silicone spatula would do the trick too.
• Lid for the pan: You’ll need to cover the pan to let the cheese melt at the end. If your pan doesn’t have a lid, you can use foil to cover it loosely.

No need for multiple pots, strainers, or baking dishes here—just one pan to cook everything in!

Step-by-step: my foolproof method (and a few hard-learned lessons)

1. Cook the ground beef and onions
   Start by browning the ground beef over medium-high heat in your large sauté pan. Toss in the diced onions with the beef to get that nice blend of flavors. Stir frequently and crumble the beef as it cooks. I learned the hard way that it’s important to break up the meat well here; otherwise, you end up with big clumps of beef that don’t mix as well with the rice.
2. Drain the grease
   Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess grease. This step is especially important if you’re using beef with a higher fat content. Skipping it could make the final dish too oily, which takes away from that comforting, rich taste.
3. Add the liquids and rice
   Pour in the condensed chicken broth and water, then stir in the Minute rice. Make sure all the rice is submerged so it can absorb the liquid evenly. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is absorbed. Minute rice cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it; you don’t want it to stick.
4. Mix in the sauce ingredients
   Once the rice has absorbed most of the liquid, add ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, salt, pepper, and brown sugar. Stir everything together until well combined. The sauce should be thick and coat the rice and beef nicely.
5. Add the cheese
   Remove the pan from heat and stir in two cups of shredded cheese until it melts and creates that creamy texture. Then, sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese on top but don’t stir it in. Cover the pan with a lid to let that cheese melt into a gooey layer on top—pure bliss!
6. Serve and enjoy
   After a few minutes, lift the lid, and you’re ready to serve. That layer of melted cheese on top looks so inviting, and each spoonful is packed with flavor.

Try these variations and make it your own

• Make it spicy: Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick. You could even sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the top before serving.
• Gluten-free option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce. Just double-check your ketchup and broth for any added gluten.
• Vegan adaptation: Use plant-based ground “meat” and swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. There are also vegan Worcestershire sauces available. Substitute the cheese with a dairy-free blend that melts well.
• Add veggies: Stir in some diced bell peppers or corn kernels when you add the rice for extra color and flavor.
• Switch up the cheese: Try Monterey Jack or Colby for a slightly different flavor, or even pepper jack if you like a hint of spice.

Serving suggestions: make it feel special

This one-pot meal is satisfying on its own, but you can make it feel like a feast with a few side dishes. Serve it with a simple side salad or some roasted veggies to add color and freshness. For a bit of crunch, I like to sprinkle some chopped green onions or fresh parsley over the top right before serving. If you’re hosting friends, place a little extra shredded cheese and hot sauce on the table so everyone can customize their plate.

Drink pairings

For this cheesy, savory dish, you’ll want drinks that are refreshing and can balance out the richness. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Iced tea: A classic! Sweet or unsweetened, iced tea complements the tangy, slightly sweet flavors of the sloppy Joe sauce.
• Sparkling water with lemon: Simple, refreshing, and palate-cleansing. Add a splash of cranberry juice for a bit of tartness and color.
• Lemonade: The sweet-tart flavor of lemonade is a great contrast to the savory beef and cheese.

Storing and reheating leftovers

This dish makes fantastic leftovers! Store any remaining sloppy Joe ground beef and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, transfer it to a pan on the stove over low heat and add a splash of water to bring back some moisture. You can also reheat it in the microwave; just cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out.

How to adjust the recipe for different serving sizes

This recipe serves about 4-6 people, but it’s easy to scale up or down. If you’re cooking for two, simply halve the ingredients. For a larger crowd, double everything, but make sure your pan is large enough! If doubling, the cooking time may be slightly longer, so keep an eye on the rice as it absorbs the liquid.

Troubleshooting tips for common issues

• Rice is undercooked: If your rice isn’t fully tender, add a bit more water or broth, cover the pan, and let it simmer for a few more minutes.
• Dish is too dry: If it looks dry after the rice has cooked, add a little more ketchup or a splash of broth to moisten it up.
• Cheese isn’t melting: Cover the pan tightly to trap the heat, or pop it under a broiler for a minute to get that perfect melt.

Ready to dig in?

I hope you give this One Pot Sloppy Joe Ground Beef and Rice a try! It’s simple, satisfying, and loaded with the flavors of a classic sloppy Joe in a fun, casserole-like twist. Perfect for busy nights or when you just need a little extra comfort on your plate. Let me know how you liked it, and feel free to tweak it to make it your own. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Q: Can I use regular rice instead of Minute rice?
A: Sure! Just note that regular rice will need more liquid and a longer cooking time. Add broth as needed until the rice is fully cooked.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! Just reheat it on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water to keep it from drying out.

Q: Is there a way to make this dairy-free?
A: Absolutely. Use a dairy-free cheese that melts well, like a mozzarella-style vegan cheese.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, it freezes well! Store in an airtight container, and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Q: How can I make this spicier?
A: Add some hot sauce, diced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for an extra kick.

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