Learn how to make One Pot Sloppy Joe Ground Beef and Rice at home in very easy steps just like the restaurant but with a much better taste.
This recipe will take into consideration everything so you can make the perfect beef rice.
One-Pot Sloppy Joe Ground Beef and Rice Recipe: Easy Weeknight Comfort Food.
If you are looking for an easy recipe to make at home that is delicious and easy to make for a comfort food dinner for the weekend, then the One Pot Sloppy Joe Ground Beef and Rice is a great recipe to try. It is super delicious and full of food with very little clean up.
If you are busy and looking to make something special for your family, then this is a dream weekend night. The best part is that Sloppy Joe is a great combination of all the things Americans love and you can have in your pocket.
Whether you are making it for your children, your friends or for yourself, this wonderful dish brings a new taste every time, that is why it remains everyone’s favorite, you must make it at home once.
Table of Contents
Reasons to like one-pot sloppy joe ground beef recipe:
- It is made in one pot, so you can serve in less utensils.
- It is very easy to clean and is a quick dish to prepare.
- It is very popular among rice eaters and is also family friendly.
- It uses budget-friendly ingredients.
- It can be prepared in less time and leftovers can also be stored.
Ingredients required to make a classic sloppy joe ground beef and rice meal recipe:-
Sloppy Base Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil (for three cuts of beef)
- 1 pound 80/20 or lean, ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 onion finely chopped
- Optional – 1 small bell pepper, Diced
Ingredients: For Sloppy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow or Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredients: For Rice –
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional for topping
- 1 cup washed white rice, long grain
Step by Step –
1. Prep Ingredients:
Before making One Pot Sloppy Joe Ground Beef and Rice Recipe, mix garlic, onion, bell pepper Chop all the other ingredients and keep aside to use when needed. Wash the rice thoroughly in cold water to remove excess starch and to remove any stickiness.
2. Finishing the Ground Beef:
- Now take a Dutch oven or a large deep skillet and heat it on high medium heat.
- Now add the ground beef to the skillet/oven and cook for 7 to 8 minutes and use a spatula to break it up.
- When done, drain off any excess fat (be careful if using lean beef).
- If you are using lean beef, add a tablespoon of butter or olive oil for moisture and flavor.
3. Roasting: – Garlic, Onion, Bell Pepper
It’s time to bring out the classic flavor. This step creates a delicious one pot sloppy joe ground beef and rice recipe. Take a pan and add chopped bell pepper and diced onion. Saute for 4 to 5 minutes till it softens a little. Then add chopped garlic and cook for 1 minute till it becomes fragrant.
4. Mixing the Sloppy jeo Sauce:
- Now you can make a classic Sloppy flavor-
- Mix tomato paste, ketchup, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar and seasoning. (You can optionally use paprika, salt, chili powder, black pepper.)
Now mix all the seasonings well and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to get the best flavor.
5. Using the broth and rice:
- Now add the beef broth and washed rice.
- Then mix everything together by making sure that the rice is immersed in the liquid.
- Now bring it to a boil on medium high flame and then reduce the flame so that it does not burn at the bottom.
6. Cooking with a cover:
- Now cover the vessel with a fitting lid.
- Then let it boil for 20 to 22 minutes or make sure the rice becomes soft (till it is cooked).
- To make it soft, do not stir the rice while cooking as stirring will not make it mushy.
7. Puffing and finishing: When the rice is cooked, remove it from the flame and then keep it covered for 5 to 7 minutes so that the rice gets cooked well.
Fluff it with a fork.
8. Optional: For Cheesy Toppings (for a nice finishing touch)
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover and let it melt for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Use chopped parsley or green onions for garnish.
Serving Tips
- This One Pot Sloppy Joe Ground Beef and Rice recipe is so delicious, here are some serving ideas: –
- Use a simple green salad for a fresh contrast.
- Garlic toast or cornbread.
- Pickles or coleslaw for a crunch and acidity.
- It can also be served in a wrap or on a toasted sandwich roll. This makes for a fun Sloppy Joe twist that everyone loves.
To store and reheat:
Store:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Reheat:
Reheat individually in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add a little water or broth if you want to keep things moist.
If using the stovetop, use low heat to reheat, then gently turn down.
Variations and substitutions:
To make it healthier:
- Omit the beef and use chicken or lean ground turkey.
- Use/add spinach, zucchini or shredded carrots to get more veggies.
To make it spicy:
- Use hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a richer flavor.
- Try chipotle chili powder for a smoky hit.
To make it cheesy:
Use a creamy cheese or cheesy blend if you want a creamy texture.
To make it low carb:
- Omit the rice and use cauliflower rice instead. (Adjust the cooking time)
- To make the perfect sloppy joe rice:
- Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly so it doesn’t starch your dish.
- Always use a heavy bottom pan or nonstick pan as it prevents sticking and burning.
- If you want sweetness you can adjust accordingly, but some people prefer spiciness.
- Once it’s cooked make sure to let it rest a little so the rice gets a nice texture. It also enhances the flavor.
Reasons I love this One Pot Sloppy Joe Ground Beef and Rice recipe:
This recipe has a sweet flavor but also a nostalgic twist and it’s a combination of two American classics Sloppy Joe and rice casserole. It gets a little sweet rest from the tomatoes and the rice soaks up all the delicious flavors in the pot.
Perfect for:
- For kids with fussy eaters
- Sloppy joe with rice recipe for a busy weeknight
- Budget-friendly dinner
- Great for a comforting meal in cold weather
- Tailgate gathering or potluck
Nutrition per serving:
- 420 – calories
- 42 g – carbs
- 23 g – protein
- 18 g – fat
- 8 g – sugar
- 2 g – fiber
- 800 mg – sodium
Final Thoughts:
This is the ultimate comfort food. This one pot sloppy joe ground beef and rice recipe takes all the fuss out of it and packs a ton of flavor with very little effort, making for a great dinner.
(See this also- Roasted Asparagus Recipe)
This can be prepared in less than an hour with ingredients you probably already have on hand.
This is a very easy weeknight dish if you are busy, or a cozy Sunday when you have the time to prepare and spend time with family. A must try.