Cheesy Spaghetti Sloppy Joes

I love this fun and flavorful twist on classic sloppy joes—spaghetti tossed with saucy ground beef and melted cheese, all in one hearty dish. It’s comforting and playful, perfect for a satisfying family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore how it combines the nostalgic, messy joy of sloppy joes with the comforting familiarity of cheesy pasta. The sauce is savory and slightly sweet, while gooey cheese brings it all together. Plus, it’s all made in one pan, so it’s both easy and delicious.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
• Spaghetti (or your favorite long pasta)
• Ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Bell pepper, diced (red or green)
• Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
• Chili powder or paprika (optional, for a little kick)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Shredded cheddar (plus extra for melting on top)
• Olive oil (for cooking)

directions

1. I cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water.

2. Meanwhile, I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. I sauté the chopped onion and bell pepper until softened (about 3–4 minutes), then add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

3. I add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink. I drain off any excess fat if needed.

4. I stir in tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar (if using). I season with chili powder, salt, and pepper. I simmer the mixture for about 5–7 minutes until thickened.

5. I mix in the cooked spaghetti, tossing until every strand is coated. If the sauce seems too thick, I loosen it with a splash of reserved pasta water.

6. I sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top, cover the skillet briefly until the cheese melts, then stir gently so it becomes evenly gooey.

7. I serve hot, optionally garnished with extra cheese, chopped parsley, or a soft toasted bun on the side for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 hearty servings.
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~20 minutes
Total time: ~30 minutes

Variations

• Protein swap: I sometimes use ground turkey, Italian sausage, or seasoned lentils for a vegetarian version.

• Cheese mix: I add Monterey jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella for extra meltiness.

• Veggie boost: I stir in chopped mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition and texture.

• Spice it up: I mix in a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeño for heat.

• Sweet-savory twist: I stir in BBQ sauce or add a touch of apple cider vinegar for tang.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the mixture in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or milk to restore creaminess. The microwave works too—cover and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I bake this dish like a casserole?

Yes—I transfer the cheesy spaghetti mixture to a baking dish, top with more cheese and breadcrumbs, then bake at 350 °F for about 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Is there a vegetarian version?

Absolutely—I swap the ground beef with cooked lentils, chopped mushrooms, or a plant-based ground meat. The flavor and texture are still satisfying.

Can I make this gluten‑free?

Yes—I use gluten-free spaghetti and check that the tomato sauce and Worcestershire sauce are certified gluten-free.

How can I make it ahead?

I prepare the sauce ahead and refrigerate it. When ready, I reheat it gently, toss in freshly cooked pasta, and top with cheese before serving.

Can I freeze leftovers?

I can—although the cheese texture changes slightly. I freeze the cooled mixture in portions for up to 2 months. I thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat gently, and stir in some fresh cheese.

Conclusion

Cheesy Spaghetti Sloppy Joes are one of my favorite comfort meals—messy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. I love how it brings together the best of sloppy joes and cheesy pasta in a single skillet. Whether for a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, this dish always brings smiles.