One Pot Sloppy Joe Ground Beef And Rice Recipe
There’s something so satisfying about a dish that brings all the flavors of comfort food together in one big, hearty pot. This one-pot sloppy Joe ground beef and rice is just that—a warm, cheesy, flavorful meal that comes together with minimal fuss and clean-up. It’s a weeknight hero in my house, especially during busy weeks when I crave something quick, easy, and guaranteed to please. Think of it as a mashup between a sloppy Joe sandwich and a casserole, with the kind of cozy, saucy goodness you’d expect from both.
A family favorite with a twist
I first tried this recipe when I was running low on bread but craving sloppy Joes. As someone who never turns down an opportunity to turn leftovers into something new, I decided to skip the buns and make it a rice-based dish. The result? A cheesy, sticky, savory skillet meal that everyone around the table couldn’t get enough of. You know it’s good when there are no leftovers, and trust me, this recipe has been on repeat ever since!
From the classic to the casserole: a quick history of sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joes have a long-standing place in American comfort food, said to have originated in the 1930s. Some say it started in a little cafe in Sioux City, Iowa, where a chef named Joe added tomato sauce to his ground beef sandwiches. Since then, this saucy dish has made its way into school cafeterias, family kitchens, and even gourmet adaptations. This one-pot version takes that traditional sloppy Joe flavor and turns it into a rice-based casserole—perfect for anyone who wants a change from the usual bun.
Let’s talk ingredients: flavor-packed pantry staples
This one-pot sloppy Joe ground beef and rice is made with simple ingredients, most of which you probably have on hand. Here’s a closer look at what makes each ingredient essential:
- Lean ground beef: This is the heart of the dish, providing protein and a savory richness. If you want a leaner option, ground turkey works well too!
- Diced yellow onions: Onions add a natural sweetness and depth, balancing out the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. I go for yellow onions because they’re mild and cook down nicely.
- Condensed chicken broth: This adds a savory base and keeps the rice flavorful. If you’re in a pinch, vegetable broth works too.
- Minute rice: Using instant rice is a major time-saver, as it cooks quickly and absorbs all those tasty sloppy Joe flavors. You can use regular white rice, but keep in mind it will take longer to cook.
- Ketchup: The classic sloppy Joe ingredient, ketchup brings in that familiar sweet-tangy flavor. If you like a bit more zip, you can substitute some tomato paste and a splash of vinegar.
- Worcestershire sauce: This is the secret ingredient that adds a subtle umami depth. Don’t skip it—it makes a big difference!
- Onion powder, salt, pepper, and brown sugar: These seasonings round out the sauce. The brown sugar enhances the sweetness of the ketchup, creating that perfect sweet-and-savory balance.
- Shredded mozzarella and cheddar blend: This cheese combination melts beautifully, giving the dish a creamy finish. Feel free to use other cheeses if you prefer something sharper or more melty.

Kitchen gear: What you need (and what you can skip)
One of the great things about this recipe is how minimal the equipment is! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large sauté pan: This dish all comes together in a single pan, so choose one with high sides to hold all the ingredients comfortably.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and crumbling the ground beef as it cooks.
- Lid for the pan: You’ll want a lid to cover the pan at the end, letting the cheese on top melt without turning on the oven.
If you don’t have a sauté pan with a lid, don’t stress! You can always cover the pan with a large piece of foil for the final step.
Step-by-step: My foolproof method for sloppy Joe ground beef and rice
Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this cheesy, one-pot masterpiece.
- Brown the beef and onions: Start by heating your sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onions, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Stir frequently so the onions soften and the beef crumbles nicely. Once the beef is fully browned, drain off any excess grease to avoid a greasy final dish.
- Add broth and water: With the beef and onions still in the pan, pour in the condensed chicken broth and water. These will be absorbed by the rice and help infuse the whole dish with flavor. Make sure the heat stays at medium-high so everything comes to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the rice: Sprinkle the Minute rice into the pan and give it a good stir, making sure all the grains are submerged in the liquid. This helps the rice cook evenly. Once it’s all mixed, let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Season and add the sauce: Now for the flavor magic! Add the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, salt, pepper, and brown sugar. Stir it all together so the beef and rice are fully coated in that sweet and tangy sauce. Let it cook for another 4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.
- Melt the cheese: Remove the pan from the heat and add 2 cups of the shredded cheese blend. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the whole dish is creamy and gooey. Then, sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese over the top and cover the pan. Let it sit for a few minutes—this will allow the cheese to melt into a delicious, bubbly layer.
- Serve and enjoy!: Lift the lid, and there you have it—one-pot sloppy Joe goodness! Scoop it into bowls, serve it straight from the pan, and get ready for an empty pot by the end of dinner.

Variations to make it your own
One of the things I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is! Here are a few ways to customize it:
- Make it spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian version: Swap out the ground beef for crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Low-carb option: Substitute the rice with cauliflower rice. It will cook faster, so keep an eye on the liquid and adjust as needed.
- Southwestern twist: Add black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning. Top with pepper jack cheese instead for a Tex-Mex vibe.
- Italian-style sloppy Joe: Swap the Worcestershire sauce with Italian seasoning, add a can of diced tomatoes, and top with Parmesan cheese for an Italian-inspired take.
Each of these variations brings a fun new flavor profile to the dish. Experiment to find your favorite!
Serving ideas to make it a meal
When it comes to serving this dish, I like to keep it casual, spooning it straight from the pan into bowls. To add a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped green onions or parsley on top. This dish is pretty hearty on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies. A side of garlic bread is also fantastic for scooping up any extra sauce!
Pair it with the perfect drink
For a casual meal like this, a cold drink is the way to go. A crisp beer, like a lager or pale ale, pairs beautifully with the cheesy, saucy flavors. If you’re more of a wine drinker, try a glass of Zinfandel or Merlot—they’re rich enough to match the savory notes of the dish. And if you’re serving the kids, a tall glass of iced tea or lemonade keeps things refreshing.
Storing and reheating tips
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this dish stores well! Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave for a couple of minutes, or warm it on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water to loosen it up. For food safety, make sure it’s heated through before serving.
Scaling the recipe for a crowd (or just yourself)
This recipe is easy to double if you’re feeding a crowd! Just use a larger pan or even a Dutch oven. On the other hand, if you’re cooking for one or two, you can halve the ingredients—just keep an eye on the rice as it may cook a bit faster.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use regular rice instead of Minute rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Regular rice will take about 15-20 minutes to cook fully, so add extra broth or water as needed.
2. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes! This dish freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.
3. What other cheeses can I use?
Sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, or even pepper jack all work great in this recipe.
4. How can I make it less sweet?
Cut back on the brown sugar and use tomato paste with a splash of vinegar instead of ketchup.
5. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, corn, or peas are great additions to this dish.
Ready to give it a try?
This one-pot sloppy Joe ground beef and rice is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s quick, hearty, and full of flavor, not to mention family-friendly and endlessly adaptable. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a big bowl of comfort. Happy cooking!
Print
One Pot Sloppy Joe Ground Beef And Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup diced yellow onions
- 10.5 oz condensed chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups white Minute rice
- 1 1/2 cups ketchup
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
Instructions
- Brown the beef and onions: Start by heating your sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onions, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Stir frequently so the onions soften and the beef crumbles nicely. Once the beef is fully browned, drain off any excess grease to avoid a greasy final dish.
- Add broth and water: With the beef and onions still in the pan, pour in the condensed chicken broth and water. These will be absorbed by the rice and help infuse the whole dish with flavor. Make sure the heat stays at medium-high so everything comes to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the rice: Sprinkle the Minute rice into the pan and give it a good stir, making sure all the grains are submerged in the liquid. This helps the rice cook evenly. Once it’s all mixed, let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Season and add the sauce: Now for the flavor magic! Add the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, salt, pepper, and brown sugar. Stir it all together so the beef and rice are fully coated in that sweet and tangy sauce. Let it cook for another 4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.
- Melt the cheese: Remove the pan from the heat and add 2 cups of the shredded cheese blend. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the whole dish is creamy and gooey. Then, sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese over the top and cover the pan. Let it sit for a few minutes—this will allow the cheese to melt into a delicious, bubbly layer.
- Serve and enjoy!: Lift the lid, and there you have it—one-pot sloppy Joe goodness! Scoop it into bowls, serve it straight from the pan, and get ready for an empty pot by the end of dinner.
Notes
Serving ideas to make it a meal
When it comes to serving this dish, I like to keep it casual, spooning it straight from the pan into bowls. To add a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped green onions or parsley on top. This dish is pretty hearty on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies. A side of garlic bread is also fantastic for scooping up any extra sauce!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner