Name: Cheesy Spaghetti Sloppy Joes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; ½ cup yellow onion, diced; 1 tbsp butter or margarine; 1 cup spaghetti noodles, broken into small pieces; 2 cups marinara sauce with sweet basil; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; 4 large hamburger buns; ¼ cup garlic butter or margarine; 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Cheesy Spaghetti Sloppy Joes are about to become your new weeknight obsession. Forget everything you thought you knew about the classic Sloppy Joe; this recipe takes it to a whole new, undeniably delicious dimension. Imagine all the comforting, savory goodness of a traditional Sloppy Joe, but elevated with the irresistible pull of melted cheese and the satisfying chew of perfectly cooked spaghetti. It’s a flavor explosion that hits all the right notes – a little tangy, a little sweet, and absolutely loaded with umami. People adore this dish because it’s incredibly kid-friendly, yet sophisticated enough for adults to genuinely crave. What truly sets these Cheesy Spaghetti Sloppy Joes apart is the ingenious way the spaghetti becomes an integral part of the filling, soaking up every drop of the rich, tomatoey sauce while providing a delightful textural contrast. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, a culinary mashup that’s both familiar and excitingly new. Get ready to impress yourself and everyone at your table with this simple yet spectacular creation.

Ingredients:

1 lb lean ground beef
½ cup yellow onion, diced
1 tbsp butter or margarine
1 cup spaghetti noodles, broken into small pieces
2 cups water
2 cups marinara sauce with sweet basil
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
4 large hamburger buns
¼ cup garlic butter or margarine
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Preparing the Cheesy Spaghetti Sloppy Joe Mixture

Browning the Beef and Aromatics

Let’s start by getting our flavorful base ready. In a large skillet or pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter or margarine over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the 1 pound of lean ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and no pink remains. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease from the pan to ensure a cleaner, less oily final dish. Now, add the ½ cup of diced yellow onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the onions have softened and become translucent, which typically takes another 3-5 minutes. The aroma of the sautéing onions mingling with the beef is already a fantastic start!

Incorporating the Spaghetti and Liquids

Next, it’s time to introduce the unique element that makes these Cheesy Spaghetti Sloppy Joes so special: the spaghetti noodles. Add the 1 cup of broken spaghetti noodles directly into the skillet with the beef and onions. Stir them around for about a minute to lightly toast them and coat them in the rendered beef fat. This step helps prevent the noodles from becoming mushy later on. Pour in the 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, as these bits hold a lot of flavor.

Simmering to Perfection

Now, we’ll let those spaghetti noodles work their magic. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the mixture simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the spaghetti noodles are tender and have absorbed most of the water. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Once the noodles are cooked through, add the 2 cups of marinara sauce with sweet basil. Stir it in thoroughly to coat the beef and noodles. This marinara sauce will provide the classic sloppy joe flavor with a delightful hint of basil.

Seasoning and Finishing the Mixture

It’s time to season our Cheesy Spaghetti Sloppy Joe mixture to perfection. Add the ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir everything together until all the seasonings are evenly distributed. Taste the mixture and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. You want a well-balanced flavor profile that complements the richness of the beef and the tanginess of the marinara. Let the mixture simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the noodles and beef without being watery.

Assembling and Broiling the Cheesy Spaghetti Sloppy Joes

Preparing the Buns

While the sloppy joe mixture is simmering, let’s get our hamburger buns ready. Carefully slice the 4 large hamburger buns in half horizontally, if they aren’t already pre-sliced. In a small bowl, melt the ¼ cup of garlic butter or margarine. Brush the cut sides of each hamburger bun generously with the melted garlic butter. This will give the buns a wonderful garlicky flavor and a slightly toasted, crisp texture that stands up well to the hearty filling.

Building and Broiling the Sloppy Joes

Now for the grand finale! Place the buttered hamburger bun halves, cut-side up, on a baking sheet. Generously spoon the warm Cheesy Spaghetti Sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom halves of the buns, ensuring each bun gets a good amount of beef, noodles, and sauce. Don’t be shy; pile it high! Once the buns are filled, evenly sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the sloppy joe mixture on each bun. Place the baking sheet under a preheated broiler on high heat. Broil for 1-3 minutes, watching very carefully, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. The goal is to melt and lightly brown the cheese without burning the buns. Once the cheese is perfectly melted and golden, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Place the top halves of the garlic buttered hamburger buns over the cheesy filling. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Cheesy Spaghetti Sloppy Joes!

Conclusion:

I hope you’ve enjoyed exploring this recipe for Cheesy Spaghetti Sloppy Joes! It’s a dish that truly brings comfort and flavor to the table, combining the savory goodness of sloppy joes with the satisfying chew of spaghetti and a delightful cheesy finish. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings, offering a crowd-pleasing meal that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability.

For serving, I highly recommend pairing these Cheesy Spaghetti Sloppy Joes with a crisp side salad to balance the richness, or some garlic breadsticks for an extra carb-tastic treat. You can also serve them bunless over a bed of lettuce for a lighter option. As for variations, feel free to add your favorite vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture. For a spicier kick, a dash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños will do the trick. And of course, feel free to swap out the cheese for your preferred melting variety – cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend would be fantastic! I encourage you to get creative and enjoy every bite of your homemade Cheesy Spaghetti Sloppy Joes!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Cheesy Spaghetti Sloppy Joes ahead of time?

Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the meat sauce mixture a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop and cook your spaghetti according to package directions. Add the cooked spaghetti and cheese to the heated sauce just before serving for the best texture and melt.

What kind of ground meat is best for this recipe?

A good quality ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is ideal for these Cheesy Spaghetti Sloppy Joes, as the fat adds flavor and moisture. However, you can also use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option. Just adjust seasonings as needed.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this a gluten-free Cheesy Spaghetti Sloppy Joes, simply use gluten-free spaghetti. Ensure your Worcestershire sauce is also gluten-free, as some brands can contain wheat. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.