When the clock strikes dinner time and the day has stretched just a little too long, this one pot sloppy joe ground beef and rice meal is a quiet hero. It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with warmth and a hint of smoky sweetness, inviting you to slow down and take a breath. I remember the first time I made it, the way the tomato sauce mingled with the spices and the gentle sizzle of ground beef melting into the pot was oddly calming, even though I was juggling a few things at once — maybe a distracted glance at a buzzing phone or a half-finished thought about what else I needed to do. Somehow, that imperfection makes the meal feel more real, more homey.

There’s something about the way the rice soaks up all those rich flavors, turning soft and tender, that makes each bite cozy and fulfilling. It’s not fancy, but it’s honest food, the kind you want to come back to again and again, especially when you want to feel grounded without spending hours in the kitchen.

Everything cooks in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to relax or chat with whoever’s around.
The combination of ground beef and rice feels like a hug on a plate — hearty and filling but not overwhelming.
It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, just straightforward comfort food.
The blend of smoky paprika and tangy tomato sauce gives it a little kick, but it’s easy to adjust depending on how adventurous you’re feeling.
While it’s perfect for dinner, leftovers heat up nicely for a quick lunch, though it might lose a bit of its fresh charm after a couple of days.

If you’re worried about timing, this dish is pretty forgiving. I usually keep an eye on the rice just in case it wants a minute more, but overall, it’s a relaxed process. And if you want to sneak in some extra veggies or swap out the beef for turkey, that works too — I haven’t tested all variations, but they seem promising.

One Pot Sloppy Joe Ground Beef and Rice

Print Recipe

A hearty and flavorful one pot meal combining ground beef, rice, and classic sloppy joe sauce for an easy and comforting dinner.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed
1 cup beef broth
1 cup water
1 cup tomato sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 4 minutes.
Stir in the rinsed rice and cook for 1 minute, coating the rice with the beef and vegetables.
Add the beef broth, water, tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
Simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork and stir to combine all ingredients evenly before serving.

Don’t worry about fancy pots or special equipment here; a sturdy deep skillet or pot with a lid does the job just fine. When serving, a simple green salad or steamed vegetables make for a fresh contrast. Sometimes I throw in a handful of shredded cheese on top just before serving — not necessary, but definitely nice. If you want to switch things up, try adding some corn or black beans for a Tex-Mex twist, or swap the rice for quinoa if you’re feeling experimental. Just keep in mind that different grains might change the cooking time.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely. It holds up well in the fridge for a few days and reheats nicely, though the texture softens a bit.

Is it spicy? The chili powder and smoked paprika add a mild warmth, but it’s easy to tone down or amp up depending on preference.

Can I freeze leftovers? You can, but the texture of the rice might change slightly after thawing.

What can I serve with it? It’s great on its own, but a crisp salad or some roasted veggies make lovely companions.

When you need a dinner that’s both comforting and uncomplicated, this one pot sloppy joe ground beef and rice hits the spot. Give it a try tonight, and see how a simple meal can feel like a little act of kindness to yourself.