There’s something comforting about a meal that simmers together in one pot, filling the kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. This One Pot Sloppy Joe Ground Beef and Rice captures that feeling perfectly. It’s the kind of dish you might find yourself craving after a long day, when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen.

I remember the first time I made this, I was half-distracted by a phone call, stirring the pot while trying to catch every word. Somewhere between the sizzle of beef and the bubbling sauce, the smell pulled me back to the moment. The kitchen felt a little cluttered, and I was still deciding what to set the table with, but the simple, tangy flavor promised a satisfying dinner. It wasn’t fancy, but it was real and exactly what I needed.

Why You’ll Love It:

It’s all cooked in one pot — fewer dishes, less fuss, and you still get a full meal.
The sloppy joe sauce adds a tangy, slightly sweet kick that makes the beef and rice feel special.
Comforting and filling, but not overly complicated — it suits weeknights when you want to eat well without overthinking.
It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, just straightforward, honest cooking.
Leftovers reheat well, though the rice texture might shift a bit after storing.

If you’re worried about juggling too many pans or missing out on flavor, this dish strikes a nice balance. You don’t have to be a pro to get it right, and the kitchen won’t feel like a war zone afterward.

One Pot Sloppy Joe Ground Beef and Rice

Print Recipe

A hearty and easy one-pot meal combining ground beef, rice, and a tangy sloppy joe sauce for a delicious and satisfying 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 small yellow onion, finely chopped
1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
2 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 apple cider vinegar
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 olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Drain excess fat if necessary, then add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables soften.
Stir in the rinsed rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, coating the rice in the beef and vegetable mixture.
Add beef broth, water, tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, 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 with a tight-fitting lid.
Simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking.
Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork and serve warm.

Kitchen Notes: I usually use a deep skillet or a Dutch oven to make sure there’s enough space for everything to cook evenly without spilling — but don’t sweat it if your pot isn’t huge. Serving this with a simple green salad or some roasted veggies can help round out the meal without stealing the spotlight. Sometimes I toss in a few extra spices if I’m feeling adventurous, like a pinch more smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce, but that’s just me experimenting. You might want to try swapping the beef for ground turkey or adding some frozen corn for a bit of sweetness, though I haven’t tested all those versions extensively.

FAQ:

Can I make this gluten-free? The recipe as is usually works gluten-free, but double-check any sauces you use just in case. Worcestershire sauce can vary.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? A quick zap in the microwave with a splash of water or reheating gently on the stove with a lid works well to keep the rice moist.

Can I prepare this in advance? You can prep the beef and veggies ahead, but I recommend cooking the rice fresh to keep the texture right.

Give this one-pot comfort a try and see how a simple skillet can turn into a dinner that feels like a warm hug. You might find yourself coming back to it on busy nights, just like I do.