Name: Cheesy Spaghetti Sloppy Joes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey); 1/2 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup marinara or spaghetti sauce; 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for richness); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 4 oz spaghetti, broken in half; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 4 hamburger buns or sandwich rolls; Optional: butter for toasting buns

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how fun and unexpected these sloppy joes are. They take the familiar flavors of spaghetti night and pack them into a cheesy, toasted bun that’s messy in the best way. This is the kind of weeknight meal I throw together when I want something fast, filling, and a little different from the usual routine. It’s kid-friendly, budget-friendly, and totally crave-worthy.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Yellow onion (diced)
Garlic (minced)
Spaghetti noodles (broken in half before cooking)
Marinara or spaghetti sauce
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Grated Parmesan cheese
Soft sandwich buns or hamburger rolls
Butter (for toasting buns, optional)

Directions

I start by boiling a pot of salted water and cooking the spaghetti until al dente. I drain it and set it aside.
In a large skillet, I brown the ground beef with diced onion over medium heat until fully cooked. I drain any excess grease.
I stir in the garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant.
I add in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. I simmer the mixture for 5–7 minutes to let the flavors blend.
I gently fold the cooked spaghetti into the sauce, making sure it’s fully coated.
I stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted and gooey.
If I want extra flavor, I toast the sandwich buns in a skillet with a little butter until golden brown.
I scoop the cheesy spaghetti mixture onto each bun and serve hot—messy, melty, and amazing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 sloppy joes. It takes around 10 minutes to prep, 15 minutes to cook, and is ready to serve in about 25 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage for a flavor twist.
For extra kick, I add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
When I want even more cheesy goodness, I sprinkle extra mozzarella over the spaghetti mix before serving.
I’ve also tried it with garlic bread instead of buns—it turns it into a next-level sandwich experience.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftover spaghetti mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or sauce to loosen it up. I recommend storing the filling and buns separately to keep everything from getting soggy.

FAQs

Can I use leftover spaghetti for this recipe?

Yes, I often use leftover spaghetti. I just chop the noodles slightly and warm them up in the sauce until everything’s hot and blended.

What’s the best cheese to use?

I love mozzarella for its meltiness, but I also like mixing in a little cheddar or provolone for extra flavor. Parmesan adds a nice salty bite.

Are these sloppy joes freezer-friendly?

The spaghetti mixture freezes well. I let it cool completely, store it in a freezer-safe container, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, I substitute the ground beef with lentils, plant-based crumbles, or finely chopped mushrooms. The texture holds up great in the sauce.

How do I keep the sandwiches from falling apart?

I use sturdy, toasted buns and don’t overload them too much. Wrapping the bottom half in parchment or foil also helps hold everything together.

Conclusion

Cheesy spaghetti sloppy joes are everything I love about comfort food—messy, melty, hearty, and just plain fun to eat. They bring a playful twist to the dinner table and come together fast enough for busy weeknights. Whether I’m feeding kids, guests, or just myself, these sandwiches always deliver big flavor and big smiles.