What Is Sloppy Joe Casserole
This easy sloppy joe casserole recipe takes all the beloved flavors of iconic sloppy joe sandwiches and transforms them into a delightful, cheesy casserole. This dish combines seasoned ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and tender pasta, all baked to perfection under a generous layer of gooey cheddar cheese.
Short Pasta: I like to use pasta like rotini, bowtie or penne, which holds the sauce perfectly. Olive Oil: Used to saute the veggies. You can use vegetable oil if you prefer. Onion: Provides a flavorful aromatic base. I typically use brown onion but feel free to use any onion you have on hand. Bell Pepper: Adds a pop of color and a hint of sweetness. Any color of bell pepper will do the trick. Ground Beef: Our meaty star! You can also use ground turkey or ground chicken. If you prefer a vegetarian option, consider using plant-based meat or cooked lentils. Tomato Sauce: Forms the foundation of the sloppy joe sauce. Ketchup: Adds a touch of sweetness and tang. Worcestershire Sauce: Provides a hint of umami depth. If you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute it with soy sauce or a dash of balsamic vinegar. Garlic Powder: Adds the perfect touch of pungent garlic flavor. Chili Powder: Gives the casserole a gentle kick of heat. You can use less if you’re sensitive to spice. Salt and Pepper: Enhance all the flavors of the dish. Cheddar Cheese: Provides the irresistible cheesy layer. You can experiment with other types of cheese such as mozzarella or Colby Jack cheese.
This family-friendly recipe is your ticket to a satisfying, hassle-free dinner! With minimal effort, you can whip up a flavorful dish that the whole family will love. Before you start cooking the pasta, you need to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta according to the package directions. The key here is to slightly undercook it, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Now, drain the cooked pasta and set it aside. Next, heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Then, add the diced onion and bell pepper and sauté them just until they start to soften. Now, add the ground beef and cook it until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as you go. Once browned, drain any excess grease from the beef to prevent the dish from being overly oily. After you’ve cooked the beef, stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and chili powder. Then let the ground beef mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. It’s time to bring it all together! Put your cooked pasta into the skillet and toss it with the meat sauce. Then taste the pasta mixture and season it with salt and black pepper as needed. To finish, transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Then sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the top. Now, put the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until it becomes bubbly and the cheese has melted. When done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving to give it time to set. Then serve your sloppy joe casserole with some homemade dinner rolls if you like and enjoy!
Storage
You can store leftover sloppy joe casserole in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap. To reheat, warm it in the microwave for a few minutes or in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 10 minutes. It’s also possible to freeze leftovers for up to 3 months, but keep in mind that freezing may alter the texture of the pasta.
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title: “Sloppy Joe Casserole” ShowToc: true date: “2024-10-26” author: “Mary Thomas”
For a more traditional spin, try my Homemade Sloppy Joes, and don’t forget a side of cornbread!
Sloppy Joe Casserole
Guys, this recipe can’t get any better. It’s SO easy, made with pantry ingredients, budget-friendly, doubles as a ONE POT recipe, and can be made 3 days ahead of time. (Bonus: It also makes a great freezer meal.) Are you sold?! Let’s get into it.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole
See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions. Brown ground beef, add diced onions. Drain excess grease. Add Manwich sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, add farfalle pasta. Gently boil for 15 minutes, until al dente.
Reduce heat to low. Stir in corn. Add cubed Velveeta, replace lid to allow it to melt. Use a silicone spatula to gently stir to combine.
PRO TIP: You can top the pasta with cheese and replace the lid until the cheese is melted and pasta is cooked to your liking. From here, you can serve it as a One Pot meal. Otherwise, transfer to a casserole dish.
Top with cheese. Cover and bake at 375° F for 15 minutes. Serve!
One Pot Method
For an easy One Pot approach, don’t transfer to a casserole dish. Instead, sprinkle cheese on top of the pasta once it’s completely cooked through. Place the lid on top and allow the cheese to melt, then serve!
Make-Ahead Method
Assemble the casserole and top with cheese. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Try These Next!
Be sure to check out all of my other casserole recipes!
