Name: Sloppy Joe Casserole
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Ground beef (Can substitute with ground turkey); 1 small Onion, diced; 1 medium Green bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 can Tomato sauce (15 oz); 1/2 cup Ketchup; 2 tablespoons Brown sugar; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon Yellow mustard; to taste Salt and black pepper; 3 cups Cooked pasta (Elbow macaroni or penne); 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese (Divided); 1 cup Crushed crackers or French fried onions (Optional, for topping)

Jump to Recipe

Are you looking for a dish that’s not only delicious but also quick to prepare on busy weeknights? Look no further than Sloppy Joe Casserole! This hearty and flavorful dish combines the classic flavors of a sloppy joe with comforting pasta, making it a winning option for families and friends alike. Just picture this: tender pasta enveloped in a rich, tangy sauce topped with gooey cheese that melts in your mouth. It’s a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on your plate! Similar to our beloved taco casserole, Sloppy Joe Casserole is all about bringing flavors and togetherness to the dinner table. So grab your ingredients and dive into this easy-to-make recipe that everyone will adore!

What is Sloppy Joe Casserole?

Now, let’s talk about the intriguing name: Sloppy Joe Casserole. Have you ever wondered what a “Sloppy Joe” really is? Imagine a sandwich filled with seasoned ground meat and sauce, dripping with flavor and forming a glorious mess. And then, someone decided to turn that glorious chaos into a casserole—VOILA! Sloppy Joe Casserole was born! It’s the kind of dish that will make you exclaim, “Who knew sloppy could be so delicious?” As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this dish is sure to win over anyone sitting at your dinner table. So, why not whip up this delight during your next weeknight dinner?

Why You’ll Love This

Classic Flavors with a Twist

You’ll adore Sloppy Joe Casserole for a multitude of reasons. First, it delivers that classic sloppy joe flavor with a twist, making it unique and exciting. The combination of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and zesty sauce will surely satisfy your taste buds.

Budget-Friendly and Convenient

Making this casserole at home saves both time and money compared to takeout or pre-packaged meals. Plus, leftovers are just as delightful!

Customizable and Crowd-Pleasing

It’s customizable! You can load it up with your favorite toppings, like crunchy crackers or crispy fried onions that add an irresistible texture. If you enjoyed our chicken and rice casserole, you’ll definitely want to give this recipe a try too!

How to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole

Quick Overview

Sloppy Joe Casserole is not only easy to prepare, but it’s also downright delicious and incredibly satisfying. With a preparation time of around 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for those hectic evenings when you crave something comforting yet uncomplicated. The mixture of savory meat, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese creates an indulgent flavor profile that will keep you coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 small onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
Salt and black pepper, to taste
3 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or penne)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup crushed crackers or French fried onions (optional, for topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the Meat and Veggies
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Make the Sauce
Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Combine with Pasta
In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the meat mixture. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Assemble the Casserole
Transfer to a greased casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese and optional crushed crackers or fried onions.
Bake
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.

What to Serve Sloppy Joe Casserole With

Sloppy Joe Casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides! Consider serving it alongside a fresh garden salad for some crunch or garlic bread for added indulgence. You could also complement it with crispy roasted vegetables or coleslaw, providing a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of the casserole. A tall glass of iced tea or a light beer can also enhance the dining experience!

Top Tips for Perfecting

Lean Meats: Use leaner meat options to reduce grease while maintaining flavor.
Pasta Tips: Undercook the pasta slightly so it finishes perfectly in the oven.
Cheese Choices: Try different cheeses like mozzarella or Pepper Jack for variety.
Double It: Feeding a crowd? Double the recipe—it stores and reheats beautifully.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave individual servings or place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil, until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Add extra baking time as needed.

Can I substitute ground beef?
Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Is there a vegetarian option?
Replace meat with beans, lentils, or more veggies.

Can I use other cheeses?
Absolutely! Try Pepper Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend.

How spicy is this dish?
It’s mild by default but can be made spicier with hot sauce or chili flakes.

Conclusion

Sloppy Joe Casserole is sure to become a family favorite, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy. Its simplicity and quick prep time make it a go-to option for busy weeknights, while its comforting nature warms hearts and bellies alike. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, unleash your inner chef, and whip up this delicious casserole that’s packed with flavor and love. Happy cooking!