Looking for an easy and satisfying weeknight dinner that the whole family will love? This Sloppy Joe Casserole takes all the bold, sweet-and-savory flavors of a traditional sloppy joe sandwich and turns them into a baked, cheesy pasta dish that’s comforting, hearty, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Made with tender ground beef, a tangy homemade sauce, cooked pasta, and a generous layer of melty cheddar cheese, this casserole hits every comfort food note. It’s a one-pan meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Bonus: it’s totally kid-approved!
🧄 Why You’ll Love This Sloppy Joe Casserole
This recipe brings together everything you crave in a comforting dinner—rich tomato-based sauce, perfectly seasoned beef, tender pasta, and a golden layer of cheese on top. But what really sets it apart is the familiar taste of a sloppy joe in an easy, fork-friendly casserole form. Think of it as your favorite sandwich reinvented into a bubbly, baked pasta dish. Plus, it’s easily customizable: switch up the protein, add extra veggies, or top with crispy fried onions or buttery crushed crackers for a crunchy finish.
đź›’ Ingredients
To make this hearty and flavorful casserole, you’ll need:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or penne work great)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup crushed crackers or French fried onions (optional, for topping)
👨‍🍳 Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Cook the beef mixture:
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain off any excess fat.
Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until vegetables are softened. - Prepare the sloppy joe sauce:
Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. - Combine with pasta:
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cooked pasta and the beef mixture. Mix in 1 cup of cheddar cheese. - Assemble the casserole:
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top. If using, add a layer of crushed crackers or French fried onions for extra crunch. - Bake:
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling, and the cheese is melted and golden. - Serve and enjoy:
Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Serve with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
🔄 Tips, Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Protein swap: Use ground turkey or even lentils for a vegetarian version.
- Extra veggies: Add diced carrots, corn, or mushrooms to sneak in more nutrition.
- Make it spicy: Add chili flakes, hot sauce, or jalapeños for a kick.
- Meal prep: This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Freezer-friendly: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight and bake as instructed.
🥄 Comfort in Every Bite
This Sloppy Joe Casserole is the kind of cozy meal that brings everyone to the table. With its cheesy, saucy goodness and familiar flavors, it’s an instant hit for family dinners, potlucks, or lazy Sundays. It’s simple to make, full of rich flavors, and guaranteed to warm bellies and hearts alike.
So, who’s ready to dig in?
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