Sloppy Joe Casserole recipe
Nothing says comfort food quite like a warm and cheesy casserole straight from the oven, and this Sloppy Joe Casserole recipe is a game-changer! Packed with juicy ground beef, tender farfalle pasta, and a generous layer of melted cheese, it takes the best elements of a classic Sloppy Joe and transforms them into a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week.
This Sloppy Joe Casserole is loaded with flavors that will remind you of your favorite childhood sandwich but with a delicious twist. The rich Manwich sauce brings a tangy, savory flavor, while diced tomatoes add a burst of freshness. Velveeta cheese melts into a creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta, and sweet corn adds a hint of sweetness that balances out the savory ingredients.
Whether youโre feeding a hungry family or entertaining guests, this casserole is a simple yet satisfying option. With minimal prep and an irresistible blend of flavors, this dish is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Plus, itโs incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences or the ingredients you have on hand. Ready to dig in?
Key Ingredients for Sloppy Joe Casserole
- Ground beef โ The foundation of this casserole, providing a rich and hearty flavor.
- Onions โ Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
- Manwich sauce โ A classic Sloppy Joe base that brings a tangy, savory punch to the casserole.
- Chicken broth โ Helps to cook the pasta and enhance the flavors, keeping everything moist and flavorful.
- Diced tomatoes โ Introduces a fresh, acidic note that balances the richness of the cheese and beef.
- Farfalle pasta โ Absorbs all the delicious sauce and flavors, while maintaining a delightful bite.
- Velveeta cheese โ Melts smoothly to create a creamy, indulgent sauce that coats every piece of pasta.
- Corn โ Provides a pop of sweetness and texture contrast to the savory ingredients.
- Cheddar cheese โ Topped on the casserole for a golden, cheesy crust that adds both flavor and texture.
Simple Steps to Prepare Sloppy Joe Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF to get it nice and hot for baking the casserole.
- Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, adding the onions to soften as the beef cooks.
- Drain any excess grease, then mix in the Manwich sauce, chicken broth, and undrained diced tomatoes.
- Bring to a gentle boil, add the farfalle pasta, and let it simmer until the pasta reaches al dente perfection, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Reduce heat, then stir in the corn and Velveeta cheese, allowing the cheese to melt and form a creamy sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, top with shredded cheddar cheese, and cover with foil.
- Bake for 15 minutes, uncover, and let the cheese turn golden and bubbly. Serve hot with a side of cornbread!
Recipe Tips for the Best Sloppy Joe Casserole
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to three days. Simply allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
- Pasta Choices: Farfalle pasta is ideal for this recipe, but you can swap it with penne, rotini, or any pasta you prefer. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Extra Saucy: If you like your casserole extra saucy, use less pasta or add a bit more broth or sauce.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to add bell peppers, mushrooms, or any vegetables you love to make it even heartier.
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be a blessing with this dish! Store any remaining Sloppy Joe Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350ยฐF until warmed through, or microwave individual servings for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. This casserole also freezes well; just be sure to cool it completely before freezing in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Enjoy this comforting, cheesy Sloppy Joe Casserole with its perfect blend of flavors, and don’t forget to make it your own with your favorite additions and substitutions!
Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
A delightful twist on the classic Sloppy Joe, this casserole is packed with succulent ground beef, pasta, and a savory blend of Manwich sauce, tomatoes, corn, and two types of cheese. An easy and comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners!
- ยพ pound farfalle pasta (uncooked)
- 1 lb. ground beef (85% lean)
- 2 ยฝ cups chicken broth
- 1 ยฝ cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 15.5 oz can Manwich sauce
- 8 oz. Velveeta cheese (cubed)
- 1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes (not drained)
- ยฝ cup onions (diced)
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned and drained)
- Preheat the oven to 375ยฐF.
- In a large skillet or pot with high sides, cook and crumble the ground beef over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add the diced onions and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the Manwich sauce, chicken broth, and the undrained diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add the uncooked pasta and stir well to ensure it is fully combined. Cover the skillet and allow it to boil gently until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Be prepared to cook a few minutes longer than the time specified on the pasta package. Test a noodle to check for doneness before proceeding.
- Lower the heat to a simmer. Stir in the corn, then add the cubed Velveeta cheese. Cover the pot and allow the cheese to melt, lifting the cover occasionally to stir until smooth.
- Transfer the mixture into a lightly greased 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Remove the cover and serve hot, ideally with a side of cornbread.
Make Ahead Method: Prepare the casserole as instructed, up to the point of topping with cheese. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Cover and bake at 350ยฐF for 25 minutes.
You can use different types of pasta for this recipe, adjusting the cooking time according to the package directions. Penne is a great alternative.
For a saucier casserole, stick with ยพ pound of pasta, but you can use a full pound if desired.