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Looking for a comforting weeknight dinner that everyone will love? This Sloppy Joe Casserole has all the savory, saucy flavors of classic sloppy joes baked into a cheesy, hearty casserole. With tender pasta, flavorful ground beef, and plenty of gooey melted cheese, this family-friendly recipe is the perfect twist on a nostalgic favorite.
Sloppy Joe Casserole
Easy dinner ideas like this takes all the flavors of a classic sloppy joe and turns them into an easy, cheesy, baked dinner. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to please the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Sloppy Joe Casserole
- Easy weeknight dinner – ready in under 45 minutes.
- Family-friendly flavors – kids and adults love it.
- Make ahead or freeze – perfect for meal prep.
- Crowd-pleasing comfort food – cheesy, saucy, and satisfyin
Ingredients:
- Ground beef (or ground turkey)
- Sweet onion, diced
- Bell pepper, diced
- Can of sloppy joe sauce (such as Manwich)
- Diced tomatoes, drained
- Uncooked elbow macaroni (or other small pasta)
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
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Recipe Variations
- Tater Tot Version: Top with frozen tater tots instead of pasta for a fun twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in corn, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Different Cheeses: Try pepper jack, Colby Jack, or provolone.
Side Dish Options
- A fresh green salad
- Garlic bread or cornbread
- Roasted vegetables
- Classic coleslaw
Sloppy Joe Casserole
Sloppy Joe Casserole
This Sloppy Joe Casserole takes all the flavors of a classic sloppy joe and turns them into an easy, cheesy, baked dinner. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to please the whole family.
Equipment
- pot
- skillet
- 9×13 Casserole dish
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small sweet onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 15-ounce can sloppy joe sauce (such as Manwich)
- 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni or other small pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Meat – In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease.
- Add Veggies and Sauce – Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in sloppy joe sauce, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole – In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sloppy joe meat mixture, and half of the cheddar cheese. Transfer to a greased 9×13 casserole dish.
- Add Cheese and Bake – Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and all the mozzarella. Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve – Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Assemble casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen at 350°F for about 45–50 minutes.
- Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade sloppy joe sauce?Yes! Just replace the canned sauce with your favorite homemade recipe. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble it in the morning, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Elbow macaroni works best, but penne, rotini, or shells also hold the sauce and cheese well.
