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.
Servings: 6
Equipment
- pot
- skillet
- 9x13 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 9x13 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.
