The Cheesiest Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe for Family Fun

Comfort food takes a delightful turn with this easy sloppy joe casserole that promises to satisfy your deepest hunger pangs.

Ground beef sizzles with zesty seasonings, creating a mouthwatering blend of flavors in every single bite.

Layers of cheese and tender meat meld together in a hearty dish that screams home-cooked goodness.

The casserole brings a nostalgic twist to a classic favorite, making weeknight dinners something to look forward to.

Packed with robust flavors and simple ingredients, this recipe transforms ordinary ground beef into an extraordinary meal.

Families will gather around the table, eager to dig into this comforting and irresistible sloppy joe creation.

One forkful, and you’ll understand why this casserole is about to become your new go-to dinner solution.

Why You’ll Want to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole

• Sloppy Joe Casserole Delights
• One-pot wonder that transforms classic sloppy joe flavors into a hearty, cheesy pasta bake, making dinner prep a breeze without complicated steps or multiple dishes to clean.
• Flexible recipe allows quick modifications like swapping ground beef for turkey, adding extra veggies, or adjusting cheese types to match family preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Combines kid-favorite sloppy joe flavors with creamy pasta, creating a universally appealing meal that satisfies both picky eaters and hungry adults with its rich, comforting taste.
• Utilizes affordable ingredients like ground beef, pantry staples, and simple cheese, delivering a filling meal that stretches your grocery budget without compromising on deliciousness.

What’s in Sloppy Joe Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the primary protein for the casserole.

• Manwich Sauce: Adds a tangy and sweet flavor profile to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Helps to create a moist and rich cooking environment for the pasta.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides additional moisture and a fresh tomato flavor to the casserole.

• Penne Pasta: The primary carbohydrate that absorbs the delicious sauce and adds texture.
• Velveeta Cheese: Creates a creamy and smooth consistency throughout the casserole.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp and melty topping to enhance the overall flavor.

• Onions: Provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic base to the ground beef mixture.

How to Make This Easy Sloppy Joe Bake

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375°F.

This gets the cooking environment primed and ready for deliciousness.

Step 2: Brown the Meaty Base

In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat.

Break up the meat with a wooden spoon as it sizzles.

• Diced onions
• Ground beef

Cook until the beef turns brown and onions become soft.

Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Foundation

• Manwich sauce
• Chicken broth
• Undrained diced tomatoes

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing the flavors to dance and mingle.

Step 4: Cook Pasta in the Sauce

Add uncooked penne directly into the skillet.

Coat the pasta thoroughly with the sauce.

Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta reaches al dente perfection.

Step 5: Melt the Cheesy Goodness

Lower the heat and add Velveeta cubes.

Cover the pot and let the cheese melt completely.

Stir until the mixture becomes creamy and well-combined.

Step 6: Prepare the Casserole Dish

Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Pour in the pasta mixture, spreading it evenly.

Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top for extra cheesy delight.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 15 minutes.

For a golden, crispy top, remove the foil during the last few minutes of baking.

Serve piping hot with a side of cornbread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Smart Cooking Tips for Sloppy Joe Casserole

• Remove excess grease completely to prevent a soggy, oily casserole and ensure a perfect texture.
• Let pasta cook directly in the sauce to absorb maximum flavor and reduce dishes to wash.
• Cut Velveeta into small cubes and let them melt slowly over low heat for ultra-smooth, creamy consistency.
• Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for those who love extra kick without overwhelming the entire dish.
• Double the recipe and freeze half for an easy future meal that reheats beautifully with minimal effort.

How to Save and Reheat the Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly, removing foil in the last 5 minutes for a crispy top.

Best Sides for Sloppy Joe Casserole

• Pair with Tangy Coleslaw: Crisp, vinegar-based coleslaw cuts through the rich, meaty casserole, providing a refreshing contrast that balances the heavy flavors and adds a zesty crunch.
• Complement with Crisp Pilsner Beer: Light, hoppy pilsner beer cleanses the palate between bites, its carbonation and mild bitterness perfectly offsetting the casserole's cheesy, savory profile.
• Match with Sweet Corn Muffins: Slightly sweet, buttery corn muffins enhance the overall meal, their soft texture and golden sweetness harmonizing with the robust sloppy joe casserole.
• Serve alongside Pickle Spears: Tart, crunchy pickle spears provide a sharp, acidic counterpoint to the rich, cheesy dish, cutting through the heaviness and refreshing the taste buds.

Twist Ideas for Sloppy Joe Casserole

• Gluten-Free Sloppy Joe Casserole: Swap regular penne with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free Manwich sauce to create a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Joe Bake: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, maintaining the rich, hearty flavor profile while offering a meat-free alternative.
• Low-Carb Sloppy Joe Skillet: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content and create a lighter meal option.
• Dairy-Free Comfort Casserole: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or cashew cheese, and replace Velveeta with a non-dairy creamy substitute to accommodate lactose-intolerant diners.

FAQs

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! Kids love the cheesy, saucy combination of ground beef, pasta, and melted cheese. It’s a comfort food that most children enjoy eating.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works great, you can substitute with other short pasta like rotini, shells, or elbow macaroni. Just ensure the pasta is similar in size and cooking time.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Try using lean ground beef or ground turkey, add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the meat mixture, and use reduced-fat cheese to lower the calorie content.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make this casserole?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic cooking techniques like browning meat and stirring ingredients. Even novice cooks can successfully prepare this dish.

Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty Sloppy Joe Casserole delivers comfort with layers of ground beef, tangy sauce, and melted cheese. Simple ingredients combine into a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (0.45 kilograms) ground beef

Pasta and Sauce:

• 0.75 pound (0.34 kilograms) penne pasta, uncooked
• 15.5 ounces (440 grams) Manwich sauce
• 14.5 ounces (411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 2.5 cups (591 milliliters) chicken broth

Cheese and Vegetables:

• 0.5 cup (118 milliliters) onions, diced
• 8 ounces (226 grams) Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1.5 cups (355 milliliters) cheddar cheese, shredded

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F, ensuring a properly heated environment for the upcoming culinary creation.
2. In a large skillet, sear the ground beef over medium-high heat, methodically breaking apart the meat with a utensil. Incorporate diced onions, continuing to cook until the beef transforms into a rich golden brown and onions become translucent, approximately 7 minutes.
3. Drain excess fat from the meat mixture to prevent unwanted greasiness.
4. Pour Manwich sauce, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes into the skillet, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and gently simmer.
5. Introduce uncooked penne pasta directly into the sauce, thoroughly coating each piece. Cover and let the pasta absorb the robust flavors, stirring intermittently until pasta reaches a perfect al dente texture.
6. Reduce heat to low, strategically scatter Velveeta cubes across the surface. Cover and allow cheese to melt completely, then integrate until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
7. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light grease coating. Transfer the pasta mixture, spreading evenly and crowning with shredded cheddar.
8. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil, bake for 15 minutes. For a crisp, golden finish, remove foil during the final moments of cooking.
9. Remove from oven and serve immediately, preferably accompanied by warm cornbread for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Opt for leaner ground beef like 90/10 to reduce excess grease and make the dish healthier without sacrificing flavor.
• Consider gluten-free pasta options for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting meal.
• Swap Velveeta with regular shredded cheddar or a dairy-free cheese alternative to accommodate different dietary needs.
• To enhance nutritional value, mix in some finely chopped bell peppers or spinach during the beef browning stage for extra vegetables.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 467
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 1232 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 87 mg