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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F, ensuring a properly heated environment for the upcoming culinary creation.
- 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.
- Drain excess fat from the meat mixture to prevent unwanted greasiness.
- Pour Manwich sauce, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes into the skillet, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and gently simmer.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light grease coating. Transfer the pasta mixture, spreading evenly and crowning with shredded cheddar.
- Shield the casserole with aluminum foil, bake for 15 minutes. For a crisp, golden finish, remove foil during the final moments of cooking.
- 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