Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

If you’re a fan of Sloppy Joes (who isn’t?), this casserole is about to become your new favorite way to enjoy them! Imagine all the flavors of the classic sandwich, but baked into a cheesy, hearty casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and has just the right amount of that nostalgic Sloppy Joe tang we all love. Plus, there’s pasta and melted cheese involved—need I say more?

Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

A Little Story Behind My Sloppy Joe Casserole Obsession

I’ve always loved the messy, comforting goodness of a Sloppy Joe. Growing up, it was my mom’s go-to for busy weeknights, and my siblings and I couldn’t get enough of it. But as an adult, I wanted a way to turn this childhood favorite into a more “grown-up” dish—something I could serve to a crowd, or even just enjoy as leftovers (because who doesn’t love leftovers?). That’s how I stumbled on this casserole version. One bite, and I was instantly transported back to my mom’s kitchen, only this time with a twist that makes it feel new and exciting. Now, whenever I need a comforting, no-fuss dinner, this casserole is my go-to.

A Brief Background: The Evolution of Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes have been around since the early 20th century, often credited to a chef named Joe in Sioux City, Iowa, who added tomato sauce to loose meat sandwiches, making them “sloppy.” Since then, the humble Sloppy Joe has become a classic American comfort food, evolving over time to include different flavors and styles. This casserole version takes it to the next level, mixing in pasta, plenty of cheese, and baking it all together for a bubbly, gooey finish. It’s the perfect blend of old-school nostalgia and modern convenience.

Let’s Talk Ingredients: The Essentials for Sloppy Joe Casserole

Here’s what you need to bring this dish to life:

  • Ground beef: This is the backbone of any Sloppy Joe recipe. I like using lean ground beef to keep things from getting too greasy, but you can also use ground turkey if you want a lighter version.
  • Onions: Diced onions add a mild sweetness and depth of flavor. If you don’t have fresh onions on hand, onion powder can work in a pinch, but fresh is best for texture.
  • Manwich sauce: This is where the classic Sloppy Joe flavor comes from! If you don’t have Manwich, you can use a mix of tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and a bit of brown sugar to replicate the flavor.
  • Chicken broth: This adds a savory, slightly salty flavor and helps cook the pasta. If you’re out of chicken broth, vegetable broth works fine too.
  • Diced tomatoes: Adds a bit of acidity and sweetness. You can use fire-roasted tomatoes if you want a hint of smokiness!
  • Penne pasta: Penne holds up well in this casserole, but feel free to swap it for rigatoni or even macaroni. Just make sure it’s a sturdy pasta that can withstand baking.
  • Velveeta cheese: Velveeta makes the casserole creamy and gooey. If you’re not a fan, you can use a mix of cream cheese and shredded cheese for a similar effect.
  • Shredded cheddar: The final cheesy layer that melts into a golden, bubbly topping. You can also use mozzarella or a sharp cheddar blend if you prefer.
Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe, but a few basic tools make it easier:

  • Large, deep skillet or pot: Since you’ll be simmering the sauce and pasta together, a deep skillet or pot prevents splattering and gives you room to stir without spilling.
  • 9×13 inch casserole dish: This size is ideal for an even bake and allows the cheesy topping to melt perfectly across the surface.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: To stir the mixture as it simmers. A wooden spoon is great because it won’t scratch your pot and lets you easily break up the ground beef.
  • Aluminum foil: Covering the casserole for the first part of baking keeps it from drying out, while removing the foil at the end lets the cheese brown nicely.

Step-by-Step: Making the Perfect Sloppy Joe Casserole

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this casserole step-by-step.

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. This way, it’s hot and ready to go by the time your casserole is prepped.
  2. Brown the ground beef: In a large, deep skillet or pot, add the ground beef over medium-high heat. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. After about 2 minutes, toss in the diced onions and continue cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are soft (about 5 more minutes). Don’t forget to drain any extra grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
  3. Add the sauce and broth: Stir in the Manwich sauce, chicken broth, and undrained diced tomatoes. Bring this to a gentle boil, which helps all the flavors start to meld together.
  4. Cook the pasta right in the sauce: Add your uncooked penne directly into the skillet, stirring to coat it well with the sauce. Cover the pot and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente. This might take a few minutes longer than usual since it’s cooking at a lower heat, but trust me, it’s worth it for the flavor!
  5. Melt the Velveeta: Reduce the heat to low, add the Velveeta cubes, and cover the pot. Let it sit for a few minutes to melt, then give it a good stir until everything is creamy and well-combined.
  6. Assemble the casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish, then pour in the pasta mixture. Spread it out evenly, and top with shredded cheddar.
  7. Bake and serve: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 15 minutes. If you like a slightly crispy, golden top, remove the foil for the last few minutes. Serve warm with a side of cornbread, if you’re feeling extra cozy!
Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

Variations and Adaptations: Make It Your Own

There are so many ways to tweak this recipe to fit your tastes and dietary needs:

  • Vegetarian Version: Skip the ground beef and use plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils. Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’re good to go!
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta, and make sure your Manwich sauce and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Low-Carb: Substitute cauliflower florets for the pasta. It cooks faster, so keep an eye on it as you simmer.
  • Spicy Twist: Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat. You could even use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for extra spice.
  • Mexican-Inspired: Try adding black beans and corn to the mix, and top with a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack. A sprinkle of cilantro at the end makes it extra festive!

Each of these variations brings something a little different to the table. I’ve tried most of them, and each one has its own charm, so don’t be afraid to experiment!

Serving Suggestions: Make It a Meal

This casserole is pretty filling on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. Cornbread is my top recommendation (it’s perfect for soaking up any extra sauce), but a side salad with a zesty vinaigrette also adds a nice freshness. For a classic, down-home feel, serve it with green beans or roasted vegetables.

Drink Pairings

With this hearty, cheesy casserole, I usually go for a chilled beer—something light and refreshing like a lager or pilsner to balance out the richness. If you’re more of a wine person, a medium-bodied red like a Zinfandel or Merlot works nicely. For the non-drinkers, a tall glass of iced tea or even a root beer is super satisfying alongside this meal.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Sloppy Joe casserole stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just cover it tightly with foil or transfer it to an airtight container. When you’re ready to reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of broth before reheating.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe makes about 6 hearty servings. If you’re cooking for a crowd, you can double the ingredients and bake it in a larger casserole dish. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. For a smaller group, halve the recipe and bake in an 8×8 inch dish.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Pasta isn’t fully cooked: If your pasta isn’t quite done before transferring to the oven, let it simmer for a few more minutes in the skillet.
  • Too thick or dry: Add a splash of broth or water if the mixture seems too thick before baking. This helps keep it creamy.
  • Cheese isn’t melting smoothly: Be patient with the Velveeta! Low heat is key for a smooth, creamy texture.

Give This Sloppy Joe Casserole a Try!

This easy Sloppy Joe casserole is a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, it’s packed with flavor, easy to adapt, and downright fun to make. Give it a try, and don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it. I hope it brings as much comfort to your table as it does to mine!

Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

FAQ

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking from cold.

2. Can I freeze Sloppy Joe casserole?
Absolutely! Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

3. What’s a good Velveeta substitute?
You can use cream cheese mixed with shredded cheddar for a similar creamy texture.

4. Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, just choose a sturdy shape like rigatoni or macaroni that can hold up to baking.

5. Is there a way to make this less salty?
Use low-sodium chicken broth and diced tomatoes, and taste the mixture before adding extra salt.

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Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

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All the flavors of classic Sloppy Joes in a cheesy casserole. Perfect for weeknight dinners!

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • ½ cup onions diced
  • 1 15.5 oz can Manwich sauce
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes
  • ¾ lb. penne pasta uncooked
  • 8 oz. Velveeta cheese cubed
  • 1 ½ cups cheddar shredded

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F. This way, it’s hot and ready to go by the time your casserole is prepped.
  • Brown the ground beef: In a large, deep skillet or pot, add the ground beef over medium-high heat. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. After about 2 minutes, toss in the diced onions and continue cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are soft (about 5 more minutes). Don’t forget to drain any extra grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
  • Add the sauce and broth: Stir in the Manwich sauce, chicken broth, and undrained diced tomatoes. Bring this to a gentle boil, which helps all the flavors start to meld together.
  • Cook the pasta right in the sauce: Add your uncooked penne directly into the skillet, stirring to coat it well with the sauce. Cover the pot and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente. This might take a few minutes longer than usual since it’s cooking at a lower heat, but trust me, it’s worth it for the flavor!
  • Melt the Velveeta: Reduce the heat to low, add the Velveeta cubes, and cover the pot. Let it sit for a few minutes to melt, then give it a good stir until everything is creamy and well-combined.
  • Assemble the casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish, then pour in the pasta mixture. Spread it out evenly, and top with shredded cheddar.
  • Bake and serve: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 15 minutes. If you like a slightly crispy, golden top, remove the foil for the last few minutes. Serve warm with a side of cornbread, if you’re feeling extra cozy!

Notes

Serving Suggestions: Make It a Meal

This casserole is pretty filling on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. Cornbread is my top recommendation (it’s perfect for soaking up any extra sauce), but a side salad with a zesty vinaigrette also adds a nice freshness. For a classic, down-home feel, serve it with green beans or roasted vegetables.

  • Author: Soraya
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dinner

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