This Sloppy Joe Casserole takes the classic messy sandwich and turns it into a comforting baked dish everyone will love. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, sweet bell peppers, onions, and tangy tomato sauce, then mixed with pasta and topped with gooey cheddar cheese—it’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
A fun twist on a family favorite that’s great for weeknight dinners or potlucks!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🥘 Comfort Food Perfection: Brings all the flavor of Sloppy Joes in a neat, cheesy casserole form.
- 🧀 Cheesy Goodness: Cheddar cheese adds richness and helps bind everything together.
- 🍝 Pasta Twist: Macaroni or penne gives body and texture without being too heavy.
- ⏱️ Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour with minimal prep work.
- 🎉 Great for Sharing: Perfect for school lunches, game day, or casual dinners.
Ingredients (Serves 8):
For the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for lighter version)
- 1 small onion , diced
- 1 medium green bell pepper , diced
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- Salt and black pepper , to taste
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked elbow macaroni or penne pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese , divided
- 1 cup crushed crackers or French fried onions (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) .
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
In a skillet over medium heat, cook:
- Ground beef until browned and crumbly
- Drain excess fat if needed
Add:
- Diced onion
- Diced bell pepper
- Minced garlic
Cook for 4–5 minutes , until softened and fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce
Stir in:
- Tomato sauce
- Ketchup
- Brown sugar
- Worcestershire sauce
- Mustard
- A dash of salt and pepper
Simmer for 5–10 minutes , stirring occasionally, until thickened and deeply flavorful.
Step 4: Combine with Pasta
In a large bowl, mix together:
- Cooked pasta
- Sloppy Joe beef mixture
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Toss gently until evenly combined.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
For extra crunch, add crushed crackers or French fried onions now.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden & Bubbly
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes , or until the cheese is golden and bubbly around the edges.
Let cool slightly before serving—this helps everything set.
Step 7: Serve Warm & Enjoy!
Serve warm as a hearty main dish or side.
Pair with garlic bread, green beans, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Success:
- 🧀 Use Fresh Cheese: For best melt, use real, freshly shredded cheddar—not pre-shredded store-bought cheese.
- 🥣 Make Ahead Magic: Assemble and refrigerate overnight—bake just before serving.
- 🥄 Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan cheese and meat substitute for a plant-based version.
- 🍝 Leftover Pasta Hack: Use leftover cooked pasta from last night’s dinner for quick assembly.
- ❄️ Freeze for Later: Cool completely and freeze portions for easy reheats.
Serving Suggestions:
- Top with sliced pickles or coleslaw for classic combo.
- Great for lunch boxes, school dinners, or weekend comfort food.
- Pair with cornbread or mashed potatoes for extra Southern flair.
Nutritional Information (per serving, makes 8 servings):
(With regular beef and full-fat cheese – approximate)
- Calories: ~400 kcal
- Protein: ~18g
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Fat: ~20g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~8g
This Sloppy Joe Casserole brings the mess of the classic sandwich into a baked, family-friendly format that’s even better than the original. With its bold flavors, creamy cheese layer, and crunchy optional topping—it’s a winner every time.
So go ahead and make this tonight… because once you try it, you may never go back to the messy bun!
