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Savory sloppy joe casserole combines browned ground beef with a tangy sauce, then layered under a blanket of melty cheese and al dente pasta for a comforting and fun weeknight dinner.

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This Sloppy Joe Casserole recipe takes the beloved flavors of a classic sloppy joe sandwich and transforms it into a delicious baked casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or just curling up with on a cozy evening.

Seasoned ground beef, Manwich sloppy joe sauce, tender noodles, and melted cheese, all combined in one perfect bite.

Why I love this recipe

This ultimate comfort food mash-up brings back childhood memories while being hearty enough to serve as a fulfilling dinner. I adore how this recipe encapsulates all the flavors of the sloppy joes I grew up loving, with layers of pasta and melted cheese to boot.

It’s also simple enough for a weeknight dinner but also special enough to bring to a potluck. Everyone always asks for the recipe, and it’s a great feeling to pass on a dish that brings smiles to so many faces!

Ingredients

ground beef
yellow onion
Manwich sloppy joe sauce
beef or chicken broth
diced tomatoes
bowtie pasta
velveeta cheese
corn
cheddar cheese

Step by step

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 9 by 13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray and set it aside.
In a large, high-edged skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add diced onions and cook for 5 minutes or until they have softened. Drain the excess grease and return the mixture to the pan.
Add the Manwich sauce, broth, and tomatoes. Bring the beef mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.

sloppy joe casserole filling in dutch oven

Stir in the pasta, reduce the heat to medium, and cover. Simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is cooked al dente, stirring often to prevent sticking.
Stir in the corn and cubed Velveeta and cover again. Reduce the heat to low and let it sit until the cheese is melted.
Stir to combine and transfer the meat mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with shredded cheese and bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Tips for best results

To avoid mushy noodles, cook them until just al dente as they will continue to soften in the oven.
Make sure to drain the grease after browning the beef to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
For an extra cheesy experience, layer some of the cheddar within the casserole as well as on top before baking.
Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking by adding extra spices or herbs.

sloppy joe casserole on plate and in baking dish

Variations

add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture for a bit of hea
mix in some spinach or kale for a nutritional boost that blends seamlessly with the other flavors
swap out Velveeta for another smooth-melting cheese like colby-jack cheese, Gouda or Fontina for a different taste profile
use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version of this hearty dish

Serving suggestions

This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs perfectly with a simple side veggie side salad or some steamed veggies for added freshness.

If you’re feeling extra indulgent, why not serve it with some garlic bread, Texas toast, or dinner rolls to mop up every last bit of sauce?

Storage

To store, let it cool completely before covering it with aluminum foil or transferring it to an airtight container. It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until thoroughly warm, and enjoy!

If you try this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!