Description
Hearty Sloppy Joe Casserole delivers comfort food magic with layers of ground beef, tangy sauce, and cheesy goodness. Families will savor each satisfying bite of this simple, crowd-pleasing midwest classic you can whip up in minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups shredded cheese
Vegetables:
- 1 onion
- 1 green pepper (optional)
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 cup sloppy joe sauce (or a mix of ketchup and seasonings)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Pasta:
- 2 cups pasta (shells or elbow macaroni)
Instructions
- Warm the oven and prepare pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain thoroughly.
- In a large skillet, crumble ground beef and sauté with diced onions and bell peppers until meat is completely browned and vegetables are softened.
- Pour sloppy joe sauce into the skillet, stirring to coat the meat and vegetables evenly, creating a rich and flavorful mixture.
- Transfer the cooked pasta into the skillet, gently folding the noodles into the beef mixture to ensure complete integration.
- Spread the combined pasta and beef mixture into a greased casserole dish, creating an even layer for consistent cooking.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the top, covering the entire surface for maximum melting and flavor.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is fully melted, bubbling, and develops a golden-brown crust.
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes, which helps the ingredients set and makes serving easier.
- Slice and serve the sloppy joe casserole while still warm, offering a comforting and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier protein option.
- Add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to boost nutritional value and sneak in more greens.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crispy, golden-brown crunchy texture.
- Make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal prep solution.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg