Sloppy Joe Casserole
A cozy, cheesy twist on the classic Sloppy Joe sandwich—baked into a hearty casserole with pasta, savory beef, and melty cheddar cheese. Perfect for weeknights, leftovers, or make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 cups cooked pasta elbow or penne
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1 cup crushed crackers or French fried onions optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes until soft.
- Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Combine cooked pasta with meat sauce and 1 cup cheese in a large bowl.
- Pour mixture into baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and optional toppings.
- Bake uncovered for 20–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Substitute ground chicken or plant-based crumbles if desired.
- Try other cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
- Add mushrooms, corn, or black beans to bulk it up.
- Use gluten-free pasta and sauces for a gluten-free version.
- Make ahead and freeze before baking for an easy freezer meal.