Name: Sloppy Joe Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey); 1 small onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 oz) sloppy joe sauce; 2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini); 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed for sautéing); Chopped parsley (optional garnish)

I love making this Sloppy Joe Casserole when I want something hearty, cheesy, and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. I combine the classic sweet and savory flavors of sloppy joes with tender pasta and a bubbly cheese topping. It’s the kind of meal I put together on busy weeknights when I still want something homemade and satisfying for everyone at the table.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)

1 small onion, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (15 oz) sloppy joe sauce (such as Manwich) or homemade

2 cups uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini)

1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional)

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 tbsp olive oil (if needed for sautéing)

Chopped parsley (optional garnish)

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).

I cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain it and set it aside.

In a large skillet over medium heat, I cook the ground beef until browned, draining any excess fat if necessary.

I add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté everything for about 5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.

I stir in the sloppy joe sauce and let the mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes so the flavors blend together.

I combine the cooked pasta with the meat mixture in a large bowl or directly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

I stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and mix well.

I sprinkle the remaining cheddar and the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

I bake the casserole uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

I garnish with chopped parsley if I feel like adding a fresh touch, then I serve it hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 to 8 servings, depending on portion size.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

I like adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes when I want a little heat. Sometimes I swap the pasta for tater tots to create a crispier topping, or I use refrigerated biscuit pieces for a fun twist. When I want to prepare it ahead of time, I assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate it. Then I simply add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time when I am ready to cook it.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When I reheat a portion, I usually microwave it for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through to heat it evenly. If I reheat a larger amount, I cover it with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through. I also freeze this casserole for up to 2 months, and I thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

I often use ground turkey when I want a lighter option. I cook it the same way as ground beef and season it well to keep the flavor rich.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

I assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. I just add about 10 extra minutes to the bake time.

What type of pasta works best?

I like using elbow macaroni or rotini because they hold the sauce well. Any short pasta shape works nicely in this recipe.

Can I make this recipe without bell peppers?

I simply leave out the bell peppers if I prefer a simpler flavor or if I do not have any on hand.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

I look for the cheese to be fully melted and bubbly around the edges. The center should be hot, and the top should have a light golden color.

Conclusion

I enjoy making this Sloppy Joe Casserole because it brings together classic comfort food flavors in an easy, family-friendly dish. I appreciate how versatile and make-ahead friendly it is, and I find myself returning to it whenever I need a reliable and satisfying meal.

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