Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Sloppy Joe Casserole is a comforting twist on a classic favorite, combining savory ground beef, cheesy pasta, and tangy Manwich sauce in a hearty bake. This easy one-dish meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef (85% lean)
- ½ cup onions (diced)
- 1 15.5 oz can Manwich sauce
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes (not drained)
- ¾ pound farfalle pasta (uncooked)
- 8 oz. Velveeta cheese (cubed)
- 1 cup corn (frozen or drained from a can)
- 1 ½ cups cheddar (shredded)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Step 2: In a large, high-walled skillet or pot over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef for about 2 minutes. Add the diced onions and cook together for another 5 minutes, or until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess grease.
- Step 3: Stir in the Manwich sauce, chicken broth, and the undrained diced tomatoes.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add the uncooked farfalle pasta. Stir well to combine.
- Step 5: Cover the pot and let it simmer gently until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This will take slightly longer than the pasta box instructions; taste a noodle to check doneness.
- Step 6: Lower the heat to low, then stir in the corn and cubed Velveeta cheese. Cover the pot again and allow the cheese to melt. Once melted, lift the cover and stir gently to blend everything together.
- Step 7: Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9 x 13 inch casserole dish.
- Step 8: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Step 9: Cover the casserole and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the cover and serve hot, ideally with a side of cornbread.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder when browning the beef.
- Swap the farfalle pasta for elbow macaroni or penne if preferred.
- Use sharp cheddar for a bolder cheese taste, or mix cheddar with mozzarella for a gooey topping.
- Include a handful of diced bell peppers with the onions for more veggies and color.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a splash of broth if the casserole seems dry.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture up to the point before baking, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready, add the cheddar topping and bake as directed.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely. Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or cooked lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.
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Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Sloppy Joe Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the classic flavors of sloppy joes with tender farfalle pasta, creamy Velveeta cheese, and a cheesy cheddar topping. It’s an easy-to-make casserole perfect for family dinners, featuring a saucy beef base with vegetables and a creamy, cheesy finish baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb. ground beef (85% lean)
- ½ cup onions (diced)
- 1 cup corn (frozen or drained from a can)
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 15.5 oz can Manwich sauce
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (not drained)
Pasta and Cheese
- ¾ pound farfalle pasta (uncooked)
- 8 oz. Velveeta cheese (cubed)
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Ground Beef and Onions: In a large high-walled skillet or pot over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef for about 2 minutes. Add the diced onions and continue to cook for 5 more minutes until the beef is browned and onions are softened. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add Sauces and Liquids: Pour in the Manwich sauce, chicken broth, and undrained diced tomatoes into the beef and onion mixture, stirring to combine.
- Boil and Cook Pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add the uncooked farfalle pasta. Stir thoroughly to combine everything.
- Simmer until Pasta is Al Dente: Cover the pot and simmer gently, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. Allow it to cook a few minutes longer than the box instructions for al dente texture. Taste a noodle to check doneness.
- Add Corn and Melt Velveeta: Reduce heat to low and stir in the corn. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese, cover the pot to let it melt, then lift the lid and gently stir to combine the cheese smoothly into the mixture.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish and transfer the cheesy sloppy joe pasta mixture into it.
- Top with Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole dish and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove cover, then serve hot, ideally with a side of cornbread.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, ensure the Velveeta cheese is completely melted before transferring to the casserole dish.
- Stir the pasta occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking and uneven cooking.
- The casserole can be prepared a day ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.
- Adjust the spice level by choosing mild or spicy Manwich sauce according to your preference.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Sloppy Joe Casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy pasta casserole, easy family dinner, comfort food, farfalle pasta recipe, Manwich sauce
