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

Scale

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