Sloppy Joe Casserole

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Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this hearty, cheesy Sloppy Joe Casserole. Imagine all the classic flavors of a Sloppy Joe sandwich—sweet and tangy ground beef in a rich tomato sauce—combined with tender pasta and topped with melted cheese. It’s the perfect dish to warm up your weeknight dinners and satisfy the whole family.

This casserole is quick to prepare and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers that taste even better the next day, this one-pan wonder delivers. Kids love it, adults devour it, and everyone asks for seconds. You can’t go wrong with this easy, budget-friendly meal.

Why You’ll Love This Sloppy Joe Casserole

Sloppy Joe Casserole takes everything we love about the sandwich and turns it into an irresistible baked dish. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights, but satisfying enough to serve at gatherings. The ingredients are pantry staples, so it’s easy to whip up without a special grocery trip.

Plus, it’s highly customizable. Add veggies, spice it up, or keep it classic—this casserole welcomes creativity. Best of all, it’s ready in under an hour and only dirties one baking dish. Less time cooking and cleaning, more time enjoying.

Can I Use a Different Pasta Shape for Sloppy Joe Casserole?

Absolutely! While wide egg noodles or bowtie pasta are commonly used, you can substitute with elbow macaroni, penne, or even rotini. Just be sure the pasta is cooked al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. The key is to choose a shape that holds sauce well and doesn’t get mushy after baking.

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Ingredients for the Sloppy Joe Casserole

Every ingredient in this casserole plays a crucial role in building bold, comforting flavor:

• Ground beef: The main protein and classic base of a Sloppy Joe. Choose lean beef to keep things balanced.
• Onion: Adds savory depth and sweetness when sautéed.
• Garlic: Brings warmth and boosts the flavor of the sauce.
• Tomato sauce: Creates that rich, tangy base for the Sloppy Joe filling.
• Ketchup: Adds sweetness and helps thicken the sauce.
• Worcestershire sauce: Provides umami and a little tang to elevate the beef.
• Brown sugar: Balances acidity and adds a hint of caramel flavor.
• Yellow mustard: Adds a slight zing and rounds out the sauce.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning.
• Egg noodles (or pasta of choice): Serves as the hearty base to soak up all the flavors.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey perfection on top.
• Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh finish and a pop of color.

How To Make the Sloppy Joe Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it begins to brown. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Stir in the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Add tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer the mixture for 8-10 minutes to thicken and blend flavors.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, combine the cooked noodles and Sloppy Joe mixture. Stir to combine evenly.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.

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How to Serve and Store Sloppy Joe Casserole

This dish serves approximately 6 hearty portions, making it ideal for families or weekly meal prep. Serve it fresh out of the oven with a simple green salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal.

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

What to Serve With Sloppy Joe Casserole

Garlic Bread

The perfect crusty companion to scoop up extra sauce and cheese.

Green Salad

A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette balances out the richness.

Roasted Broccoli

Adds crunch, color, and nutrients to the plate.

Corn on the Cob

Sweet, buttery corn is a nostalgic side that pairs beautifully.

Dill Pickles

Serve some on the side for a tangy contrast that echoes classic Sloppy Joe flavors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Sloppy Joe Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if cooking straight from the fridge.

Can I freeze Sloppy Joe Casserole?
Absolutely. Once assembled, cover tightly with foil and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. To cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

What other meats can I use?
Ground turkey or chicken are great lighter alternatives. You can also mix in some ground sausage for extra flavor.

Is this recipe spicy?
Not as written. If you like a kick, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.

Where can I find more easy dinner ideas like this?
Check out our Dinner Recipes section for more comforting, family-approved meals.

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