If you have a craving for comfort food that brings all the warmth of a classic diner favorite but with a cheesy, baked twist, then this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. It takes the beloved flavors of a traditional Sloppy Joe and transforms them into a creamy, bubbling casserole packed with tender pasta, melted Velveeta, and a tangy, slightly sweet sauce. This dish is not only ridiculously satisfying but also perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or prepping ahead for effortless weeknight dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential to make this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe truly shine. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and achieving that creamy, cheesy, and hearty texture you’re aiming for in the final bake.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic, adding a subtle fruity richness to start the flavor base.
- Diced white onion: Brings sweetness and depth once softened, essential for that classic Sloppy Joe bite.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Adds a fragrant punch that complements the beef perfectly.
- Ground beef: Your protein powerhouse, browned to perfect doneness for ultimate savory satisfaction.
- Ketchup: Offers the tangy tomato flavor that makes Sloppy Joe sauce so distinctive.
- Brown sugar: Balances the tang with just a hint of sweetness, creating a comforting harmony.
- Yellow mustard: Brings a slight sharpness and depth to the sauce, brightening up every bite.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds savory, umami complexity that deepens the meat’s flavor profile.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Used to cook the pasta in and infuse extra flavor without overpowering.
- Dry bowtie pasta: Holds onto the sauce beautifully and gives a nice, tender bite inside the casserole.
- Velveeta cheese: The secret to that irresistibly creamy, smooth texture and mild cheesy flavor.
- Colby jack cheese, freshly grated: Adds a sharper, melty cheese layer that pairs wonderfully with Velveeta.
- Freshly chopped green onions or chives: The perfect fresh and colorful garnish to brighten the dish at the end.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the baking dish and oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and set aside a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple prep sets the stage for your casserole to bake evenly and get that perfect crust on top.
Step 2: Cook the onion
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, usually about 3 to 5 minutes. This step unlocks the onion’s natural sweetness and forms the flavor base for the sauce.
Step 3: Add garlic
Stir in the finely minced garlic and let it cook for about one minute until fragrant. Garlic is the magic background note that enhances every bite of this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe.
Step 4: Cook the beef
Next, add the ground beef to the pan. Crumble it thoroughly and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. Browning the meat well is key for deep, savory flavor.
Step 5: Mix ingredients for sauce
While the beef cooks, combine ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a small bowl. Pour this mixture into the browned ground beef and stir to marry those classic Sloppy Joe flavors beautifully.
Step 6: Let the beef mixture simmer
Allow the beef and sauce to simmer gently for a few minutes so the flavors meld and thicken slightly. This will give you that rich, sticky sauce packed with delicious tang and sweetness.
Step 7: Prepare the broth for pasta
Wipe out the pan you cooked the beef in and pour in the chicken broth. Bring it to a boil on medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the pasta. Using broth instead of water adds subtle richness.
Step 8: Cook the bowtie pasta
Add the dry bowtie pasta to the boiling broth and cook it until just shy of al dente, following the package instructions. This ensures the pasta finishes cooking perfectly in the oven without becoming mushy.
Step 9: Combine beef and cheese
Add the simmered beef mixture back to the pan with the cooked pasta. Mix in 12 ounces of Velveeta cheese and half the grated Colby jack cheese. Stir over low heat until the cheeses fully melt, creating a velvety, cheesy meat sauce.
Step 10: Assemble and bake the casserole
Spread the cheesy beef and pasta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Scatter the remaining pieces of Velveeta and grated Colby jack cheese on top for a seriously indulgent crust. Cover with non-stick foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until edges are bubbly and golden brown.
Step 11: Cool and garnish
Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or chives on top for a pop of color, brightness, and that fresh onion bite to contrast with the creamy richness.
How to Serve Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish of chopped green onions or fresh chives adds the perfect fresh, crisp element to this hearty casserole. It balances the creamy cheese and rich beef flavors beautifully while adding a bright splash of color that invites you in for more.
Side Dishes
This Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with light and crisp sides to cut through the richness. A crunchy garden salad with vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or even classic coleslaw make perfect companions that add texture and freshness to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with extra cheese and broiled briefly for a golden crust. Or serve alongside toasted garlic bread for sopping up all the cheesy sauce. It’s such a crowd-pleaser that presentation can be as casual or gourmet as you’d like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Sloppy Joe Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal that’s quick to reheat.
Freezing
This casserole freezes like a dream. Simply bake as instructed, cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to keep moisture, until warmed through (around 20 minutes). You can also microwave individual servings, but the oven method keeps the casserole creamy and prevents drying out.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a leaner alternative and still works well. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and adjust seasoning since these meats are milder in flavor.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe?
Yes, you can swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a vegetarian-friendly casserole that still delivers on texture and flavor. Adjust seasonings to taste and ensure the cheese you use is vegetarian if needed.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time before baking?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole fully, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you bake it cold.
What kind of cheese works best for this recipe?
The combination of Velveeta and Colby jack cheese is key here. Velveeta ensures a super creamy texture, while Colby jack melts nicely and adds a mild sharpness. You could experiment with cheddar for a stronger flavor if you prefer.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Bowtie pasta is ideal because its shape holds sauce well, but other short pasta like elbow macaroni or shells will work fine too. Just adjust cooking times slightly based on the pasta shape you choose.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting and downright delicious about this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe that makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any table. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just craving that nostalgic, cheesy goodness for yourself, this casserole is cozy, easy, and utterly satisfying. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite weeknight standby!
Print
Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sloppy Joe Casserole is a comforting and cheesy twist on the classic Sloppy Joe sandwich, baked to perfection with ground beef, savory sauce, pasta, and melted cheese. It’s a hearty, family-friendly dish that combines the rich flavors of a traditional Sloppy Joe with a creamy pasta casserole, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup diced white onion
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 pound ground beef
Sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Pasta and Broth
- 3½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces dry bowtie pasta (½ box)
Cheese
- 16 ounces Velveeta cheese, cut into small pieces and divided (1 block)
- 8 ounces Colby jack cheese, freshly grated and divided
Garnish
- Freshly chopped green onions or chives
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F and set aside a 9×13-inch baking dish for later use.
- Cook the onion: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat, then add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, releasing its sweetness.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant but not browned to maintain its flavor.
- Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart and cooking until it is fully browned and cooked through, ensuring no pink remains.
- Mix ingredients for sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, then pour this sauce mixture over the cooked beef and stir to combine flavors evenly.
- Let the beef mixture simmer: Allow the beef and sauce to simmer gently for a few minutes to meld all the flavors together, then transfer the mixture to a bowl and set aside.
- Prepare the broth: Wipe out the pan to remove any remaining bits, then pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook pasta: Add the bowtie pasta to the boiling chicken broth and cook according to package instructions until just shy of al dente, so it finishes cooking in the oven.
- Combine beef and cheese: Return the cooked beef mixture to the pan with the pasta, then stir in 12 ounces of the Velveeta cheese and half of the grated Colby jack cheese. Stir until all the cheese melts and combines into a creamy sauce.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread the cheesy beef and pasta mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Distribute the remaining Velveeta cut into small pieces and sprinkle the rest of the Colby jack cheese on top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the dish with non-stick aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese on the edges is bubbly and browned.
- Cool and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set and cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions or chives before serving to add a fresh, bright flavor contrast.
Notes
- For a lower fat option, substitute ground turkey for ground beef.
- You can use any pasta shape, but bowtie pasta holds sauce well.
- Adjust the brown sugar quantity for a sweeter or tangier sauce.
- Covering the casserole while baking prevents the cheese from drying out.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
