If you’re craving a dish that’s warm, comforting, and packed with all the saucy, cheesy goodness you love from a classic sandwich, you have to try this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe. It takes the familiar flavors of sloppy joes and transforms them into a hearty, cheesy bake that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. This casserole is a beautiful balance of tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and gooey cheddar that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s one of my all-time favorite comfort foods that’s both nostalgic and effortlessly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right makes all the difference in this dish. Each component is simple but essential, working together to build layers of savory flavor, appealing texture, and vibrant color that makes this casserole truly satisfying.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty protein base that carries all the bold flavors.
- 1 medium onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth as it softens.
- 1 green bell pepper (diced): Provides a fresh crunch and bright pop of color.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): For that fragrant punch that wakes up the whole dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing every flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and balance.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a smoky warmth that makes each bite memorable.
- 1/4 cup ketchup: Brings tangy sweetness perfectly suited for sloppy joe flavor.
- 2 Tablespoons mustard: Gives a subtle sharpness to cut through the richness.
- 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce: Creates the saucy base that keeps noodles moist and dreamy.
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the savory complexity beautifully.
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes (undrained): Adds juicy texture and freshness.
- 1/2 cup beef stock: Keeps everything simmering and perfectly saucy.
- 12 ounces elbow noodles (uncooked): Perfectly shaped for soaking up all that luscious sauce.
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese (cubed): Melts into a silky, creamy layer that binds it all together.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: A bubbly, golden topping that finishes the casserole with cheesy perfection.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13-inch casserole dish. This ensures your final bake comes out cleanly and browns evenly, setting the stage for all the flavorful layers to meld perfectly.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart as it cooks until no longer pink, then drain off any excess fat to keep your casserole from becoming greasy. This step locks in the rich meat flavor that’s the heart of the dish.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies and Season
Into the skillet with beef, toss in diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until everything softens and melds. Then sprinkle in salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to build that signature savory and smoky foundation.
Step 4: Add the Sauces and Liquids
Stir in the ketchup, mustard, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, diced tomatoes with their juices, and beef stock. This mixture simmers gently, creating the thick, flavorful sauce that makes this casserole so irresistible.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta in the Sauce
Add the uncooked elbow noodles, making sure they are well-coated and submerged. Cover the pan and simmer on medium-low heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The noodles absorb the sauce, becoming tender and infused with flavor.
Step 6: Melt in the Velveeta
Turn the heat down to low and stir the cubed Velveeta cheese in until melted and smooth. This adds a luscious creaminess that binds everything, transforming the casserole into an indulgently cheesy delight. If the sauce feels too thick, a splash of beef stock will loosen it up just right.
Step 7: Assemble and Top
Transfer the cheesy beef and pasta mixture to your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top to create a bubbly, golden crust when baked.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and starting to brown around the edges. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so the layers can settle — then dig in and enjoy every comforting, flavorful bite.
How to Serve Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions brightens the casserole visually and adds a fresh pop that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese and beef. A dollop of sour cream on the side is also a fantastic option for an extra creamy touch.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, consider pairing this casserole with a crisp green salad or some steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans. The fresh, crunchy texture on the side balances the richness of the cheesy casserole beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, serve the casserole scooped onto colorful plates paired with rustic bread to soak up any extra sauce. For a fun twist, top each serving with pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to add some exciting heat that complements the smoky paprika.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after sitting, making cold or reheated leftovers just as delicious as fresh.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers before baking or after it has cooled, then freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply transfer to the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of beef stock if needed to loosen the sauce. Covering with foil in the oven helps retain moisture so the casserole stays creamy and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow noodles work great because of their shape and size, you can substitute with shells, rotini, or penne. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as some pasta shapes may take a bit longer to become tender.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe isn’t spicy by default, but the smoked paprika adds a mild warmth. You can easily adjust the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or serving with hot sauce on the side.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock. The sauce and cheese layers still deliver plenty of flavor and comfort.
What cheese can I use instead of Velveeta?
If you prefer to avoid Velveeta, you can substitute with a good melting cheese like cream cheese or a blend of mozzarella and Monterey Jack for creamy texture, but Velveeta melts particularly smoothly for this dish.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and bake later?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a bit of extra cheese or sauce if it looks too dry before popping it in the oven.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and joyfully satisfying about this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe that makes it a true weeknight winner. Whether you’re feeding a family, entertaining friends, or just need a hearty meal to warm your soul, this casserole hits every mark. Give it a try soon—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this cozy, cheesy classic in your recipe rotation!
Print
Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Sloppy Joe Casserole combines the classic sloppy joe flavors with tender pasta and layers of melty cheese to create a comforting and kid-friendly meal. Ground beef simmers in a savory tomato sauce infused with spices and veggies, then is cooked together with elbow noodles and creamy Velveeta cheese. Topped with sharp cheddar and baked to bubbly perfection, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners and feeds a crowd with ease.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Spices and Sauces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup beef stock
Pasta and Cheese
- 12 ounces elbow noodles, uncooked
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and set it aside to be ready for baking later.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up frequently until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften. Then stir in the salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to season the mixture evenly.
- Add Sauces and Liquids: Pour in the ketchup, mustard, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, canned diced tomatoes (with juice), and beef stock. Stir to combine all ingredients well, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors together.
- Cook Pasta in Sauce: Stir in the uncooked elbow noodles, making sure they are evenly coated and submerged in the sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook over medium-low heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta should become tender as it absorbs the sauce.
- Melt Velveeta: Lower the heat to low and add the cubed Velveeta cheese into the pasta mixture. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and forms a smooth, creamy sauce coating the noodles. If the mixture appears too thick, add a splash of beef stock to loosen it.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the cheesy sloppy joe pasta mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly, then top with the shredded cheddar cheese to create a delicious cheesy crust when baked.
- Bake and Rest: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheddar cheese melts and bubbles on top. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving, letting it set for easier portioning.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- If Velveeta is unavailable, cream cheese or a mild processed cheese can be used to maintain creaminess.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- Adding a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables makes a balanced meal.
