Are you looking for a hearty, flavorful meal that’s quick and simple to prepare? Look no further! This Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole recipe combines the tangy taste of classic sloppy joes with cheesy pasta goodness in a warm, comforting dish the whole family will love. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole is sure to satisfy! Keep reading for all the details, including substitutions, variations, and pro tips to make this recipe even more delicious.

What is a Sloppy Joe Casserole?
A Sloppy Joe Casserole is a mouthwatering twist on the traditional sloppy joe sandwich. Instead of serving the beef mixture on a bun, we’re mixing it with pasta and plenty of cheese, creating a rich, filling casserole that's baked to perfection. The casserole maintains the familiar flavors of sloppy joes—tangy, savory, and slightly sweet—but adds the comfort of cheesy pasta, making it an easy, crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients List for Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole
Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients. Here's what you'll need for this scrumptious casserole:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground beef: This is the base of your casserole, adding a meaty, savory flavor.
- ½ cup onions, diced: Onions bring depth and sweetness to balance the tanginess of the sauce.
- 1 (15.5 oz) can Manwich sauce: This is the key to capturing that classic sloppy joe flavor in a pinch.
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth: Adds moisture and helps cook the pasta to the perfect texture.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes: The tomatoes add extra juiciness and enhance the sauce.
- ¾ lb. penne pasta (uncooked): Penne is great for casseroles because it holds the sauce well, but feel free to use other pasta shapes if you prefer.
- 8 oz. Velveeta cheese (cubed): Velveeta melts smoothly, adding a creamy, cheesy layer.
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded): For an extra punch of cheesy goodness on top.
Substitutions and Variations
The great thing about this Sloppy Joe Casserole recipe is its flexibility. Here are a few easy swaps and variations you can try:
- Ground turkey or chicken instead of beef: If you're looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of ground beef without sacrificing flavor.
- Homemade sloppy joe sauce instead of Manwich: If you prefer homemade sauces, you can whip up your own sloppy joe sauce with ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and seasonings. It’ll take a bit more time but gives you more control over the flavor.
- Different pasta shapes: Penne works great, but elbow macaroni, rotini, or rigatoni can also hold the sauce well.
- Different cheeses: Instead of Velveeta, try cream cheese for an ultra-creamy texture or mozzarella for a stretchy, gooey layer. You can also mix in some pepper jack for a bit of a kick.
- Add vegetables: Throw in some bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to add extra nutrition and flavor.
- Gluten-free pasta: If you're gluten-intolerant, simply swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free option.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s get to the fun part—cooking! Follow these easy steps to make your Sloppy Joe Casserole.

- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking.
- Cook the beef and onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onions until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the Manwich sauce and tomatoes: Stir in the Manwich sauce and the can of diced tomatoes (with juices) into the beef mixture. Simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the chicken broth and uncooked pasta: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and stir in the uncooked penne pasta. Bring the mixture to a light boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Add Velveeta cheese: Stir in the cubed Velveeta cheese, allowing it to melt completely into the mixture. This will create a creamy, cheesy base for your casserole.
- Transfer to a baking dish: Once everything is combined and the pasta is cooked, transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Top with cheddar cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and enjoy! Once the cheese is melted and golden, remove the casserole from the oven. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
How to Cook Sloppy Joe Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Brown the ground beef and onions. Start by cooking your ground beef and diced onions together until the beef is browned and the onions are soft and translucent. This step is essential for building the base flavors of the casserole.
- Incorporate the Manwich sauce and tomatoes. After draining the excess fat, add the Manwich sloppy joe sauce and diced tomatoes to the pan. Let everything simmer so the flavors can meld together.
- Add pasta and chicken broth. Add your uncooked pasta directly into the pan along with the chicken broth. This step allows the pasta to cook while absorbing all the delicious flavors of the beef mixture.
- Melt in Velveeta cheese. Once the pasta is tender, stir in your Velveeta cheese cubes. The cheese will melt into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture.
- Assemble and bake. Finally, transfer everything into a baking dish, top with cheddar cheese, and bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden. That's it! You've just made a delicious Sloppy Joe Casserole.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta: Make sure to monitor the pasta as it cooks in the skillet. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and won't hold up well during baking.
- Not draining excess fat: If you leave too much fat in the pan, the casserole can become greasy. Drain the ground beef properly after browning.
- Skipping the cheese topping: Don’t skimp on the cheese! The cheesy top layer is what makes this casserole extra indulgent and delicious.
- Using the wrong pasta: Some pasta shapes don't hold up as well in casseroles. Stick to penne, rigatoni, or another robust shape.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Sloppy Joe Casserole is a casual, hearty dish that's perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game nights. While it’s a simple recipe, there are still a few ways to elevate its presentation.
How to Serve Sloppy Joe Casserole
- Serve with sides: This casserole pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables to add some brightness to the meal. You can also serve it with garlic bread for an extra indulgent touch.
- Portion sizes: For family-style dining, scoop the casserole directly from the dish and serve it in bowls or plates. You can also pre-portion the casserole into smaller baking dishes for individual servings if you’re hosting a dinner party.
Presentation Ideas for Sloppy Joe Casserole
- Cheese garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions over the baked casserole for a pop of color and freshness.
- Layer the cheese: To make the top even more appealing, layer slices of cheese instead of shredded cheese. The melted, golden cheese layer will look gorgeous.
- Serve in cast iron: For a rustic presentation, bake and serve the casserole in a cast-iron skillet. It will keep the dish warm longer and looks visually appealing on the table.
Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready to eat. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold.
- Reheating: Sloppy Joe Casserole reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven. For best results, cover the dish with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Freezing: This casserole is freezer-friendly! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, let it cool, and then freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While penne works great, you can use any sturdy pasta like rotini, ziti, or even elbow macaroni.
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes, simply swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta brand.
Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s chilled.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Q: Can I freeze the casserole?
A: Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just assemble, cool, and freeze. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge and bake until hot and bubbly.
Conclusion
This Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole recipe is the perfect blend of savory, cheesy, and hearty flavors, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights or when you’re feeding a crowd. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy a comforting dish that’s both filling and delicious. Try out the variations, make it your own, and enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and give this Sloppy Joe Casserole a try—you won't regret it!
PrintEasy Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
This easy Sloppy Joe casserole recipe is a quick, comforting meal that combines savory ground beef, onions, Velveeta, and cheddar cheese, all mixed with penne pasta and Manwich sauce. The dish is baked to perfection, creating a cheesy, satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight dinner. Keywords: Sloppy Joe casserole, cheesy casserole, easy dinner recipes, ground beef recipes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- ½ cup diced onions
- 1 (15.5 oz) can Manwich sauce
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- ¾ lb. uncooked penne pasta
- 8 oz. Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown ground beef with diced onions in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the Manwich sauce, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add uncooked penne pasta and Velveeta cheese cubes. Stir well.
- Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the pasta is fully cooked.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
- For extra heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or use spicy Manwich sauce.
- Can be prepared ahead and baked when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1100mg
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