Description
A hearty and cheesy twist on the classic sloppy joe, this Sloppy Joe Casserole transforms the sweet and tangy beef mixture into a comforting baked pasta dish. No buns, no mess—just pure comfort food perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Casserole:
- 8 ounces pasta (elbow macaroni or similar), cooked and drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Mixture:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef, onion, and bell pepper. Cook until beef is browned and vegetables are softened.
- Drain excess fat and stir in garlic, tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and mustard.
- Season with salt and pepper, then let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes to develop flavors.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- In the greased baking dish, mix the cooked pasta with the sloppy joe mixture until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake & Serve:
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Try mixing cheddar and mozzarella for a cheesier, melty topping.
- Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for extra spice.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American