Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Sloppy Joe Casserole takes the classic Sloppy Joe sandwich and transforms it into a comforting, casserole-style dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering. The savory, tangy ground beef filling is combined with layers of tender pasta, all topped with gooey cheese, creating a dish that’s both hearty and delicious. If you love the flavors of Sloppy Joes but are looking for a new way to enjoy them, this casserole is the perfect solution.

This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy nights when you want something satisfying but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. The best part? It’s a one-pan meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just feeding your family, this Sloppy Joe Casserole is guaranteed to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love Sloppy Joe Casserole

• Comforting and Hearty: The combination of seasoned ground beef, pasta, and melted cheese creates a filling and satisfying meal that’s perfect for cozy dinners or feeding a crowd.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, this casserole comes together quickly and easily, making it a go-to option for busy nights. You can also make it ahead of time for a convenient meal later.
• Classic Flavors with a Twist: If you love Sloppy Joes, you’ll love this casserole. It takes all the familiar flavors of the sandwich and turns them into a comforting casserole that’s even easier to serve.
• Kid-Friendly: The cheesy, beefy goodness of this casserole makes it a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s a great way to get your family to enjoy a classic meal in a new and exciting way.
• Customizable: This recipe is versatile, allowing you to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your tastes. You can add extra veggies, spice it up, or even use different types of cheese to make it your own.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Protein: 15-20g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 5-6g

Ingredients

For the Sloppy Joe Casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 8 oz elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of your choice)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside. Drizzling a little olive oil over the pasta will help prevent it from sticking together while you prepare the rest of the casserole.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula. This will take about 5-7 minutes.

Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet and add the diced onion and bell pepper (if using). Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and the bell pepper softens. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

3. Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce

To the cooked ground beef mixture, add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, chili powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined. Let the sauce simmer over low heat for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and thicken slightly.

You can taste the sauce at this point and adjust the seasonings to your preference. If you like it sweeter, you can add a bit more brown sugar. For extra heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

4. Combine the Pasta and Beef Mixture

Once the Sloppy Joe sauce has simmered and thickened, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Make sure the beef and pasta are well mixed.

5. Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a bit of butter. Pour the beef and pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

Top the casserole with the shredded cheddar cheese, spreading it evenly across the top. The cheese will melt and create a gooey, cheesy layer that will hold everything together.

6. Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want the cheese to be extra golden and crispy, you can broil the casserole for an additional 1-2 minutes, but be sure to watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Scoop portions of the Sloppy Joe Casserole onto plates and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions, if desired. Serve it with a simple salad, garlic bread, or your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Sloppy Joe Casserole

• Use Lean Ground Beef: For a healthier version of this dish, use lean ground beef or ground turkey. You can also use ground chicken or plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• Customize the Vegetables: You can add more vegetables to this casserole, such as diced zucchini, mushrooms, or corn. This will add extra flavor and nutrition to the dish.
• Make it Spicy: If you like heat, add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the Sloppy Joe sauce for an extra kick.
• Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. If you’re preparing it ahead of time, make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You may need to add an additional 10-15 minutes of baking time if cooking from the fridge.
• Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a combination of your favorites. A blend of cheeses will create a richer, more complex flavor.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: For a little extra texture, you can sprinkle some crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs on top of the casserole before baking. This will create a delicious crunchy topping that contrasts nicely with the creamy, cheesy filling.

Variations of Sloppy Joe Casserole

• Mexican Sloppy Joe Casserole: Add some taco seasoning to the Sloppy Joe sauce, and top the casserole with shredded Mexican cheese. You can also add a layer of crushed tortilla chips or serve the casserole with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole on the side.
• Vegetarian Sloppy Joe Casserole: Swap the ground beef for lentils, plant-based ground meat, or a mix of beans like kidney beans and black beans. You can follow the same steps to make a hearty, vegetarian version of this casserole.
• Sloppy Joe Casserole with Biscuits: Instead of pasta, you can top the casserole with biscuit dough. Place the biscuit dough over the top of the beef mixture before baking. The biscuits will bake up golden and fluffy, making for a fun and filling alternative to the pasta version.
• Sloppy Joe Casserole with Sweet Potatoes: For a different twist, swap out the regular pasta for cubed, roasted sweet potatoes. The sweet potatoes will complement the savory, tangy flavor of the Sloppy Joe sauce.

Storage and Shelf Life

Sloppy Joe Casserole is a great dish to make ahead of time or to enjoy as leftovers. Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the microwave or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze the casserole. Once baked and cooled, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake the casserole at 375°F (190°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until it is heated through and the cheese is bubbly.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Sloppy Joe Casserole

Pair this comforting casserole with complementary sides to create a balanced and satisfying meal:

• Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette is a perfect side dish to balance the richness of the casserole.
• Garlic Bread: Serve the casserole with warm, buttery garlic bread for a delicious way to soak up any extra sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans make for a great side dish that complements the savory Sloppy Joe Casserole.
• Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw with a tangy dressing pairs nicely with the richness of the casserole, adding freshness to the meal.

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Conclusion

Sloppy Joe Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that brings all the flavors of the classic Sloppy Joe sandwich into a hearty, casserole form. With its flavorful ground beef filling, cheesy topping, and tender pasta, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone coming back for seconds. So, gather your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy the deliciousness of Sloppy Joe Casserole!