Sloppy Joe Casserole takes the classic messy sandwich and transforms it into a comforting, family-friendly pasta bake. Combining seasoned ground beef with rich, creamy Velveeta cheese and tangy Manwich sloppy joe sauce, this dish delivers all the hearty flavor without the fuss of buns.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole layers savory meat sauce and corkscrew pasta under a gooey blanket of melted Colby Jack cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in under 40 minutes and offers satisfying warmth in every bite.
- Quick and simple one-dish meal for busy evenings
- Velveeta adds a creamy, smooth texture to the classic sloppy joe sauce
- Kid-friendly comfort food that the whole family will enjoy
Ingredients
- Ground beef (1 pound): Lean ground beef provides hearty protein and the base flavor for the casserole.
- Small onion (½), diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when cooked with the beef.
- Manwich sloppy joe sauce (2 cans, 24 oz each): Tangy and flavorful canned sauce that simplifies traditional sloppy joe seasoning.
- Velveeta cheese (8 oz), cubed: Melts smoothly into the sauce, giving it a rich, creamy consistency.
- Corkscrew pasta (1 pound), cooked: Firm pasta shape that holds the sauce well and adds texture.
- Colby Jack cheese (1 cup), hand-shredded: Melts evenly on top, creating a golden, cheesy crust.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon), optional garnish: Adds a fresh herbal note and bright green color for presentation.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the right temperature by the time your casserole is assembled. This step prepares for even baking.
- Brown the Ground Beef and Onions
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onions until the meat is fully browned and the onions are softened. Drain excess grease to keep the dish from becoming oily.
- Combine Manwich Sauce and Velveeta
Stir in both cans of Manwich sloppy joe sauce along with cubed Velveeta cheese into the browned beef mixture. Keep stirring until the Velveeta melts completely, resulting in a smooth, creamy sauce coating the meat.
- Toss in Cooked Pasta
Add the drained, cooked corkscrew pasta directly into the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the pasta is well coated with the cheesy sloppy joe sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish and Add Cheese
Pour the combined mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top to create a melty, golden crust.
- Bake Until Cheese Melts
Place the casserole on the middle oven rack and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is fully melted and bubbly, signaling it’s ready to enjoy.
- Cool and Garnish Before Serving
Allow the casserole to rest for 2 to 4 minutes out of the oven to set slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Canned sloppy joe sauce streamlines prep but you can substitute with homemade for customization.
- Using Velveeta ensures a smooth, creamy sauce that blends easily without clumping.
- Hand-shredding cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties due to lack of anti-caking agents.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through to maintain creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It also pairs well with crunchy pickles or coleslaw for freshness.
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when baked with sauce and cheese.
- Drain excess grease thoroughly after browning meat to keep casserole from being greasy.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of smoked paprika to the beef mixture.
FAQs
- Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells work well as they hold sauce nicely.
- Is there a substitute for Velveeta?
You can use processed cheese or cheddar cheese with a splash of milk for a creamier sauce, but Velveeta melts best.
- How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetarian sloppy joe sauce to keep flavors similar.
- Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole but hold off on baking. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- What sides go well with sloppy joe casserole?
Consider serving with steamed greens, potato wedges, or fresh tomato salad for a complete meal.
- Is this dish freezer friendly?
It can be frozen before baking; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
- Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
While possible, hand-shredded cheese melts more evenly and creates a better texture in the casserole.
Sloppy Joe Casserole
Equipment
- 1 9x13-inch baking dish
- 1 large skillet
- 1 large pot
- 1 colander
- 1 wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ small onion diced
- 2 cans 24 oz each Manwich sloppy joe sauce
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese cubed
- 1 pound corkscrew pasta cooked
- 1 cup hand-shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in the two cans of Manwich sloppy joe sauce and the cubed Velveeta cheese; cook until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked corkscrew pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce mixture.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in the oven on the center rack for 15 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 2 to 4 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Using canned sloppy joe sauce simplifies prep time.
- Velveeta creates a creamy, smooth sauce texture.
- Hand-shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
- This dish is kid-friendly and works well for weeknight dinners.
- Leftovers reheat well for lunches the next day.
