Sloppy Joe Casserole

By Tyla | Last modified on Jan 24, 2026

Featured in: Dinner

Imagine a comforting casserole bubbling with the rich flavors of a classic Sloppy Joe, combined with tender pasta and creamy cheese that melts in your mouth. This Sloppy Joe Casserole brings all the hearty, homestyle goodness of a favorite sandwich to one satisfying, easy-to-make dish.

The juicy ground beef simmers in tangy Manwich sauce with diced tomatoes and sweet corn, then mingles with perfectly al dente farfalle pasta before being topped with ample cheddar and Velveeta cheese. It’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines the beloved sloppy joe flavors with a cheesy noodle casserole twist.
Uses a quick one-pot method that reduces cleanup and cooks in under an hour.
Includes protein, vegetables, and pasta for a complete, filling meal.

Ingredients

Ground beef (1 lb., 85% lean): Provides juicy, flavorful protein that forms the hearty base of this casserole.
Onions (½ cup, diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed with beef.
Manwich sauce (1 15.5 oz can): A classic tangy tomato sauce that defines the signature sloppy joe taste.
Chicken broth (2 ½ cups): Adds moisture and helps cook the pasta to tender perfection.
Diced tomatoes (1 14.5 oz can, undrained): Injects fresh tomato flavor and juiciness into the sauce.
Farfalle pasta (¾ pound, uncooked): Bow-tie shaped pasta that holds sauce well and provides texture.
Velveeta cheese (8 oz., cubed): Melts smoothly for a creamy, cheesy base throughout the casserole.
Corn (1 cup, frozen or canned, drained): Adds a sweet pop of flavor and a bit of vegetal crunch.
Cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups, shredded): Creates a melty, golden crust topping for extra cheesiness and richness.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit: Setting the oven ahead ensures it’s ready once the casserole is assembled, allowing for a smooth transition to baking.
Cook and brown the ground beef with onions: In a large, deep skillet or pot, cook crumbled ground beef over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add diced onions and sauté together for an additional 5 minutes until the beef is browned and onions are softened. Drain excess grease for a leaner dish and to avoid greasy casserole.
Add the Manwich sauce, chicken broth, and undrained diced tomatoes: Pour in the Manwich sauce, chicken broth, and canned tomatoes with juices to create a rich, savory liquid. Stir to combine, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil which enhances flavor melding.
Cook pasta in the sauce mixture until al dente: Add the farfalle pasta directly into the boiling sauce. Cover and simmer gently, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook slightly longer than package instructions because the liquid is less intense, tasting noodles to ensure perfect tenderness.
Stir in corn and melt Velveeta cheese: Reduce heat to low and add the corn, stirring it into the pasta and meat mixture. Add the cubed Velveeta, replace the lid, and let cheese melt into a creamy, smooth texture for enhanced richness.
Transfer mixture to a greased casserole dish: Carefully spoon the cheesy beef and pasta mixture into a lightly greased 9×13 inch dish, spreading evenly to prepare for baking.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese and bake: Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over the casserole surface. Cover and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes to melt the cheese and heat through. Remove cover before serving for a golden, bubbly cheese crust.
Serve hot with your favorite sides: Enjoy this hearty casserole straight from the oven, ideally accompanied by a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad for balance.

You Must Know

Boil pasta gently and stir frequently to avoid clumping and ensure even cooking.
Feel free to swap farfalle for penne or other similar-shaped pasta that holds sauce well.
This casserole can be assembled ahead and baked later, making it perfect for meal prep.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in the oven to retain moisture and melt cheese properly.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with classic cornbread or a crisp garden salad to add freshness. For extra crunch, serve with garlic bread or roasted veggies on the side.

Professional Tips

Use lean ground beef to reduce grease but maintain flavor.
Cover the casserole during baking to keep moisture locked in; uncover at the end for a browned cheese top.
Adjust the amount of chicken broth to control sauce thickness based on your pasta type.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?: Yes, assemble and top with cheese, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.
Can I use other types of pasta?: Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or shells work well. Just adjust cooking times as needed based on pasta shape and size.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this dish?: Try substituting the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a meatless version that still offers hearty texture.
Can I use a different cheese instead of Velveeta?: While Velveeta melts smoothly, you can substitute with processed cheeses or a blend of mozzarella and cream cheese for creaminess.
How spicy is the Manwich sauce?: Manwich has a mild, tangy flavor but not spicy. You can add hot sauce or chili flakes for extra heat if desired.
What can I serve with this casserole?: Cornbread, a crisp green salad, or steamed vegetables nicely complement the rich cheesy casserole.
Can this recipe be doubled?: Yes, just double all ingredients and use a larger casserole dish. Baking times may increase slightly.