Sloppy Joe Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic Reinvented

Save this recipe on:

Get ready to meet your new go-to comfort dish—Sloppy Joe Casserole. Imagine the bold, nostalgic flavor of traditional Sloppy Joes, now baked into a warm, cheesy, pasta-packed casserole that’s rich, saucy, and soul-satisfying. Each bite is a delightful mix of savory ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, and tender pasta—bringing together the heartiness of a home-cooked meal with the simplicity of a one-pan bake.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you simply crave something cozy and filling. It captures everything we love about comfort food—easy prep, crowd-pleasing flavor, and that bubbling layer of cheese that no one can resist. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or stocking up on leftovers, Sloppy Joe Casserole is a reliable dinner idea that checks all the boxes.

---

Ingredients for this Sloppy Joe Casserole

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella for extra meltiness)
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

---

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta) according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

---

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft and translucent. Drain excess grease to prevent a greasy casserole.

---

Step 3: Create the Sloppy Joe Sauce

To the cooked beef mixture, stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen and the sauce to thicken slightly.

---

Step 4: Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet with the beef and sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta is well-coated and evenly mixed with the meaty, tangy Sloppy Joe filling.

---

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta-beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.

---

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown around the edges.

---

Step 7: Let it Rest & Serve

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy that cheesy, tangy, comforting bite of Sloppy Joe goodness.

---

Storage Instructions

Sloppy Joe Casserole is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to store it properly:

• Refrigerator: Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, portion the cooled casserole into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 1–2 minutes per serving or warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes until heated through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

---

Estimated Nutrition (per serving — based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 26g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Sugar: 9g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 780mg

Note: These values may vary based on the ingredients and pasta brand used.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works well in this casserole. You may need to add a touch more seasoning to enhance the flavor.

2. Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! Kids love the cheesy, saucy flavors. If you’re concerned about picky eaters, you can skip the onions or finely dice them.

3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the dish up until the baking step. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if coming straight from the fridge.

4. What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar gives a nice sharp flavor, but mozzarella adds gooeyness. A blend of both is ideal. You can also try Colby Jack or Monterey Jack for variety.

5. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or shredded carrots make great additions. Just sauté them with the onions and beef.

6. What can I serve with this casserole?

A crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread pairs perfectly with this hearty dish.

7. How do I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat mixture if you like a kick.

8. Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes! Just substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: