Sloppy Joe Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines all the flavors of a classic Sloppy Joe with the heartiness of a baked pasta casserole. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving a filling, cheesy meal that comes together with minimal effort. Ground beef is cooked with bell peppers, onions, and garlic, then simmered in a tangy and slightly sweet tomato-based sauce. Instead of being served on a bun, the flavorful meat mixture is combined with penne pasta, corn, and shredded cheese before being baked to melty perfection. Each bite delivers a rich, meaty taste complemented by the slight sweetness from brown sugar and the bold tang of mustard and ketchup.
This casserole is a great way to feed a crowd and is easily customizable to suit your preferences. You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or even plant-based meat for a lighter version. The combination of pasta and cheese makes it a kid-friendly meal, and it pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for leftovers. Whether you’re looking for an easy family dinner or a meal prep solution, this Sloppy Joe Casserole is sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Classic Flavor in Casserole Form: All the tangy, savory goodness of a Sloppy Joe in a cheesy pasta bake.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples for a quick and easy meal.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Great for leftovers and meal prep.
Ingredients
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp yellow mustard
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 cups frozen whole-kernel corn
• 1 (16 oz) package penne pasta
• 1 ½ cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
1. Stir in the chopped onion, red and green bell peppers, and minced garlic.
2. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.
Step 4: Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce
1. Add the diced tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper.
2. Stir well and reduce the heat to low.
3. Cover and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta and Corn
1. Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions.
2. In a separate pot, boil the frozen corn for a few minutes until tender.
3. Drain both and set aside.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
1. Add the cooked pasta and corn to the skillet with the Sloppy Joe mixture.
2. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese, mixing everything until well combined.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
1. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
2. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top.
3. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy hot with a side salad or garlic bread.
Tips
• Use Fresh Corn: If in season, fresh corn kernels add extra sweetness and texture.
• Swap the Meat: Ground turkey or plant-based meat can replace ground beef.
• Extra Cheesy? Add an extra layer of cheese on top before baking for a gooey finish.
Storage
• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave in short bursts until heated through.
