Description
A hearty casserole that transforms classic Sloppy Joe flavors into a bubbling, cheesy bake. This one-dish wonder combines savory ground beef, bell peppers, onions, and tangy tomato sauce with pasta and melted cheddar cheese, topped with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup crushed crackers or French fried onions (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add diced onions, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are soft and fragrant.
- Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, salt, and pepper. Lower heat and simmer for 5-8 minutes until sauce reduces and becomes flavorful.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, Sloppy Joe meat sauce, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar cheese and optional crushed crackers or French fried onions.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until casserole is bubbling and cheese is melted and starting to brown.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Slightly undercook pasta to prevent mushiness during baking
- Cook vegetables until slightly caramelized for richer flavor
- Add a splash of broth if sauce seems too thick
- Can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated before baking
- Freezes well for up to 2-3 months
- Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for variations
- Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, corn, or spinach for nutrition
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
- Calories: 390-450
- Sugar: 8-10g
- Sodium: 600-800mg
- Fat: 15-18g
- Saturated Fat: 7-9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6-8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Fiber: 3-4g
- Protein: 20-25g
- Cholesterol: 45-55mg
Keywords: sloppy joe casserole, comfort food, family dinner, weeknight meal, casserole recipe, ground beef, cheese, pasta bake