If you’re craving a weeknight comfort dish that’s equal parts nostalgic and irresistible, look no further than this Sloppy Joe Casserole. All the tangy, sweet, and savory magic of classic sloppy joes is baked together with hearty pasta and a bubbling cheddar cheese topping. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply want an easy family dinner, this casserole delivers big flavor with every hearty scoop. Get ready for a meal that brings everyone together, satisfies picky eaters, and just might become a new favorite!

Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Sloppy Joe Casserole lies in its simple but purposeful lineup of ingredients. Each component adds a unique layer: rich savory depth, brightness, a saucy hug for the pasta, and—of course—a melty cheese finish. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips for bringing the dish to life!

Olive oil: For sautéing the beef and veggies, and adding a hint of richness to your base.
Ground beef: The classic hearty foundation; try to use lean beef so your casserole isn’t greasy.
Onion: Brings sweetness and aroma, which balance out the tangy sauce.
Bell pepper: Injects color and a subtle crunch for texture variation.
Garlic: Two cloves, minced, infuse a punchy background flavor that rounds out the dish.
Tomato sauce: Lays the base for the signature sloppy joe sauce—rich, smooth, and saucy.
Ketchup: Adds brightness and sweetness for that unmistakable sloppy joe flavor.
Worcestershire sauce: The secret ingredient that deepens the savoriness and adds a complex zing.
Brown sugar: Balances the acidity and savory elements, giving the sauce a gentle sweetness.
Mustard: A pop of tang that keeps the flavors lively and adds a little classic twist.
Salt and pepper: Essential for pulling together all the flavors; season to your own taste preference.
Pasta (elbow macaroni or similar): Grab a shape that will hold onto the sauce—elbow macaroni, shells, or mini penne are all fantastic.
Shredded cheddar cheese: A generous layer of cheese on top turns this casserole into bubbly, golden perfection.

How to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole

Step 1: Prepare for Baking

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temp gives the casserole enough time to heat through and get naturally bubbly without scorching the top. Lightly grease your favorite baking dish so nothing sticks, and set it aside—you’re setting the stage for casserole greatness!

Step 2: Cook the Meat and Veggies

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and immediately toss in your ground beef, chopped onion, and bell pepper. Sauté everything together until the beef is browned and the veggies are just softened—not mushy, but not too crunchy either. This step builds the flavor base for your Sloppy Joe Casserole, so take your time letting those aromas fill your kitchen!

Step 3: Add Flavors

Once your meat and veggies are cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet so the final casserole doesn’t end up greasy. Stir in the minced garlic, tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and mustard. Season well with salt and pepper. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing all those tangy-sweet-salty-savory flavors to meld together into the classic sloppy joe sauce you know and love.

Step 4: Combine with Pasta

In your prepared baking dish, combine the cooked pasta with your sloppy joe mixture. Toss everything together so the sauce coats the noodles evenly. This is the moment where everything starts to feel wonderfully homey—those noodles are soaking up every last drop of that flavor-packed sauce!

Step 5: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of your casserole. The cheese will melt and bubble in the oven, creating a gooey, golden crown that ties the whole Sloppy Joe Casserole together. Don’t be shy here—a little cheese goes a long way, but a lot of cheese goes even further.

Step 6: Bake

Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for melty, bubbling cheese and a warm, cohesive casserole underneath. Once you pull it from the oven, let it cool for just a few minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes it easier to scoop.

How to Serve Sloppy Joe Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top can really brighten up each serving and add a pop of color. If you want a little more zing, a few dill pickle slices or a dash of red pepper flakes on individual plates can add contrast and crunch.

Side Dishes

Round out your Sloppy Joe Casserole experience with classic, comforting sides like a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli. Buttery garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. For a Southern twist, try serving it with coleslaw for cool crunch alongside the hot, cheesy casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Sloppy Joe Casserole into a party dish by scooping it into mini ramekins for individual servings, or serve over toasted buns for a fusion “open-faced” sloppy joe. For a kid-friendly, interactive dinner, let little ones top their own portions with fun extras like crushed corn chips or pickled jalapeños.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Sloppy Joe Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making your next-day lunch or dinner even more delicious. Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before covering and refrigerating.

Freezing

This casserole holds up well to freezing if you want to prep it ahead. Simply assemble the casserole (hold off on baking and adding the cheese), wrap tightly in two layers of plastic wrap and a layer of foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, top with cheese, and bake as directed.

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual servings in the microwave until hot throughout, or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until piping hot and the cheese is melted again. Add a small splash of water or extra sauce if you notice the casserole seems a little dry after storing.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Absolutely! Elbow macaroni is a classic, but shells, penne, or even rotini all work beautifully. Pick a shape that can cradle the sauce, ensuring each bite gets plenty of that Sloppy Joe Casserole flavor.

Is there a way to make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the ground beef for meatless crumbles, lentils, or finely chopped mushrooms. Adjust seasoning to taste, and you’ll still get all that tangy, satisfying flavor without the meat.

What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?

Feel free to have fun with the cheese! Monterey Jack, Colby, or even mozzarella all melt beautifully. For a little kick, try some pepper jack or a sharp blend; it’s your casserole adventure.

Can I add extra veggies?

Definitely! Diced carrots, zucchini, or corn are tasty additions. Just sauté them along with the onion and bell pepper so they soften before baking in the casserole.

Can I assemble Sloppy Joe Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble everything (except the cheese topping) up to one day in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, sprinkle on the cheese and extend the baking time slightly to ensure everything is heated through.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a little dinner-time joy, don’t hesitate to give this Sloppy Joe Casserole a spot in your meal rotation. It’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and seriously simple—just the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself craving on a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend. Go ahead and give it a try—your family and your taste buds will thank you!

Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 10 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Sloppy Joe Casserole is a hearty and comforting twist on the classic sandwich. This easy-to-make casserole combines ground beef, vegetables, a tangy sauce, pasta, and gooey melted cheese for a family-friendly meal.

Instructions

Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish and set aside.
Cook the Meat and Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, chopped onion, and bell pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened.
Add Flavors: Drain excess fat, then stir in garlic, tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and mustard. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
Combine with Pasta: In the prepared baking dish, mix the cooked pasta with the sloppy joe mixture. Ensure the pasta is well coated.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole.
Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the robust, tangy, and sweet flavors that make this dish a standout.

Notes

You can customize this casserole by adding your favorite vegetables or spices.
This dish reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Sloppy Joe Casserole, Casserole Recipe, Ground Beef Casserole