Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Sloppy Joe Casserole is a comforting twist on the classic sandwich, combining all the flavors into one hearty, cheesy dish. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something filling and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef (85% lean)
- ½ cup onions (diced)
- 1 15.5 oz can Manwich sauce
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes (not drained)
- ¾ pound farfalle pasta (uncooked)
- 8 oz. Velveeta cheese (cubed)
- 1 cup corn (frozen or drained from a can)
- 1 ½ cups cheddar (shredded)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Step 2: In a large, high-walled skillet or pot, cook and crumble the ground beef over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add the diced onions and cook for 5 more minutes, until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Drain any grease.
- Step 3: Stir in the Manwich sauce, chicken broth, and undrained diced tomatoes.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add the farfalle pasta and stir to combine.
- Step 5: Cover and let it boil gently until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. Allow a few extra minutes of cooking time compared to the package instructions. Taste a noodle to check doneness.
- Step 6: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the corn and add the cubed Velveeta cheese. Cover the pot to let the cheese melt, then lift the cover and gently stir to combine.
- Step 7: Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9 x 13 inch casserole dish.
- Step 8: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Step 9: Cover and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the cover and serve warm, ideally with cornbread.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, sauté a clove of minced garlic with the onions before adding the beef.
- Swap farfalle with other pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or rotini if preferred.
- Add diced green peppers or mushrooms with the onions for added veggies.
- Use mild or spicy Manwich sauce depending on your heat preference.
- For a vegetarian option, replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
Storage
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze the casserole before baking; thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to baking time if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate it for a day before baking. This makes for easy meal prep and busy weeknight dinners.
What can I serve with Sloppy Joe Casserole?
It pairs beautifully with cornbread, a simple green salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Print
Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy a comforting Sloppy Joe Casserole that combines savory ground beef simmered with onions, Manwich sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth, mixed with tender farfalle pasta, melted Velveeta cheese, and sweet corn. Baked to perfection with a golden cheddar topping, this hearty casserole offers a delicious twist on the classic Sloppy Joe sandwich, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb. ground beef (85% lean)
- ½ cup onions, diced
- 1 cup corn (frozen or drained from a can)
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 15.5 oz can Manwich sauce
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes (not drained)
Pasta and Cheese
- ¾ pound farfalle pasta (uncooked)
- 8 oz. Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole after assembling.
- Cook Beef and Onions: In a large, high-walled skillet or pot over medium-high heat, cook and crumble 1 lb. ground beef for about 2 minutes. Add ½ cup diced onions and continue cooking for 5 more minutes until beef is browned and onions are softened. Drain excess grease.
- Add Liquids: Stir in 1 can of Manwich sauce, 2 ½ cups chicken broth, and 1 can of undrained diced tomatoes into the skillet with the beef and onions.
- Boil and Add Pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add ¾ pound uncooked farfalle pasta and stir to combine thoroughly.
- Simmer Pasta: Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer gently until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a few extra minutes beyond the pasta package instructions for perfectly cooked noodles. Taste a piece of pasta before proceeding.
- Add Corn and Velveeta: Reduce heat to low, stir in 1 cup corn, then add 8 oz. cubed Velveeta cheese. Cover the pot to allow the Velveeta to melt, then lift the cover and gently stir until fully combined and creamy.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish and transfer the beef and pasta mixture into it.
- Add Cheese Topping: Evenly sprinkle 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove cover and serve hot, ideally accompanied by cornbread.
Notes
- Use 85% lean ground beef for the best balance of flavor and fat content.
- Do not drain the diced tomatoes; they add moisture and flavor.
- Stir the pasta occasionally during simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- If using frozen corn, no need to thaw; add directly.
- For extra creaminess, Velveeta cheese melts perfectly in this recipe.
- Leftover casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Serve with cornbread for a classic Southern-style meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Stovetop and Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Sloppy Joe Casserole, ground beef casserole, farfalle pasta casserole, Velveeta cheese casserole, baked casserole, comfort food
