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

Scale

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