There is something irresistibly comforting about a casserole loaded with hearty flavors and gooey cheese, and this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe brings that classic American favorite to a whole new level. Imagine the perfect combination of savory ground beef simmered in a tangy, slightly sweet Manwich sauce, all mixed with tender corkscrew pasta and velvety Velveeta cheese, then baked to bubbly perfection with a golden layer of Colby Jack on top. This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm family hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each simple ingredient plays a crucial role in making this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe a memorable meal. From the savory depth of the ground beef to the creamy richness of Velveeta, plus the bright kick of Manwich sauce and the satisfying texture of rotini pasta, these essentials come together in a delicious harmony.
- Ground beef (1 pound, 80/20): Provides the rich, meaty base with just the right amount of fat for flavor and moisture.
- Manwich sauce (2 cans, 24 oz each): Adds that signature tangy and slightly sweet sloppy joe taste without any extra fuss.
- Small onion (1, diced): Brings subtle sweetness and a little crunch when sautéed with the beef.
- Corkscrew pasta (12 oz, rotini or cavatappi): The spirals capture delicious sauce and cheese in every bite.
- Velveeta cheese (8 oz, cubed): Melts into creamy pockets throughout the casserole, giving richness and smooth texture.
- Colby Jack cheese (1 cup, shredded): Creates a golden, melty topping that adds flavor contrast and visual appeal.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s ready when you need it. Then, cook the corkscrew pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Drain it well to avoid any sogginess later in the casserole.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion
While the pasta cooks, use a large skillet to brown the ground beef along with the diced onion. This step develops the foundational flavors. Once the beef is cooked through and the onions are soft, drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
Step 3: Combine Meat with Manwich and Velveeta
Stir in both cans of Manwich sauce and the cubes of Velveeta cheese into the beef and onion mixture. Keep stirring over medium heat until the Velveeta melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy and irresistible, melding the tangy sloppy joe flavor with smooth cheese goodness.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Casserole
Now mix the tender pasta with the cheesy meat sauce until every piece is well-coated. Transfer everything into a greased 9×13 baking dish, then sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly on top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a beautiful golden crust.
How to Serve Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few scallions adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the richness of the casserole. If you like a little heat, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce on the side can be delightful too.
Side Dishes
This Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette, steamed vegetables for a light crunch, or even a classic coleslaw to balance the savory richness. For a more indulgent meal, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery garlic bread are fantastic companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole in rustic ramekins for a personalized touch, or portion it out buffet-style for easy family-style dining. You can also top individual portions with a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of pickled jalapeños for added flair and flavor complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sloppy Joe Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This makes it a perfect meal prep option or a comforting next-day lunch that tastes just as delicious.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, the casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and a layer of foil or use a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months without losing its creamy texture or flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm the casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through and bubbly—usually about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but baking helps maintain that perfect cheese melt and texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well if you prefer a leaner option. Keep in mind the flavor will be a bit milder, so you might want to add a pinch of smoked paprika or Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Use the same preparation steps, and you’ll still get that comforting, cheesy Sloppy Joe vibe.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Velveeta is key for that creamy melt inside the casserole, while Colby Jack provides a slightly sharp, melty topping. You can experiment with cheddar or Monterey Jack, but keep Velveeta or a similar processed cheese for the best texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap out the corkscrew pasta for a gluten-free variety, and double-check that the Manwich sauce is gluten-free as well. The cooking process stays the same.
How spicy is the Manwich sauce?
Manwich sauce is mildly tangy with a hint of sweetness and just a touch of heat. It’s generally family-friendly, but if you want more spice, you can always add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
Final Thoughts
Make sure you try this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe soon because it’s a fantastic twist on a nostalgic favorite that’s bound to become a quick family classic. It’s easy to prepare, packed with bold flavors, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite with the people you love!
Print
Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Sloppy Joe Casserole combining the classic flavors of sloppy joe sauce with cheesy pasta, baked to perfection for an easy family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 2 cans (24 oz each) Manwich sauce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
Pasta
- 12 oz corkscrew pasta (rotini or cavatappi)
Topping
- 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the corkscrew pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Brown Beef and Onion: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef together with the diced onion over medium heat until fully cooked and the onion is softened. Drain off any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Combine with Sauce and Cheese: Add the two cans of Manwich sauce and the cubed Velveeta cheese directly to the beef and onion mixture. Stir continuously until the Velveeta melts and the mixture becomes creamy and well combined.
- Mix Pasta and Meat Sauce: Stir the cooked pasta into the meat sauce mixture until thoroughly coated and evenly combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the pasta and meat sauce mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- You can substitute the Velveeta with cream cheese or another melty cheese if preferred.
- For a healthier option, use lean ground beef or turkey.
- If Manwich sauce is unavailable, substitute with a combination of tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and spices to replicate the flavor.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to set before serving.
