Description
This Quick Sloppy Joe Pasta Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. With a hearty mix of ground beef, pasta, veggies, and gooey cheese, this easy-to-make casserole will soon become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni or other short pasta
Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) sloppy joe sauce (or 1 1/2 cups homemade)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the beef mixture: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté until softened. Stir in sloppy joe sauce, diced tomatoes, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine pasta and beef: Add the cooked pasta to the beef mixture and stir until well combined. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Add toppings and bake: Top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra spice.
- This dish is great for meal prep—store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
