Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich Recipe

This Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich is everything a comforting weeknight dinner should be—easy, cheesy, and packed with bold, tangy flavor. It takes all the nostalgic goodness of a classic Sloppy Joe and transforms it into a bubbly, baked pasta dish that’s hearty enough to feed a hungry family. With minimal prep and pantry staples like Manwich sauce, ground beef, and melty cheese, this dish is your answer to “What’s for dinner?”—even on your busiest nights.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Weeknight-Friendly: You can have this ready to go in under 40 minutes from start to finish. No fancy steps or complicated ingredients.
• Total Comfort Food: Between the saucy beef, gooey cheese, and tender pasta, every bite hits the spot.
• Kid-Approved: Sloppy Joe flavor meets cheesy pasta? Yes, please. This one is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Great for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully, so you’ll be glad to have extra for lunch the next day.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this casserole so special:

• Lean Ground Beef: The heart of the dish, adding richness and protein. Lean works best so you’re not dealing with excess grease.
• Yellow Onion: Adds sweet, savory depth to the beef mixture—don’t skip it.
• Manwich Sauce: This is the shortcut MVP. Using two cans gives the casserole its signature tangy, sweet Sloppy Joe flavor with zero effort.
• Farfalle (Bowtie) Pasta: Holds onto the sauce perfectly and gives the dish great texture. Cook it just to al dente so it doesn’t get mushy in the oven.
• Shredded Velveeta: This adds an ultra-creamy, almost buttery texture that melts into every corner of the casserole.
• Shredded Colby-Jack Cheese: Perfect for topping—melty, gooey, and just the right touch of sharpness to balance the sauce.

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Variations

Want to switch things up? Go for it! This dish is super flexible:

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for extra heat.
• Add Veggies: Mix in some finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even frozen peas to sneak in more veggies.
• Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Different Pasta: Penne, rotini, or even elbows all work well here—use whatever you have on hand.
• Cheese Swap: Try cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a different cheese vibe.

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How to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onion

In a large heavy-bottomed pot, brown the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess grease.

Step 3: Add the Sauce, Pasta, and Velveeta

Return the beef mixture to the pot. Stir in both cans of Manwich sauce, the cooked farfalle pasta, and the shredded Velveeta. Mix well until everything is evenly coated and the Velveeta starts to melt into the mixture.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the beef and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth it out evenly. Top with a generous layer of shredded Colby-Jack cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving—this helps it set a bit and makes it easier to serve. Then dig in and enjoy!

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Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Al Dente Pasta: Slightly undercooked pasta holds up better when baked and won’t turn mushy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Dish: Make sure your 9×13 pan is deep enough to hold everything without spilling over.
• Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can affect meltiness. Freshly shredded melts better and tastes richer.
• Let It Rest Before Serving: Just 5-10 minutes after baking helps everything firm up, making for cleaner, easier servings.

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How to Serve

This casserole is a meal all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

Side Salad:

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly.

Roasted Veggies:

Think broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or green beans for a wholesome balance.

Garlic Bread:

Because cheese and bread are always better together!

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Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It holds up great and makes an easy lunch.

Freezing

You can freeze the fully assembled (but unbaked) casserole. Wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or rewarm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly. Add a splash of water or extra sauce if it looks a little dry.

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FAQs

Can I use only one can of Manwich sauce?
You can, but the casserole won’t be as saucy or flavorful. The two cans ensure the pasta and beef stay juicy and tangy throughout.

What’s the best way to keep the pasta from getting soggy?
Cook it just to al dente before mixing it into the casserole. It’ll finish cooking in the oven and stay firm.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the entire dish, cover, and refrigerate it for up to a day. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that the Manwich sauce you’re using is certified gluten-free.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a comforting, no-fuss dinner that’ll have everyone scraping their plates clean, this Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich is it. It’s fast, family-friendly, and full of classic flavors with a creamy, cheesy twist. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers for the next day, this dish delivers big-time satisfaction with minimal effort. Try it tonight—you won’t regret it!

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