Sloppy Joe Casserole

4.73 from 11 votes

Sloppy Joe Casserole

This Sloppy Joe Casserole is a match made in comfort food heaven! Imagine your favorite flavors from a classic sloppy joe, intertwined with perfectly cooked pasta and crowned with a golden layer of melted cheese.

Prep Time20

Cook Time25

Total Time45

Course: casserole, Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: sloppy joe casserole

Servings:

Calories: 492kcal

Author: Joanna Cismaru

Equipment

Ingredients

8 ounces short pasta such as rotini, bowtie or penne
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion diced
1 medium bell pepper diced
1 pound ground beef
15 ounce tomato sauce 1 can
¼ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
salt and pepper to taste
2 cups cheddar cheese shredded

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it's heating up, boil your pasta according to package directions but slightly undercook it. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté until they start to soften.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart and cook until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and chili powder. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir it into the beef mixture. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking.
Transfer the beef and pasta mixture to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Pop the casserole into the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Pasta Choice: You can substitute the penne or bowtie with other short pasta like elbow macaroni or rotini. Just remember to slightly undercook, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
Meat Variations: Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef.
Spice It Up: If you prefer a bit more kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Balancing Acidity: If you find the tomato sauce too acidic, a teaspoon of sugar can be added to balance the flavors and reduce acidity.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Perfect for reheating for a quick lunch or dinner!

Nutrition