Sloppy Joe Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, family-friendly dinner made with ground beef, pasta, Manwich sauce, tomatoes, corn, and plenty of melted cheese. It has all the classic sweet and savory flavor of sloppy joes, but in a warm baked pasta casserole.
This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you need a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef, 85% lean
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1 can Manwich sauce, 15.5 oz
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes, 14.5 oz, not drained
- 1/2 cup water
- 3/4 pound farfalle pasta
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned and drained
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and set it aside.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned.
Drain any excess grease.
Add the diced onions and cook for about 5 minutes, or until softened.
Step 3: Add the Sauce and Liquids
Pour in the Manwich sauce, chicken broth, undrained diced tomatoes, and water.
Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add the farfalle pasta to the pot and stir to combine.
Cover the pot and let it gently boil for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
Since the pasta is cooking gently in the sauce, it may need 3–4 minutes longer than the package directions.
Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking.
Step 5: Add Corn and Velveeta
Reduce the heat to low.
Stir in the corn.
Add the cubed Velveeta cheese, then cover the pot for a few minutes to let the cheese melt.
Remove the lid and gently stir until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is creamy.
Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the sloppy joe pasta mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Spread it out evenly.
Step 7: Add Cheddar and Bake
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Step 8: Serve
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy.
Helpful Tips
Use 85% lean ground beef for good flavor without too much grease.
Stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks so it does not stick to the bottom of the pot.
If the mixture looks too thick while the pasta cooks, add a small splash of broth or water.
For a little spice, add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce.
For extra flavor, add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture.
Variations
Ground Turkey Sloppy Joe Casserole
Replace the ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version.
Spicy Sloppy Joe Casserole
Add hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.
Extra Cheesy Version
Add more shredded cheddar or mix in mozzarella for a stretchier cheese texture.
Vegetable Add-Ins
Add bell peppers, peas, mushrooms, or extra corn for more color and flavor.
Different Pasta Shapes
Farfalle works well, but you can also use penne, rotini, shells, or elbow macaroni.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm.
To reheat in the oven, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through.
If the pasta seems dry after storing, add a splash of broth or water before reheating.
Freezing Instructions
This casserole can be frozen after baking.
Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly or transfer it to a freezer-safe container.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Ideas
Serve Sloppy Joe Casserole with a simple green salad, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or steamed green beans.
It is also delicious with pickles on the side for that classic sloppy joe flavor.
Final Thoughts
Sloppy Joe Casserole is an easy comfort food dinner that brings together saucy beef, tender pasta, sweet corn, and creamy melted cheese.
It is simple, filling, and perfect for feeding a hungry family. This is the kind of casserole recipe you will want to keep in your regular dinner rotation.
