Quick & Tangy Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe for Family Dinner Fun

Crafting an irresistible easy sloppy joe casserole promises comfort and excitement for dinner tonight.

Hearty flavors blend seamlessly with simple ingredients everyone loves.

Families gather around the table, eager to dig into this classic dish.

Kids and adults alike will appreciate the minimal prep work required.

Melted cheese creates a golden, bubbling top that makes mouths water.

Robust beef mixed with tangy sauce delivers a satisfying meal in minutes.

Variations on Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole

• Vegetarian Joe Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, use vegetable broth, and maintain all other ingredients for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Substitute penne pasta with gluten-free pasta noodles, ensure Manwich sauce is gluten-free, and check cheese brands for gluten content.
• Spicy Southwestern Spin: Add diced green chilies, swap Manwich sauce for salsa, include pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle chopped jalapeños on top for extra heat.
• Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta, reduce sauce quantity, and use full-fat cheese to maintain flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole

• Family Fiesta Plate: Serve with crisp green salad and tangy coleslaw for a balanced, colorful meal that adds freshness to the hearty casserole.
• Comfort Side Kick: Pair with warm garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce and complement the rich beef flavors.
• Kid-Friendly Companion: Add a side of steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables to sneak in extra nutrients and create a complete, satisfying dinner that everyone will enjoy.
• Game Day Spread: Accompany with crunchy tortilla chips or crispy potato wedges for a casual, crowd-pleasing presentation that works perfectly for gatherings and potlucks.

How to Store Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal completely and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions in microwave-safe dish. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place casserole in oven-safe dish, cover with foil to retain moisture.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta like rotini, shells, or elbow macaroni. Just ensure the pasta size is similar to maintain cooking consistency.

• Is Manwich sauce necessary for this recipe?

While Manwich sauce gives the classic sloppy joe flavor, you can replace it with tomato-based sauces like marinara or homemade sloppy joe sauce if needed.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

What Makes Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole a Quick Meal

• Devour Comfort Food: Packed with classic Sloppy Joe flavors, this casserole transforms a beloved sandwich into a hearty, cheesy pasta dish that feels like a warm hug.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Minimal prep work and just one baking dish mean less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious meal with family and friends.
• Kid-Approved Dinner: Combining kid-friendly ingredients like pasta, ground beef, and melty cheese makes this a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love.
• Quick and Satisfying Meal: Using ready-made Manwich sauce and simple ingredients creates a fast, filling dinner solution that doesn't compromise on taste or comfort.

Ingredients for Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of this classic comfort dish.
• Penne Pasta: Tube-shaped pasta that catches the saucy mixture and provides a satisfying texture.
• Manwich Sauce: A signature sloppy joe sauce that adds tangy and sweet flavor to the casserole.

• Velveeta Cheese Cubes, Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Creamy and melty cheeses that create a rich, gooey topping and bind the casserole together.

• Onions, Chicken Broth, Diced Tomatoes: Fresh onions add depth, chicken broth enhances moisture, and diced tomatoes provide additional texture and brightness to the dish.

How to Prepare Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Brown The Meat

Grab a large skillet and sizzle ground beef with chopped onions over medium heat.

Drain away any extra grease to keep things deliciously lean.

Step 3: Sauce It Up

• Manwich sauce
• Chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes

Bring the mixture to a bubbling boil that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing.

Step 4: Pasta Party

Toss in uncooked penne pasta and cubed Velveeta cheese.

Stir everything together until well combined, creating a creamy, meaty mixture.

Step 5: Baking Dish Brilliance

Transfer the entire scrumptious blend into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 6: Cheese Crown

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty masterpiece.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbling and the pasta is tender.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then dig in and enjoy your comfort food creation!

Pro Tips for Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole

• Remove all excess fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
• Cut Velveeta into small, uniform cubes for even melting and better sauce distribution throughout the casserole.
• Use slightly less liquid than typical pasta recipes to avoid a watery consistency and maintain a rich, creamy texture.
• Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for those who enjoy extra heat and want to elevate the flavor profile.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy cheese topping and prevent sogginess.

Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering Sloppy Joe Casserole that combines hearty ground beef, zesty sauce, and cheesy goodness. Families will devour this quick, satisfying meal that brings classic diner flavors directly to your dinner table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) can diced tomatoes

Pasta and Sauces:

• 3/4 pound (340 grams) uncooked penne pasta
• 2 1/2 cups (591 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 (15.5 ounces / 440 grams) can Manwich sauce

Cheese:

• 8 ounces (227 grams) Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) to create the perfect baking environment.
2. In a large skillet, transform ground beef into a golden-brown canvas by sautéing with fragrant diced onions over medium heat, then meticulously drain any lingering fat.
3. Infuse the meat with robust flavor by incorporating Manwich sauce, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes, allowing the mixture to reach a vigorous boil.
4. Introduce uncooked penne pasta and velvety Velveeta cheese cubes, stirring until they harmonize into a cohesive blend.
5. Transfer the entire concoction into a spacious 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring an even distribution.
6. Crown the casserole with a blanket of shredded cheddar cheese, promising a golden, melted finish.
7. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for bubbling cheese and perfectly cooked pasta.
8. Allow the casserole a brief moment to settle and cool slightly before serving, enhancing its overall texture and flavor profile.

Notes

• Customize the meat by using ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version.
• Enhance flavor depth by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or smoked paprika to the beef mixture.
• For gluten-free adaptation, swap regular penne with gluten-free pasta and verify Manwich sauce ingredients.
• Create make-ahead magic by preparing the casserole up to the baking stage, then refrigerate and bake when ready to serve.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 494 kcal
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 860 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg