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Sloppy Joe Casserole

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close up shot of sloppy joe casserole in a baking dish with a piece being taken out of it with a large spoon
The classic flavors of traditional sloppy joes you remember as a kid baked in a sloppy joe casserole for an easy dinner recipe you can have on the table in no time.
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Table of Contents
  1. Sloppy Joe Casserole Ingredients
  2. Substitutions And Additions
  3. How To Make This Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
  4. How To Serve This Baked Sloppy Joe Recipe
  5. Storing This Sloppy Joe Bake
  6. Frequently Asked Questions
  7. More Recipes You’ll Love
  8. JUMP TO RECIPE

This easy sloppy joe casserole recipe is full of hearty ground beef, tender pasta and topped with gooey melted cheese baked to golden brown and bubbling in the oven. This is a perfect choice for a busy weeknight dinner, and your whole family will gobble it up.

close up shot of sloppy joe casserole in a baking dish with a piece being taken out of it with a large spoon

Sloppy Joe Casserole Ingredients

sloppy Joe casserole raw ingredients that are labeled
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Indulge in the rich flavors of Manwich beef and cheese bowtie casserole.

The al dente farfalle noodles add a satisfying texture, while the combination of velvety Velveeta and sharp Colby-jack cheese creates a creamy and flavorful finish.

This casserole offers a harmonious blend of meatiness, sauciness, and cheesy delight that’s both comforting and unforgettable.

You’ll need:

  • 1 pound of ground beef, lean
  • 1 cup of diced yellow onions
  • 1 (24-ounce) can of original Manwich sauce
  • 1 (15-ounce) can of original Manwich sauce
  • 1 (12-ounce) package of farfalle (bowtie) noodles, cooked al dente
  • 1 (8-ounce) package of shredded Velveeta
  • 1 (8-ounce) package of shredded Colby-jack cheese

PRO TIP:

If you can’t find the two different sizes of Manwich sauce at the grocery store, buy what is available. If you have extra once you measure out your sauce for the recipe, freeze the rest to use next time you make this delicious casserole.

Substitutions And Additions

CHEESE: You can substitute cubed Velveeta instead of the shredded version; just keep in mind that it will take a bit longer to incorporate.

You can also switch out the Colby-jack for cheddar cheese or a shredded blend for the topping.

MEAT: Any ground meat would work in place of ground beef, including ground pork sausage, ground chicken, or ground turkey.

PASTA: You can substitute other bite-size pasta for the bowtie noodles, including penne or pasta shells.

SAUCE: Thick and Chunky or Bold Sloppy Joe sauce can be used in place of the Manwich original sloppy Joe sauce if you prefer.

An alternative to store-bought sloppy joe sauce is making our homemade version. It uses common ingredients such as tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and yellow mustard to create the same flavor you love.

VEGETABLES: You could saute additional vegetables to mix into the sloppy joe sauce. Try green bell pepper or red bell pepper.

How To Make This Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

This casserole is made easy by using store-bought Manwich sauce. Once you brown the beef and onions and cook the pasta, this casserole can easily be assembled and baked in no time.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

For the pasta, al dente is the ideal consistency. The pasta will be tender and will still have a slightly firm texture when you bite into it.

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Using a 4 to 5-quart heavy-bottomed stockpot or Dutch oven, cook beef and diced onion on medium-high heat.

Drain any excess grease, and return the browned ground beef and onions to the stockpot.

PRO TIP:

For an even quicker cooking time, ground beef can be cooked ahead of time. Brown ground beef in a large skillet and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to a month.

brown beef and onions

STEP TWO: Add the two cans of Manwich sauce, the cooked bowtie noodles, and the shredded Velveeta to your large pot. Stir the sloppy joe mixture until well combined. 

manwich sauce, cooked bowtie noodles, and velveeta combined

STEP THREE: Pour the pasta and ground beef mixture into a 9×13 casserole dish sprayed with cooking spray.

casserole poured into the baking dish and shredded colby jack sprinkled on top

STEP FOUR: Evenly sprinkle the 8-ounce package of shredded Colby-jack on top of the casserole.

STEP FIVE: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

How To Serve This Baked Sloppy Joe Recipe

Serve this baked sloppy joe casserole with a side of ​coleslaw​, corn ​casserole​ , or Caesar salad, and you’ll have a new weeknight favorite.

Bake up a batch of cornbread to serve on the side of this dish to complete your meal.

You can’t go wrong with homemade sloppy joes. We can certainly help you out with some of our favorite recipes for our classic sloppy joes.

You could also change it up with an easy twist on the original with our Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes or grilled cheese sloppy joe.

Storing This Sloppy Joe Bake

Whether you’re planning ahead, saving leftovers, or freezing a batch for later, here’s a guide to keep your casserole at its best.

Make Ahead: Preparing for Future Cravings

MAKE AHEAD: Simply follow the recipe up to the point before baking. Once you’ve assembled the casserole in the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator.

This way, you can have everything ready to go for the next day’s lunch or dinner. Just remember to adjust the baking time slightly, as the casserole will be chilled.

IN THE FRIDGE:  Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.

IN THE FREEZER: The baked casserole can be frozen, covered in foil, for up to three months.

close up shot of a serving of sloppy joe casserole on a plate with a piece being picked up with a fork

Seasoned beef, pasta, and melted cheese take the traditional sloppy joe recipe and deliver it in a new, delicious way. Add this warm, comforting sloppy joe casserole with noodles to your dinner rotation. It’s comfort food at its finest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze sloppy joe casserole?

This casserole would be a great choice to prepare ahead of time and freeze. Cover in foil and store in the freezer until you are ready to use.

What to serve with a sloppy joe casserole?

A salad or coleslaw and garlic bread or cornbread would go nicely alongside a sloppy joe casserole.

What kind of pasta is best in a casserole?

Bite-sized pasta is best in most casseroles. Penne, bowties, or rotini are all excellent choices.

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close up shot of sloppy joe casserole in a baking dish with a piece being taken out of it with a large spoon

Sloppy Joe Casserole

5 from 2 votes
The classic flavors of traditional sloppy joes you remember as a kid baked in a sloppy joe casserole for an easy dinner recipe you can have on the table in no time.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 cup yellow onion, diced
  • 24 ounces original Manwich sauce
  • 15 ounces original Manwich sauce
  • 12 ounces farfalle, bowtie noodles, cooked al dente
  • 8 ounces Velveeta, shredded
  • 8 ounces Colby-jack cheese, shredded

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish and set it aside.
  • Using a 4 to 5 quart heavy-bottomed stockpot, brown the ground beef and diced onion on medium-high heat. Drain any excess grease then return the browned ground beef and onions to the stockpot.
  • Add the 2 cans of Manwich sauce, the cooked bowtie noodles, and the shredded Velveeta. Stir the ingredients until well combined.
  • Pour the Manwich casserole into the prepared 9×13 baking dish.
  • Evenly sprinkle the 8-ounce package of shredded Colby-jack on top of the casserole.
  • Bake for 25 minutes.

Video

Notes

  • For the pasta, al dente is the ideal consistency. The pasta will be tender and will still have a slightly firm texture when you bite into it.
  • For an even quicker cooking time, ground beef can be cooked ahead of time. Brown ground beef in a large skillet and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to a month.

Nutrition

Calories: 902kcal | Carbohydrates: 90g | Protein: 64g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 148mg | Sodium: 2772mg | Potassium: 1823mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 2318IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 787mg | Iron: 7mg
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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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