Description
This Sloppy Joe Casserole combines the classic tangy and savory flavors of Sloppy Joes with the comfort of a baked pasta casserole. Featuring ground beef simmered in a rich tomato-ketchup sauce with vegetables, layered with penne pasta and melted cheeses, this dish makes for a hearty and family-friendly meal perfect for any weeknight.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups frozen corn or corn drained from a can
Sauce
- 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Pasta and Cheese
- 12 ounces uncooked penne pasta, cooked according to package instructions
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) to prepare it for baking the casserole later, ensuring it reaches the correct temperature by the time your casserole assembly is complete.
- Cook the Meat and Vegetables: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Crumble the beef as it cooks and sauté until the beef is cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish lean.
- Prepare the Sauce: To the cooked beef mixture, add the diced tomatoes, ketchup, light brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and corn. Stir well and cook together for 4-5 minutes to meld the flavors. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed for your preference.
- Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Combine and Assemble: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, mix the cooked pasta with the meat sauce and half of the shredded cheeses, stirring gently to distribute everything evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your hearty, cheesy Sloppy Joe Casserole hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option if preferred.
- If fresh corn is available, feel free to use it instead of frozen or canned corn for a fresher taste.
- For an extra flavor kick, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder to the meat sauce while cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated safely for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and baked just before serving, making it convenient for busy days or entertaining.
Keywords: Sloppy Joe casserole, baked pasta, ground beef casserole, cheesy casserole, easy dinner recipe, family meal, comfort food