Sloppy Joe Casserole Bake
A comforting casserole combining savory ground beef in tangy Sloppy Joe sauce with pasta and melted cheese, perfect for a hearty, cheesy family meal.
Equipment
- 1 large skillet for cooking beef mixture
- 1 baking dish greased, for casserole assembly
- 1 oven preheated to 375 °F
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar optional
- 1 teaspoon mustard Dijon or yellow
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups cooked pasta elbows, rotini, or penne
- 2 cups shredded cheese cheddar or blend
- Optional: sliced pickles or extra mustard/ketchup for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion until beef is browned and onion is softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar (if using), mustard, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer the mixture for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add the cooked pasta to the beef mixture and stir until evenly coated.
- Spread the beef and pasta mixture evenly into a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve warm, optionally topped with sliced pickles or extra mustard and ketchup.
Notes
- Use a cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend for best melt and flavor.
- Add bell peppers or peas to the beef mixture for extra veggies.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Pairs well with green salad or garlic bread for a full meal.