The Best Sloppy Joe Pasta Casserole Recipe Everyone Will Love

Whipping up a quick sloppy Joe pasta casserole brings comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Hearty ground beef mingles with tangy sauce and perfectly cooked noodles for an irresistible meal.

Weeknight dinners just got way more exciting with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Families and hungry guests will devour every single bite of this cheesy, saucy creation.

Layers of flavor burst through each forkful, creating a memorable dining experience.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly to produce a memorable meal that feels like a warm hug.

You can’t resist the temptation of this mouthwatering pasta casserole that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Why Quick Sloppy Joe Pasta Casserole Is So Savory

• Conquer Dinnertime Dilemma: Solve your mealtime challenge with this one-pan wonder that transforms classic sloppy joes into a crowd-pleasing pasta casserole.
• Minimize Kitchen Cleanup: Skip multiple pots and pans – this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal dishes, making post-meal cleanup a breeze.
• Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Kids and adults will love the familiar, hearty flavors of beef, cheese, and pasta combined in one satisfying dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles.
• Quick Weeknight Meal Magic: Prepare a delicious dinner in under an hour, using simple ingredients that come together effortlessly for a stress-free cooking experience.

Essential Ingredients for Quick Sloppy Joe Pasta Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides the main protein and foundation for the sloppy joe flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and deepens the overall savory taste of the dish.

• Manwich Sauce: The signature sauce that gives the classic sloppy joe taste and tangy character.
• Velveeta Cheese: Creates a creamy, smooth texture and adds rich cheesy flavor to the casserole.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp, melty topping that adds extra cheesy goodness.

• Onions: Adds aromatic depth and subtle sweetness to the meat base.
• Corn: Brings a sweet and tender element to the casserole.
• Pasta: Serves as the starchy base that absorbs the saucy flavors and makes the dish hearty and filling.

How to Cook Quick Sloppy Joe Pasta Casserole Perfectly

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Step 2: Sizzle The Beef

• Ground beef
• Diced onions

Brown the meat over medium-high heat until it’s completely cooked. Drain away any extra grease.

Step 3: Sauce It Up

• Manwich sauce
• Chicken broth

Bring the mixture to a gentle bubbling simmer.

Step 4: Pasta Party

Dump the uncooked pasta directly into the skillet.

Let it cook and dance around for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Cheese And Corn Magic

• Cubed Velveeta cheese
• Corn kernels

Watch the cheese melt into creamy goodness.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Cover and bake for 15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Pull out of the oven, add any fun garnishes you like, and serve this comfort food masterpiece while it’s hot!

Tips to Nail Quick Sloppy Joe Pasta Casserole Every Time

• Remove all excess grease from ground beef to prevent a greasy, heavy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
• Stir frequently while simmering to prevent pasta from sticking and achieve an even, creamy texture throughout the casserole.
• Cut Velveeta into small, uniform cubes for faster, smoother melting and more consistent cheese distribution.
• Drain canned corn completely to avoid excess liquid that could make the casserole watery and dilute the rich flavors.
• Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly across the surface for a golden, bubbly cheese layer that covers the entire casserole.

Fun Variations on Quick Sloppy Joe Pasta Casserole

• Vegetarian Joe Pasta: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, using vegetable broth for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Casserole: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and ensure Manwich sauce is gluten-free certified.
• Spicy Southwestern Remix: Add diced green chilies, swap Velveeta for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips before baking.
• Turkey Joe Lighter Bake: Use lean ground turkey instead of beef, reducing fat content while maintaining hearty flavor profile.

Best Pairings for Quick Sloppy Joe Pasta Casserole

Complement the bold Manwich sauce with a cold, hoppy India Pale Ale (IPA) that cuts through the rich, meaty flavors and cleanses the palate with its crisp bitterness.

Prepare a tangy coleslaw with a vinegar-based dressing to balance the hearty, cheesy casserole and add a crunchy, light contrast to the heavy main dish.

Serve chilled root beer or cream soda to soften the spicy notes and provide a sweet counterpoint to the savory, robust beef and cheese combination.

Roast green beans with garlic and lemon zest to introduce a bright, fresh element that complements the rich, comforting casserole and adds nutritional balance.

How to Keep Quick Sloppy Joe Pasta Casserole Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Let the casserole cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date and contents.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place casserole in a baking dish, add a little broth to maintain moisture. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and drained before adding the sauce.

• Is Manwich sauce necessary, or can I substitute?

While Manwich adds a classic flavor, you can use homemade sloppy joe sauce or another prepared sloppy joe sauce if preferred. The key is maintaining similar sauce consistency.

• What if I don't have Velveeta cheese?

You can substitute with cream cheese or a similar melting cheese like American cheese. The goal is to create a creamy, smooth texture in the dish.

• Can this casserole be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Quick Sloppy Joe Pasta Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sloppy joe pasta casserole delivers a hearty midwest comfort meal that combines zesty ground beef with cheesy pasta perfection. Savory flavors blend seamlessly, creating a crowd-pleasing dish you’ll crave for weeknight dinners and potluck gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (lean)
• 3/4 pound (340 grams) pasta (such as farfalle or penne; uncooked)
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth

Sauce and Cheese:

• 1 (15.5 ounces / 440 grams) can Manwich sauce (or your favorite sloppy joe sauce)
• 8 ounces (227 grams) Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup (75 grams) diced yellow onion
• 1 cup (142 grams) frozen or drained corn
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish with light grease.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onions over medium-high heat until meat is completely browned, then drain excess fat.
3. Pour Manwich sauce and chicken broth into the skillet with browned beef, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Add uncooked pasta directly into the sauce, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking for approximately 15 minutes until pasta reaches al dente texture.
5. Reduce skillet heat and incorporate cubed Velveeta, stirring until cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy consistency.
6. Fold corn into the beef and pasta mixture, ensuring even distribution.
7. Transfer entire skillet contents to prepared casserole dish, spreading mixture evenly.
8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole.
9. Cover dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes until cheese is fully melted and edges are bubbling.
10. Remove from oven, let rest for 3-5 minutes, then garnish as desired and serve hot.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, vegetarian-friendly version that still packs big flavor.
• Enhance nutrition by adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini during the browning stage for added texture and vitamins.
• For a spicier kick, mix in some diced jalapeños or sprinkle red pepper flakes before baking to elevate the flavor profile.
• Prep this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and making weeknight dinner a breeze.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 491 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 670 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg