Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

I absolutely LOVE this Sloppy Joe Casserole recipe because it takes that classic, comforting sloppy joe flavor and turns it into a warm, cheesy, crowd-pleasing bake. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something hearty on the table but don’t want to fuss with sandwiches or messy hands. You’ll find that this casserole delivers all the nostalgia of a sloppy joe, but with a cozy twist that makes it ideal for family dinners or casual get-togethers.

What makes this Sloppy Joe Casserole recipe stand out for me is how quickly you can pull it together, and that it uses pantry-friendly ingredients – like those trusty cans of Manwich sauce – yet still feels special and satisfying. When I first tried this recipe, I was pleasantly surprised by how kid-friendly and satisfying it was, plus it reheats beautifully the next day. Trust me, once you try this casserole, it’ll become a go-to comfort dish in your rotation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Sloppy Joe Casserole recipe combines savory ground beef, tangy Manwich sauce, tender bowtie noodles, and ooey-gooey cheeses to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Choosing the right cheese and pasta helps everything come through beautifully baked and bubbling.

• Lean ground beef: I like using lean beef to keep things a little lighter without sacrificing flavor.
• Diced yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth—make sure to dice finely so it cooks evenly.
• Original Manwich sauce (24 oz and 15 oz cans): These are key for that iconic sloppy joe flavor; don’t skip them!
• Bowtie (farfalle) noodles: Cook these al dente so they hold up nicely when baked and don’t get mushy.
• Shredded Velveeta: This melts beautifully and adds creaminess throughout the casserole.
• Shredded Colby-Jack cheese: Sprinkled on top for a golden, cheesy crust once baked.

Variations

I love customizing this Sloppy Joe Casserole recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or what flavor mood we’re in. Feel free to experiment, whether you want it a little spicier or gluten-free—this dish is pretty forgiving and adapts well.

• Spicy Boost: I once added diced jalapeños and a splash of hot sauce into the Manwich mixture; it gave the casserole a nice kick that everyone enjoyed.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or lentils—you’ll still get that hearty feel.
• Different Pasta Shapes: If you can’t find bowtie noodles, elbow macaroni or penne make great substitutes too.
• Cheese Variety: Mixing in some sharp cheddar or smoked gouda adds a nice depth to the cheesy layer on top.

How to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions

Start by heating a heavy-bottomed stock pot over medium-high heat. Toss in your lean ground beef and diced onions, stirring occasionally to break up the meat. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess grease carefully so your casserole isn’t too oily — this is one trick I learned after my first soggy batch!

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Pot

Once the beef and onions are ready, stir in both cans of Manwich sauce until the mixture is evenly coated. Then fold in your cooked bowtie noodles and shredded Velveeta cheese. The Velveeta melts into the sauce and noodles, giving it a velvety creaminess that’s hard to beat.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray. Pour the beef and noodle mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Then top with the shredded Colby-Jack cheese for a golden, melty crust when baked.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly edges and a perfectly melted cheesy top. If you want to add a little browning, broil it for an extra 2-3 minutes, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

How to Serve Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top after baking to add a fresh pop of color and subtle brightness to the rich casserole. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dollop of sour cream or a few sliced pickles on the side add a fun tangy contrast.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this Sloppy Joe Casserole are simple comfort food classics like a crisp garden salad or roasted green beans. You can also keep it cozy with buttery corn on the cob or my favorite—crunchy oven-baked potatoes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual party, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins, topped with a sprinkle of extra cheese and fresh herbs for a personal, elegant touch. It’s also great for potlucks—just bring it in your baking dish and let everyone dive in family-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover Sloppy Joe Casserole tightly covered in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for 3-4 days and reheats nicely without losing moisture or flavor.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! I portion it out into freezer-safe containers before baking, so I can thaw and bake single servings later—super convenient for busy nights. Just freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to avoid drying. A microwave works too for a quick fix, but you might lose some crispiness on top.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Sloppy Joe Casserole recipe holds a special place in my heart – it’s one of those dishes that brings comfort, simplicity, and a little fun to the dinner table all at once. Whether you’re feeding kids, busy weeknighters, or a hungry crowd, this bake has your back. Give it a try and let me know if your family goes as wild for it as mine does—I bet it’ll soon become your reliable weeknight hero too!

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