Comfort food just got a whole lot easier! This Sloppy Joe Pasta Casserole combines the rich, savory flavors of a classic sloppy joe with the creamy, cheesy goodness of a baked pasta casserole. It’s the best of both worlds in one dish—and trust me, it’s about to become your new weeknight favorite.
Once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked. The zesty sauce, melty cheese, and tender pasta come together in perfect harmony.
Why You’ll Love Quick Sloppy Joe Pasta Casserole
This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s designed to make your life easier. Here’s why you’re going to love it:
Versatile: You can switch up the ingredients, whether you want to go leaner with ground turkey or throw in some extra veggies for a healthier twist.
Budget-Friendly: A simple meal that doesn’t require any expensive ingredients but still tastes like a million bucks.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this casserole is a perfect choice for those nights when you’re short on time but still want a satisfying meal.
Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins, like mushrooms, bell peppers, or extra cheese.
Crowd-Pleasing: With its bold flavors and cheesy finish, this dish will impress everyone at the table—even the picky eaters!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Quick Sloppy Joe Pasta Casserole
This casserole is full of hearty ingredients that meld together perfectly to create a dish everyone will love. Here’s what you need:
Ground Beef: The meaty base of the dish that soaks up all the savory sloppy joe flavors. Ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner option.
Pasta: Penne, rotini, or any short pasta works best here. It holds the sauce nicely, giving you that perfect bite every time.
Sloppy Joe Sauce: The tangy, slightly sweet sauce that gives this dish its signature flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade—either way, it’s delicious!
Cheddar Cheese: Melty, gooey cheddar is the perfect cheese for this casserole. It complements the bold flavors of the sloppy joe sauce.
Cream Cheese: This adds a creamy richness to the casserole, making it extra comforting.
Green Onions: These give a fresh, slightly sharp bite to balance the richness of the dish.
Garlic Powder: A touch of garlic enhances the flavor of the entire casserole.
Italian Seasoning: A little mix of oregano, basil, and thyme to add a bit of depth.
Olive Oil: To sauté the beef and get it nice and crispy.
Instructions
Preheat Your Equipment
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to get that cheesy top bubbly and golden.
Cook the Pasta
Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Drain it, but save a bit of pasta water in case you need to loosen up the sauce later.
Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Add the Sloppy Joe Sauce
Stir in the sloppy joe sauce, cream cheese, and garlic powder. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until everything is well combined and creamy.
Mix with Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the sauce until every piece is coated with the delicious sloppy joe mixture.
Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the pasta mixture into a baking dish and top with a generous amount of cheddar cheese. Sprinkle a little Italian seasoning on top for extra flavor.
Bake to Perfection
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving so the casserole can set.
Serve and Enjoy
Dish out the casserole and top with freshly chopped green onions for a burst of color and flavor. Serve it hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: Approximately 450 calories
(Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
How to Serve Quick Sloppy Joe Pasta Casserole
This casserole pairs wonderfully with:
- Garlic bread or breadsticks for some extra carbs to dip into the cheesy sauce
- A fresh side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness
- Pickles on the side for a little crunch and tang
- Roasted vegetables to add a nutritious, colorful touch
Additional Tips
- Want to add more veggies? You can toss in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach when cooking the beef for extra nutrients.
- Love extra cheese? Add a layer of mozzarella or pepper jack for a different twist.
- No ground beef? Try using ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute.
- Want a lighter version? Use whole wheat pasta and reduce the amount of cream cheese for a lighter touch.
FAQ’s
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s cold from the fridge.
2. Can I freeze the casserole?
Absolutely! Freeze the assembled casserole before baking, and bake it straight from frozen at 375°F for about 40 minutes.
3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Of course! Any short pasta, like elbow macaroni or rotini, will work perfectly.
4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave until warmed through.
5. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, mozzarella or provolone will melt beautifully, but cheddar gives it that rich flavor.
6. Can I make it spicier?
For a spicy kick, add jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
7. How do I make it vegetarian?
Use plant-based ground beef or crumbled tofu in place of the ground meat.
8. Can I add more sauce?
Yes! If you prefer a saucier casserole, just increase the amount of sloppy joe sauce and cream cheese to your liking.
9. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
10. Can I use homemade sloppy joe sauce?
Yes! Homemade sloppy joe sauce will work perfectly in this casserole.
Conclusion
This Quick Sloppy Joe Pasta Casserole is the kind of dish that makes weeknight dinners easier without sacrificing flavor. It’s rich, cheesy, and comforting with a little kick of tang from the sloppy joe sauce. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is sure to hit the spot every time!
Print
Quick Sloppy Joe Pasta Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (stovetop + baking)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish / Casserole
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty, comfort food casserole that marries the tangy, savory flavors of sloppy joes with tender pasta and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 oz pasta (penne or elbow macaroni works best)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes, chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion and bell pepper until the meat is browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Flavors: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Create the Sauce: Mix in the tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine: Gently stir the cooked pasta into the sloppy joe mixture, ensuring everything is well incorporated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust the level of sweetness or tanginess by modifying the ketchup or brown sugar amounts.
- For a healthier twist, try using lean ground turkey or whole-wheat pasta.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Sugar: ~10 g
- Sodium: ~600 mg
- Fat: ~15 g
- Saturated Fat: ~6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~4 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~35 g
- Fiber: ~3 g
- Protein: ~20 g
- Cholesterol: ~60 mg