If you love comfort food that’s both hearty and crowd-pleasing, this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe is destined to become your next weeknight favorite. Imagine everything you love about a classic Sloppy Joe—savory ground beef, tangy-sweet sauce, a touch of melty cheese—wrapped up in a cheesy pasta bake that’s ready in under an hour. One bite and you’ll see why this dish is a superstar at potlucks, family dinners, and even picky eaters’ tables!

Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This easy Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe is all about simple, accessible ingredients that come together for big, bold flavors. Each component brings something special—whether it’s savory depth, creamy comfort, or a punch of color that makes every serving irresistible.

1 pound ground beef: The hearty, classic base that makes this casserole so satisfying—swap for turkey or plant-based meat if you like!
1/2 cup diced onion: Adds sweetness and depth that build up the Sloppy Joe flavor profile.
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper: For color, crunch, and that signature Sloppy Joe bite.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic richness and a savory backbone to the sauce.
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce: The tangy, saucy heart of this casserole—don’t skip it!
1/4 cup ketchup: Adds sweetness and true Sloppy Joe character.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: A splash brings umami and a hint of complexity.
1 tablespoon brown sugar: Just a touch balances all the savory notes beautifully.
1 teaspoon chili powder: For gentle warmth that won’t overpower anyone’s taste buds.
Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season at each step for maximum flavor.
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni or rotini pasta: The hearty base that absorbs all of the flavor—either pasta shape works perfectly.
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Bold, melty goodness woven throughout and on top.
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (optional for topping): For those mouthwatering cheese pulls and extra creaminess.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté everything to golden perfection.

How to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta shape just until al dente—meaning still a little firm in the center, about 1–2 minutes less than the box suggests. The pasta will get softer as it bakes with the sauce, so this step keeps it perfectly textured rather than mushy. Drain and set aside; it’ll be ready when your sauce is done.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Veggies

Grab your biggest skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef, diced onion, and green bell pepper and cook everything together, stirring and breaking up the meat as you go. You want the beef fully browned and the veggies softened—this usually takes about 5–7 minutes. This step builds a savory base and starts layering those familiar Sloppy Joe flavors.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Build the Sauce

Stir in your minced garlic, letting the aroma fill the kitchen for just about a minute. Next, add the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it go for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This reduces the sauce slightly and lets all the spices and veggies mingle into something magic.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Cheese

Turn off the heat and fold your cooked pasta into the Sloppy Joe meat mixture. Add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and mix it all together, making sure every little bite gets a cheesy coating. This step is where everything really comes together as one irresistible casserole filling!

Step 5: Layer and Bake

Pour the combined mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and add that optional mozzarella if you love extra cheese-pull moments! Slide the dish into your preheated 375°F oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden in spots. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before scooping and serving—it helps everything set!

How to Serve Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions to your casserole right before serving for a bright, fresh finish. Some folks also love a handful of diced dill pickles on top to echo classic Sloppy Joe flavors; it’s a playful twist that takes this comfort food to the next level!

Side Dishes

Since the Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe is so hearty, a crisp green salad with a zippy vinaigrette is a perfect pairing. Buttery corn on the cob, garlic bread, or even roasted green beans also make wonderful sides—anything that brings color and crunch alongside the warm, cheesy main event.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving leftovers in individual ramekins for a dinner-party spin, or spoon the casserole onto toasted slider buns for “casserole Sloppy Joes.” For a kid-friendly touch, top each serving with a few crunchy fried onions or a drizzle of ranch dressing—watch how quickly it disappears!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better as they meld, making this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeks or lunches.

Freezing

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap the baking dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for up to 3 months. Label clearly and thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture when reheating!

Reheating

You can reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through (cover with foil if it starts to brown too much), or microwave single servings for a quick lunch. Add a splash of water or extra sauce if needed to keep things nice and saucy.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of pasta in this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! Any short pasta shape, like penne, shells, or even small rigatoni, can stand in for elbow macaroni or rotini. Just be sure to cook until just al dente so it doesn’t get too soft while baking.

How can I make this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe vegetarian?

You can swap the ground beef for any plant-based ground meat alternative or even cooked lentils for a protein-rich vegetarian version. The rest of the ingredients stay the same, so everyone can enjoy!

Is it possible to prepare Sloppy Joe Casserole ahead and bake later?

Yes! You can fully assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through and bubbly.

What’s the best way to prevent the casserole from drying out?

Don’t overbake, and make sure your sauce has enough moisture before baking. If reheating leftovers, consider adding a splash of tomato sauce or even a bit of broth to keep things nice and juicy.

Can I add extra veggies or spices?

Definitely! Feel free to stir in corn, mushrooms, or diced jalapeños for extra flavor, or bump up the chili powder if you like more heat. The Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe is wonderfully versatile—make it your own!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dinner that promises comfort in every bite, you can’t go wrong with this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe. It’s cozy, cheesy, and endlessly customizable—perfect for sharing with family, friends, or just treating yourself. Give it a spot in your weekly rotation and watch everyone come running to the table!

Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 16 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Sloppy Joe Casserole recipe is a hearty and comforting twist on the classic sandwich. Ground beef, pasta, and a savory tomato sauce are baked together with gooey cheese for a family-friendly meal that’s easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (optional for topping)
1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the pasta: Boil water, cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Cook the beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and bell pepper until browned. Add garlic and cook, then add tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
Combine ingredients: Remove from heat, stir in cooked pasta and 1 cup cheddar cheese.
Bake: Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake for 15–20 minutes until bubbly.
Serve: Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.