Name: Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup); 1 red bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes; 1 cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon light brown sugar; 1 teaspoon yellow mustard; ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1½ cups frozen corn or corn drained from a can; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 12 ounces uncooked penne pasta, cooked according to package instructions; 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 126 reviews

If you’re craving that classic comfort food with a twist, then you’re in for a treat with this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe. Trust me, this dish takes everything you love about sloppy joes — that rich, saucy, beefy goodness — and turns it into a cozy, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers. I absolutely love how this casserole comes together quickly and still feels like a warm, homemade hug after a long day.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Weeknight Dinner: This casserole comes together quickly, perfect for busy evenings when you want comfort food without the fuss.
Family-Friendly Flavor: The mix of tender pasta, flavorful beef sauce, and melty cheese wins over even picky eaters.
Great Make-Ahead Option: It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy tasty leftovers or prep it in advance.
Flexible Ingredients: You can easily swap vegetables or cheeses to suit your taste or what’s in your fridge.

A white baking dish filled with a baked pasta casserole showing three layers: the bottom layer has cooked penne pasta with some visible pieces of ground meat and diced red bell peppers, the middle layer is golden melted cheese spreading evenly, and the top layer has more penne pasta mixed with melted cheese, small corn kernels, and sprinkled green parsley leaves scattered for color contrast. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with some extra sliced cheese pieces and a small bowl with chopped herbs nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Sloppy Joe Casserole, easy sloppy joe casserole, cheesy sloppy joe bake, comfort food casserole, quick dinner recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

I’ve found that this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe shines because of its simple, fresh ingredients that come together in a harmony of savory and slightly sweet flavors. When you shop, picking fresh veggies and good-quality ground beef really makes a difference here.

Flat lay of a small mound of fresh lean ground beef, a whole small yellow onion with bright papery skin, a whole red bell pepper with glossy smooth skin, two peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with bright red diced tomatoes, a small white bowl of thick red ketchup, a small white bowl of light brown sugar crystals, a small white bowl of smooth yellow mustard, a small white bowl containing dark Worcestershire sauce, a small white bowl piled with fresh yellow corn kernels, a small white bowl of fine white salt, a small white bowl of ground black pepper, a neat bundle of uncooked penne pasta with smooth, tubular shapes, a small white bowl heaped with shredded Colby Jack cheese in creamy orange and white tones, a small white bowl heaped with shredded sharp yellow cheddar cheese, and a small sprig of vibrant green parsley placed to the side, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Sloppy Joe Casserole, easy sloppy joe casserole, cheesy sloppy joe bake, comfort food casserole, quick dinner recipes

Ground beef: Look for lean but not too lean to keep the mixture juicy and flavorful.
Yellow onion: Adds a mild sweetness; dice it finely so it melts into the sauce.
Red bell pepper: Provides a subtle crunch and bright color—diced small for even cooking.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic packs the best punch, but jarred minced garlic works in a pinch.
Diced tomatoes: I use the canned kind with juice for extra sauciness.
Ketchup: Brings that familiar “sloppy joe” tang and a touch of sweetness.
Light brown sugar: Balances acidity with a caramel note; don’t skip it!
Yellow mustard: Adds a little zip that cuts through the richness.
Worcestershire sauce: Gives depth with its umami kick.
Corn: Sweet corn kernels bring bursts of juicy sweetness and texture.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning; taste and adjust as you go.
Penne pasta: The perfect shape to hold all that hearty sauce.
Colby Jack and cheddar cheese: A melty, cheesy combo that’s unbeatable.
Fresh parsley: Chopped for garnish to add a pop of color and freshness.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you’re looking to add more veggies, swap proteins, or make it a little healthier, these tweaks come in handy.

Vegetable Boost: I sometimes toss in chopped mushrooms or shredded carrots for extra nutrition and texture without overpowering the classic flavor.
Protein Swap: Ground turkey or chicken works well if you prefer a leaner option; just be mindful of cooking times as they cook a bit faster.
Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a smoked gouda for a unique twist.
Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce gives the casserole a little kick that my family adores.

How to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Veggies

Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef along with the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. As the beef cooks, break it up with a wooden spoon so you get nice crumbles. Cook this until the beef is browned and the veggies are tender—about 6 to 7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain off excess fat to keep the casserole from getting greasy.

Step 2: Build the Sloppy Joe Sauce

Next, stir in your diced tomatoes, ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and corn. Let this simmer for about 4 to 5 minutes so the flavors melt together. Give it a taste test! You might want to add more salt or pepper depending on your preference—this part really brings the whole dish to life.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook your penne pasta according to the package instructions in salted water. I like to cook it just shy of al dente since it’ll finish baking in the oven. Drain well once done and set aside.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

In a 9×13 baking dish, mix together the cooked pasta and your sloppy joe meat sauce, then stir in half of the shredded cheeses. Spread it evenly, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake in your preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 20 minutes, or until it’s bubbling and the cheese is beautifully melted.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a lovely burst of color and freshness. Serve it straight from the casserole dish—comfort food at its best!

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Pro Tips for Making Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

Drain the Meat Well: I learned the hard way that draining excess fat prevents a watery casserole and keeps the flavors balanced.
Simmer the Sauce: Letting the meat sauce simmer for at least 5 minutes helps deepen the flavors—don’t rush this step.
Cheese Blend Magic: Mixing Colby Jack and sharp cheddar gives you that perfect balance of gooey melt and flavor complexity.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cooking pasta just a minute or two less than package instructions helps it hold up nicely without turning mushy after baking.

How to Serve Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a wooden spoon lifting a portion of pasta from a large dish. The dish has two main layers: a base of cooked macaroni pasta in a light golden brown color mixed with ground meat and small diced tomatoes, and a top layer of melted cheddar cheese in a bright yellow-orange hue that stretches slightly as it is lifted. Scattered throughout the pasta and cheese are pieces of yellow corn and green herbs, adding small pops of color. The background around the pasta is blurred but matches the mixed colors of the dish. The photo is taken over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Sloppy Joe Casserole, easy sloppy joe casserole, cheesy sloppy joe bake, comfort food casserole, quick dinner recipes

Garnishes

I love adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley—not only does it look pretty, but it adds a fresh, mild herbaceous note that balances the richness. Sometimes a dash of hot sauce on top lifts the flavors nicely, especially if your crowd loves a bit of heat.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette or a side of steamed green beans. For a heartier meal, roasted sweet potatoes or garlic bread are tasty options that round everything out.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at parties, I’ve served the casserole in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and broiled for a few minutes for a golden crust. It’s a crowd-pleaser that looks way fancier than it is! You can also layer it with crispy fried onions on top for some added crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover sloppy joe casserole stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I like to portion it out right away so it’s easy to grab a ready-made meal later.

Freezing

This casserole freezes really well! I’ve frozen it both before and after baking—wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

I prefer reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to preserve that melty cheese texture. Alternatively, individual servings heat well in the microwave with a covered dish to keep moisture in.

FAQs

Can I make this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils and add extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini. Just cook and season them similarly to keep all that cozy casserole flavor.
What type of cheese works best in Sloppy Joe Casserole?

I recommend a blend of Colby Jack and cheddar because you get creaminess and sharpness together, which complements the tangy and sweet sauce perfectly. Feel free to try mozzarella or pepper jack if you prefer milder or spicier options.
Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! Penne is great because it holds sauce well, but you can also use elbow macaroni, rotini, or rigatoni. Just be sure to cook according to package directions and not overcook since the casserole goes back in the oven.
How spicy is this casserole?

This recipe is mild by default, which makes it kid-friendly. However, if you like a little heat, you can add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños when cooking the beef for extra kick.

Final Thoughts

This Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe has become a staple at our house because it’s comforting, easy, and loved by everyone—even my picky eaters. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a classic but works perfectly for busy modern life and family dinners. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it brings a little extra cozy to your table soon!