Description
This Sloppy Joe Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish combining the classic flavors of a sloppy joe sandwich in a baked pasta casserole form. Ground beef, vegetables, and a tangy tomato-ketchup sauce mix with tender penne pasta and a blend of melted cheeses, baked to bubbly perfection. It’s an easy, family-friendly meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 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
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces uncooked penne pasta, cooked according to package instructions
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) to prepare it for baking the casserole later.
- Cook the Beef and Vegetables: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef, diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Crumble the beef as it cooks and sauté until the beef is cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Make the Sauce: To the cooked beef mixture, add diced tomatoes, ketchup, light brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and corn. Cook together for 4-5 minutes to let the flavors meld. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
- Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked pasta with the meat sauce and half of the shredded cheese. Stir gently to combine evenly.
- Top with Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your hearty and cheesy Sloppy Joe Casserole!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- If fresh corn is available, it can be used instead of frozen or canned.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder to the sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
