Description
This Sloppy Joe Casserole is a delicious, easy-to-make comfort food combining the classic sloppy joe flavors with pasta and melted cheese for a hearty family-friendly meal. Ground beef is cooked with vegetables and a tangy tomato sauce, mixed with penne pasta, and baked until bubbly and golden on top.
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
Pasta and Cheese
- 12 ounces uncooked penne pasta, cooked according to package instructions
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) to prepare it for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Meat 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 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 Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: 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.
- Assemble 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.
Keywords: Sloppy Joe, Casserole, Ground Beef, Comfort Food, Pasta Bake, Easy Dinner