Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

If you’re a fan of classic comfort food with a twist, you’re going to love this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe. It takes the yummy, saucy goodness of sloppy joes and turns it into a cozy, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. I’ve made this more times than I can count, and every time my family goes crazy for it. Stick around, and I’ll share all my tips to help you get it just right!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe come together to create that perfect mix of savory, tangy, and cheesy flavors. I love using lean ground beef for a healthier base, and the combination of Colby Jack and cheddar cheese gives the topping a nice melty texture and sharp flavor.

• Ground beef: Lean beef works best to avoid excess grease but still plenty of flavor.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness that balances the tangy ketchup and tomatoes.
• Red bell pepper: Brings a subtle crunch and bright color to the dish.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic gives that essential savory punch.
• Diced tomatoes: I prefer no-salt-added canned tomatoes to control seasoning.
• Ketchup: This is where much of the classic Sloppy Joe flavor shines through.
• Light brown sugar: Just enough to mellow out acidity and add depth.
• Yellow mustard: Balances sweetness and adds subtle tang.
• Worcestershire sauce: My secret weapon for that umami boost.
• Corn: Frozen or canned both work well and add a pop of sweetness.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to round out the flavors.
• Penne pasta: A sturdy pasta shape that holds up nicely in the casserole.
• Colby Jack cheese + Cheddar cheese: The combo melts beautifully and adds creamy, sharp notes.
• Fresh parsley: For a fresh and pretty garnish at the end.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. I often swap out veggies or cheeses depending on what I have on hand, and it still turns out fantastic every time.

• Vegetarian version: Try swapping ground beef for plant-based crumbles or lentils—I did this once, and honestly, you won’t miss the meat.
• Spicy twist: Add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture for a little heat that wakes up the flavors.
• Cheese variations: Feel free to mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack if you want a milder, creamier top layer.
• Extra veggies: I sometimes add diced mushrooms or zucchini to sneak in more nutrition without overwhelming the classic taste.

How to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Veggies

Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef along with diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. As the beef cooks, break it apart with your spoon or spatula to keep it crumbly and even. Cook everything until the beef is browned and the veggies are soft—usually around 6 to 7 minutes. Remember to drain any excess fat after cooking so your casserole doesn’t get greasy.

Step 2: Create the Sloppy Joe Sauce

Once the beef and veggies are ready, stir in the diced tomatoes, ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and corn. Let this simmer gently for about 4 to 5 minutes so all the flavors meld and it thickens slightly. Taste the sauce here and adjust salt and pepper as you like. I usually add a little extra brown sugar for sweetness, but that’s just me!

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. I like to cook it just to al dente so it holds up during baking without turning mushy. Drain it well and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble Your Casserole

Grab a 9×13 baking dish and combine the cooked pasta with the meaty sauce and half the shredded cheeses. Mix gently to make sure everything is evenly distributed. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top—this is what makes the casserole beautifully melty and irresistible.

Step 5: Bake It to Perfection

Pop the casserole into a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 20 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese on top to be completely melted and the casserole heated through. When it’s done, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for that pop of color and fresh flavor.

How to Serve Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep things simple with garnishes—just a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a nice pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor that balances the richness of the cheese and meat.

Side Dishes

Some crisp green beans or a big leafy salad with vinaigrette help cut through the richness. I also love serving this casserole alongside roasted sweet potatoes or even garlic bread for a more indulgent meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party twist, I’ve served this Sloppy Joe Casserole in individual mini baking dishes or even in ramekins. It makes a cute presentation and makes sure everyone gets their own cheesy, saucy goodness. Perfect for weekends when friends come over!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap before popping it into the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and leftovers taste just as good heated up.

Freezing

This casserole freezes really well, which has saved me on many hectic days. Just assemble and bake it, then cool and freeze in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Reheating

For leftovers, I usually reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) covered with foil to prevent the top from burning, about 15–20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring halfway for even warming.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe brings together simple ingredients for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s one of those meals where everyone leaves the table happy and satisfied. If you want a family-friendly, easy-to-make recipe that packs so much flavor with minimal fuss, give this a try. Trust me, once you make it, it will be a go-to recipe you’ll keep coming back to—and you’ll wonder why you didn’t make casseroles out of sloppy joes sooner!

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