Description
Sloppy Joe Casserole brings classic diner flavors right to your dinner table with cheesy, meaty goodness that makes your family cheer. Hearty ground beef, tangy sauce, and melted cheese create a quick weeknight meal that satisfies serious comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
Main Components:
- 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or penne) or 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Supporting Ingredients:
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed for sauteing)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet to medium temperature. Brown 1 pound ground beef and ½ diced yellow onion until meat turns completely brown and onion becomes translucent. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the meat mixture. Sauté for 30 seconds until the aroma develops and garlic softens.
- Pour 1 cup tomato sauce, ½ cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon mustard into the skillet. Mix thoroughly and let simmer for 6 minutes to combine flavors.
- Fold 2 cups cooked pasta directly into the beef sauce. Ensure each pasta piece gets evenly coated with the saucy mixture.
- Transfer the entire beef and pasta combination into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the mixture in an even layer across the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole, creating a complete cheese coverage.
- Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F. Bake uncovered for 22 minutes until cheese melts completely and edges become slightly crispy.
- Remove the casserole from the oven. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help the sauce set and cool slightly.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and make the casserole lighter.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular pasta or biscuits with gluten-free alternatives like cauliflower rice or gluten-free biscuit mix.
- Customize the flavor by adding a splash of hot sauce or using different cheese varieties like pepper jack or smoked cheddar.
- Prep this dish ahead of time by assembling the casserole and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve for an easy weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-37 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 475 kcal
- Sugar: 11 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg