Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe | Comfort Family Dinner
I just tried making this Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe, and I have to say—it’s one of those comforting, no-fuss meals that makes everyone happy. After a long day, I love recipes that don’t require fancy ingredients yet taste like I spent hours in the kitchen.
This casserole checked all the boxes: hearty, cheesy, saucy, and quick to throw together. If you enjoy cozy, family-style dinners, you’ll want to bookmark this one for your next weeknight meal, or try something equally delicious like this Hot Honey Chicken Sandwich Recipe.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need—and why each ingredient makes this casserole so satisfying:
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean) – This ratio gives the perfect balance of flavor and texture without too much grease.
- ½ cup diced onions – Onions bring a touch of sweetness that complements the tangy sauce.
- 1 (15.5 oz) can Manwich sauce – The classic sloppy joe base that delivers a bold, tomato-rich flavor in minutes.
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth – Helps the pasta cook evenly while adding savory depth to the sauce.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained) – Adds freshness, texture, and extra moisture.
- ¾ lb farfalle pasta (uncooked) – The bow-tie shape holds the sauce beautifully, but any short pasta works.
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed – Melts smoothly into the casserole for creamy, gooey texture.
- 1 cup corn (frozen or drained from a can) – Adds a subtle sweetness and color contrast.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – Finishes the dish with a deliciously cheesy, golden top layer.
Note: This recipe makes several hearty servings—perfect for family dinners or next-day leftovers.
Variations
There are so many ways to customize this Sloppy Joe Casserole depending on your dietary needs or taste preferences. You can even enjoy similar flavors in a lighter dish like this Hot Honey Chicken Salad Recipe.
- Dairy-Free: Replace Velveeta and cheddar with your favorite non-dairy cheese or cashew-based sauce.
- Low-Sugar: Use a no-sugar-added tomato sauce in place of Manwich for a cleaner, more natural taste.
- Extra Veggies: Mix in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition and texture.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a teaspoon of chili powder or top with pickled jalapeños for extra heat.
- Different Protein: Try ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter twist.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Large skillet or deep pot – To brown the meat and cook the sauce and pasta together.
- 9×13-inch casserole dish – Ideal for baking and serving the final dish.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – For stirring and mixing the cheesy sauce.
- Lid or foil – Keeps heat and moisture in while baking.
- Oven mitts – Essential for safely transferring hot cookware.
How to Make Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole
A few simple steps and you’ll have a bubbling, cheesy dinner ready in under an hour.
Brown the beef and sauté the onions
Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once there’s no pink left, stir in the diced onions and let them soften for a few minutes. Drain any excess grease before moving on.
Add sauce, tomatoes, broth, and pasta
Next, pour in the Manwich sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle boil. Add the uncooked farfalle pasta, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Stir in corn and cheese, then bake
When the pasta is tender, stir in the corn and cubed Velveeta. Cover the skillet for a few minutes to let the cheese melt smoothly into the sauce. Once melted and creamy, transfer everything to your casserole dish, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
Here are some personal tricks I used that made my casserole even tastier and easier:
- I always drain the beef thoroughly after browning—it keeps the final dish from turning greasy.
- Letting the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after baking helps it set and makes the serving cleaner.
- Grating cheddar fresh from the block gives a smoother, more flavorful melt than pre-shredded cheese.
- Stir the mixture once halfway through baking to help the cheese melt evenly across the top.
- I like to sprinkle a little extra cheese or parsley right before serving—it looks and tastes amazing.
How to Serve Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole
This casserole is a meal on its own, but you can make it extra special with a few simple touches. Serve it straight from the baking dish family-style for an easy weeknight dinner. For a pop of color and freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions on top.
Pair it with a crisp side salad or steamed green veggies to balance the richness. For a heartier option, add a slice of buttery garlic bread or cornbread on the side—perfect for soaking up that cheesy sauce.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutrition per serving (approximate values):
- Calories: 663 kcal
- Protein: 38 g
- Carbohydrates: 61 g
- Fat: 30 g
This casserole is indulgent but balanced—it’s packed with protein, hearty carbs, and just the right amount of cheesy goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing in the Fridge
Once the casserole cools completely, transfer leftovers into airtight containers. It stays fresh for 3–4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole in individual portions or as a whole dish. Wrap tightly in foil or place in freezer-safe containers, and it will keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20–25 minutes or until hot throughout. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge first. For a quick fix, you can also reheat single portions in the microwave—just stir halfway through to heat evenly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re wondering whether this recipe deserves a spot in your rotation, here’s why I think you’ll fall in love with it too:
- It’s super easy to make: No complicated steps—just brown, mix, bake, and enjoy.
- It’s budget-friendly: Most ingredients are pantry staples or easy to find.
- It’s family-approved: Kids and adults both love the cheesy, saucy flavor.
- It’s flexible: You can customize it to suit different diets or flavor preferences.
- It reheats beautifully: Perfect for meal prep, leftovers, or freezer meals.
Making this Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole was such a fun and delicious experience for me. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, fills the kitchen with mouthwatering smells, and reminds you how satisfying simple comfort food can be. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or prepping ahead for guests, this recipe will never disappoint.
Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by heating your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once there’s no pink left, stir in the diced onions and let them soften for a few minutes. Drain any excess grease before moving on.
- Next, pour in the Manwich sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle boil. Add the uncooked farfalle pasta, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom.
- When the pasta is tender, stir in the corn and cubed Velveeta. Cover the skillet for a few minutes to let the cheese melt smoothly into the sauce. Once melted and creamy, transfer everything to your casserole dish, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
- I always drain the beef thoroughly after browning—it keeps the final dish from turning greasy.
- Letting the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after baking helps it set and makes the serving cleaner.
- Grating cheddar fresh from the block gives a smoother, more flavorful melt than pre-shredded cheese.
- Stir the mixture once halfway through baking to help the cheese melt evenly across the top.
- I like to sprinkle a little extra cheese or parsley right before serving—it looks and tastes amazing.