This Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe is the ultimate comfort food come to life, combining that tangy, sweet, and savory sloppy joe goodness with creamy, cheesy pasta in a cozy baked dish. It’s a crowd-pleaser that balances rich melted cheese and hearty ground beef with the perfect hint of mustard and brown sugar sweetness, all wrapped together in tender bowtie pasta. If you’re looking for a family-friendly meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make, this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe will quickly become your go-to weeknight favorite.

Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are surprisingly simple but absolutely essential to getting the perfect flavor, texture, and color in your Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe. Each one plays a key role, from the savory ground beef to the melty Velveeta, creating that irresistible cheesy, saucy comfort that you’ll love.

1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds the perfect base for sautéing onions and garlic with a subtle fruity richness.
½ cup diced white onion: Brings a sweet, aromatic foundation that softens the bold beef flavor.
3 cloves garlic, finely minced: Adds a fragrant punch of savory depth.
1 pound ground beef: The hearty protein that makes this dish filling and satisfying.
½ cup ketchup: Provides that classic tangy tomato undertone essential to sloppy joe sauce.
2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the tang.
1 tablespoon yellow mustard: Gives a subtle zing that brightens up the sauce.
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds complexity and a savory umami kick.
3½ cups low-sodium chicken broth: Used to cook the pasta and infuse extra flavor while keeping the dish moist.
8 ounces dry bowtie pasta (½ box): The fun, whimsical shape that holds sauce beautifully.
16 ounces Velveeta cheese, cut into small pieces and divided (1 block): Creates that ultra-creamy cheese sauce everyone loves.
8 ounces Colby jack cheese, freshly grated and divided: Adds a mild, creamy texture with a touch of meltiness and color.
Freshly chopped green onions or chives: For a fresh, vibrant garnish that lifts the whole dish visually and in flavor.

How to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the baking dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F and set aside a 9×13-inch baking dish. Having the oven and dish ready ensures smooth assembly and baking later without any delay.

Step 2: Cook the onions and garlic

Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and cook until they turn translucent and soft, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, stir in garlic and let it cook for about a minute until fragrant, releasing its lovely aroma.

Step 3: Brown the ground beef

Add the ground beef to your onion and garlic mixture, breaking it up as you go. Cook until the beef is a rich dark brown and cooked through. This step develops the savory foundation crucial to a robust Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe.

Step 4: Mix in the sauce ingredients

In a small bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this mixture into the cooked beef and stir thoroughly to coat every crumb with that sweet-tangy sauce.

Step 5: Let the beef mixture simmer

Allow the beef and sauce to simmer for a few minutes so all the flavors meld. Once done, spoon it into a bowl and set it aside momentarily. This keeps the sauce thick and concentrated.

Step 6: Prepare the broth and cook pasta

Pour the chicken broth into the now empty pan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until just less than al dente according to package instructions. Cooking pasta slightly under ensures it won’t be mushy once baked in the casserole.

Step 7: Combine beef and cheese

Add the beef mixture back into the pan with the pasta. Stir in 12 ounces of Velveeta cheese and half of the grated Colby jack cheese, mixing until everything is melted and creamy. This luscious mixture is the heart of your Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe.

Step 8: Assemble the casserole

Spread the cheesy beef and pasta combination evenly into your prepared baking dish. Scatter the remaining Velveeta pieces and grated Colby jack over the top. This extra cheese layer creates a bubbly, golden crust once baked.

Step 9: Bake the casserole

Cover the dish with non-stick foil and bake for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry and cheese to melt deeply. Then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the edges turn deliciously crisp and brown — giving a delightful textural contrast.

Step 10: Cool and garnish

Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes so it sets nicely. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or chives on top for a crisp, fresh finish that brightens each serving.

How to Serve Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh green onions or chives adds a pop of color and a subtle onion flavor that perfectly lifts this rich, cheesy dish. You can even try a dash of smoked paprika or a little chopped fresh parsley for a twist.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or some steamed green beans. These sides balance out the richness and add a refreshing crunch or vibrant color to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun family meal, serve the Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets. It’s a charming way to personalize each serving and impress guests with style alongside comfort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the casserole cools to room temperature, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick meals later in the week.

Freezing

This dish freezes wonderfully. Prepare the casserole through assembly and then wrap it securely with foil and plastic wrap before freezing. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, allow extra baking time and keep it covered initially to prevent drying out.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, until warmed through—about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions but try to retain moisture by covering the dish with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to avoid drying out the cheese.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works wonderfully for holding onto the sauce, you can substitute with elbows, penne, or any pasta shape you love. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is Velveeta cheese necessary for the best cheesy texture?

Velveeta is key to getting that creamy, smooth melt that traditional cheese sometimes struggles to achieve. If unavailable, you can try processed cheese alternatives, but the texture might vary slightly.

Can I make this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils. Adjust seasoning to taste, and you’ll have a vegetarian-friendly version with all the same great flavors.

How spicy is this casserole? Can I add heat?

This recipe is mild by default, perfect for all ages. If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy kick that pairs well with the cheesy sauce.

What kind of mustard works best in the sauce?

Traditional yellow mustard is recommended here for its mild tanginess and bright color. Dijon or spicy brown mustard can be used too, but they will alter the flavor and intensity slightly, so start with a smaller quantity.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe enough for busy evenings or casual gatherings. It’s comfort food that feels like a warm hug and takes you back to kid-friendly flavors made new with cheesy, baked goodness. Go ahead, give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did! It’s sure to become a beloved staple on your dinner table.

Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

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4.3 from 184 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Sloppy Joe Casserole offers a comforting twist on the classic sandwich by combining savory ground beef in a tangy tomato-based sauce with bowtie pasta and melty cheeses, all baked to golden, bubbly perfection. Perfect for a family-friendly dinner, this hearty casserole blends familiar flavors with an easy, one-dish meal approach.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup diced white onion
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 pound ground beef

Sauce

½ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Pasta and Broth

3½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
8 ounces dry bowtie pasta (½ box)

Cheeses

16 ounces Velveeta cheese, cut into small pieces and divided (1 block)
8 ounces Colby jack cheese, freshly grated and divided

Garnish

Freshly chopped green onions or chives

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Instructions

Prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and set aside a 9×13-inch casserole baking dish to use later.
Cook the onion: In a large pan over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil, then add the diced white onion. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
Add garlic: Stir in the finely minced garlic and cook for an additional minute or until fragrant, careful not to burn it.
Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the pan, crumble it with a spatula, and cook until browned thoroughly, with no pink remaining, about 7-10 minutes.
Mix ingredients for sauce: In a small bowl, combine ketchup, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this sauce mixture into the browned beef and stir well to combine all flavors.
Let the beef mixture simmer: Allow the beef and sauce to simmer gently for a few minutes to meld the flavors. Then, spoon the mixture into a bowl and set aside temporarily.
Prepare the broth: Wipe out the pan to remove any residue and pour in the chicken broth. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
Cook pasta: Add the bowtie pasta to the boiling broth and cook according to package instructions but stop just before it reaches al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
Combine beef and cheese: Return the cooked beef mixture to the pan with the pasta. Add 12 ounces of the Velveeta cheese and half of the grated Colby jack cheese, stirring until all the cheese is melted and evenly combined.
Assemble the casserole: Spread this cheesy beef and pasta mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Top with the remaining Velveeta pieces and the rest of the grated Colby jack cheese.
Bake the casserole: Cover the dish with non-stick foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the edges begin to crisp and develop a deep brown color.
Cool and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions or chives as desired before serving.

Notes

For a spicier version, consider adding a pinch of chili powder or red pepper flakes to the beef sauce.
Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control the salt level in this dish.
Letting the casserole rest before serving allows it to set, making serving easier.
Velveeta cheese melts smoothly, but you can substitute with a similar processed cheese if preferred.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American