Name: Sloppy Joe Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey); 1 small onion, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce; 1/2 cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 3 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or penne); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1 cup crushed crackers or French fried onions (optional, for topping)

This hearty Sloppy Joe Casserole transforms the classic sandwich filling into a satisfying pasta bake that’s perfect for family dinners. It combines seasoned ground beef with tangy sauce, pasta, and melty cheese for a comforting meal that both kids and adults will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines two family favorites: Sloppy Joes and pasta casserole
Make-ahead friendly for busy weeknights
Customizable with various add-ins and toppings
Perfect for feeding a crowd
Great for using up pantry staples
Freezes beautifully for future meals
Kid-approved while still satisfying for adults
Easier to eat than traditional messy Sloppy Joes

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef provides the hearty protein base for this casserole. It offers rich flavor and satisfying texture, though you can easily substitute ground turkey for a leaner option without sacrificing much taste.
Onion and green bell pepper create the aromatic foundation of this dish. They add sweetness, texture, and classic Sloppy Joe flavor while providing nutritional benefits.
Garlic brings essential savory notes that enhance all the other flavors in the dish. Fresh minced cloves work best, but pre-minced garlic from a jar can save time in a pinch.
Tomato sauce forms the base of the Sloppy Joe mixture, providing rich tomato flavor and the proper consistency for coating the pasta.
Ketchup adds both tanginess and sweetness while contributing to the authentic Sloppy Joe flavor profile that makes this dish so nostalgic.
Brown sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes with just the right amount of sweetness. It also helps create that distinctive Sloppy Joe flavor that everyone recognizes.
Worcestershire sauce delivers depth and umami notes that elevate the entire dish. This fermented condiment adds complexity that can’t be achieved with other ingredients.
Yellow mustard brings a subtle tangy kick that cuts through the richness of the beef and cheese. It’s a classic Sloppy Joe ingredient that shouldn’t be skipped.
Pasta serves as the hearty base that soaks up all the delicious sauce. While elbow macaroni or penne are recommended, nearly any short pasta shape will work well.
Cheddar cheese creates that irresistible melty, gooey topping that makes casseroles so appealing. The sharpness of cheddar pairs perfectly with the slightly sweet Sloppy Joe sauce.
Crushed crackers or French fried onions add a delightful textural contrast with their crispy finish. While optional, this topping elevates the dish from good to great.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add onion, green bell pepper, and garlic; cook about 5 minutes until softened.
Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5-10 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta and sloppy joe mixture. Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
Pour mixture into prepared dish, spreading evenly.
Sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheese and crushed crackers or fried onions on top if using.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

This Sloppy Joe Casserole makes 6 generous servings, perfect for a family meal with potential leftovers. Preparation takes approximately 15 minutes, with 30 minutes of cooking time, bringing the total time to about 45 minutes. Each serving contains approximately 400 calories, making it a reasonable main dish when paired with a vegetable side.

Variations

Spicy Sloppy Joe Casserole: Add 1-2 tablespoons of hot sauce or 1 diced jalapeño to the meat mixture for a kick of heat.
Mexican-Style: Incorporate 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning, use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar, and top with crushed tortilla chips.
Italian Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the sauce, use mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar, and top with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan.
Veggie-Packed: Double the bell peppers and add 1 cup of diced zucchini or grated carrots to increase the vegetable content.
Cheeseburger Style: Add 1/4 cup of dill pickle relish to the meat mixture and top with sesame seeds for a cheeseburger-inspired casserole.
Mac and Cheese Hybrid: Double the cheese in the pasta mixture and add 1/4 cup of milk for a creamier, mac and cheese-like texture.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover Sloppy Joe Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure the casserole has cooled completely before storing.

Freezing: This casserole freezes exceptionally well. You can freeze it either before or after baking:

Before baking: Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
After baking: Portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

Refrigerated leftovers: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For larger portions, reheat in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
Frozen leftovers: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if possible, then reheat as above. If reheating from frozen, add additional time and cover with foil to prevent drying out.

Make-Ahead: You can prepare this casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble completely, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since the casserole will be cold.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute for a leaner option. The rich sauce flavors will still make the casserole taste delicious. You may want to add an extra teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the flavor since turkey is milder than beef.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden. If you inserted a knife into the center, it should come out hot to the touch.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Also check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free, as some brands contain malt vinegar.

What sides go well with Sloppy Joe Casserole?

This hearty casserole pairs perfectly with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or coleslaw. For a complete comfort food experience, serve with dill pickles on the side.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. You’ll need to add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Why is my casserole watery?

This typically happens if the pasta was overcooked before adding to the casserole or if the sloppy joe mixture wasn’t simmered long enough to thicken. Make sure to cook pasta al dente and allow the sauce to reduce properly.

Can I use a different cheese?

Definitely! While cheddar provides the classic flavor, you can experiment with monterey jack, colby, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses depending on your preference.

How can I make this casserole more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like grated carrots, finely chopped mushrooms, or spinach to the beef mixture. You can also use whole grain pasta for added fiber and nutrients.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker by preparing the meat sauce as directed, then combining with cooked pasta and 1 cup of cheese in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, add the remaining cheese on top for the last 15-30 minutes.

What can I use instead of crushed crackers for topping?

Breadcrumbs, crushed potato chips, crushed cornflakes, or even a mixture of grated Parmesan and melted butter make excellent alternative toppings.

Conclusion

This Sloppy Joe Casserole brilliantly transforms a beloved sandwich filling into a satisfying, family-friendly pasta bake. It combines the nostalgic flavors of classic Sloppy Joes with the comforting appeal of a cheesy pasta casserole, creating a meal that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

The versatility of this dish makes it perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you need a hearty meal that appeals to all ages. With its make-ahead capabilities and excellent freezer-friendly qualities, it’s also an ideal option for meal planning. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore one of the variations, this Sloppy Joe Casserole delivers big flavor and satisfaction in every bite.