Sloppy Joe Casserole
Embrace the ultimate comfort food experience with this delightful Sloppy Joe Casserole, a nostalgic dish reimagined for modern convenience. It combines the classic tangy-sweet ground beef mixture you love with tender pasta, all baked under a blanket of melted cheddar cheese. This casserole is incredibly satisfying and perfect for a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
30-35 minutes
Total Time
50-55 minutes
Servings
6-8 generous servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- A beloved classic, reinvented in a convenient and hearty casserole format.
- Perfect for busy weeknights, offering maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
- Hearty, satisfying, and universally loved by all ages, making it a family favorite.
- Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or a touch of extra spice.
- Fantastic for meal prep and makes delicious, easy-to-reheat leftovers.
Ingredients
- 15 ml (1 tablespoon) olive oil
- 450 g (1 pound) ground beef (preferably 80/20 lean)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 large bell pepper (any color), finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 240 ml (1 cup) tomato sauce
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) ketchup
- 15 ml (1 tablespoon) Worcestershire sauce
- 15 g (1 tablespoon) light brown sugar, packed
- 5 ml (1 teaspoon) Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 225 g (8 ounces) dried pasta (such as elbow macaroni, cavatappi, or small shells), cooked al dente and drained
- 240 g (1 cup) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 2.5-3 liter (9×13 inch) baking dish with cooking spray or a pat of butter, then set it aside. This prepares the dish for an even bake and easy serving.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and bell pepper to the hot skillet. Break up the beef with a wooden spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is thoroughly browned and the vegetables have softened, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
- Carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. This step is crucial for preventing a greasy casserole. Once drained, stir in the minced garlic, tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and mustard. Mix everything well to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for approximately 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen.
- In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked and drained pasta with the rich sloppy joe mixture. Ensure every piece of pasta is thoroughly coated with the sauce, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the sloppy joe and pasta mixture. This will create a delicious, golden-brown crust during baking.
- Carefully place the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is beautifully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. The edges of the casserole might also be gently browned.
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly for 5-10 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the casserole to set, making it easier to portion and ensuring the flavors are perfectly distributed. Enjoy the robust, tangy, and sweet flavors that make this dish a standout comfort meal.
- Serve this hearty casserole as a complete meal on its own, or pair it with a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or Dutch oven (3-4 liter capacity)
- 2.5-3 liter (9×13 inch) baking dish
- Large pot for cooking pasta
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Chef's knife and cutting board
Essential Success Tips
- Cook your pasta al dente (slightly firm) as it will continue to cook and absorb flavors while baking in the oven, preventing it from becoming mushy.
- Always drain excess fat from the ground beef mixture after browning. This step ensures a cleaner, less greasy casserole and allows the sauce flavors to shine.
- Taste the sloppy joe sauce before combining with pasta and adjust the seasoning. You might want more salt, pepper, a touch more brown sugar for sweetness, or a splash of vinegar for tang.
- For an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal, consider using a blend of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar with a touch of Monterey Jack or Colby.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the ingredients to settle and makes for cleaner, more intact servings.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To enhance the texture and prevent the cooked pasta from becoming waterlogged, lightly toast the drained pasta in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until slightly fragrant, before mixing with the sauce.
- A small splash (5-10 ml) of apple cider vinegar added right at the end of simmering the sloppy joe sauce can brighten all the flavors, cutting through the richness and adding a subtle tang.
- For deeper umami and a hint of smokiness, incorporate a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke into the sloppy joe mixture alongside the other seasonings.
Notes
- Leftovers of this casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- This casserole freezes exceptionally well. Once completely cooled, wrap it tightly in foil and then in plastic wrap (or transfer to a freezer-safe container) and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture while it simmers.
- To incorporate more vegetables, finely dice carrots, celery, or zucchini and cook them alongside the onion and bell pepper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sloppy joe mixture and cook the pasta a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, combine them in the baking dish, top with cheese, and bake as directed. If assembling cold, you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
What kind of pasta works best for this casserole?
Elbow macaroni is the traditional choice and works wonderfully due to its small size and ability to hold sauce. However, other small pasta shapes like cavatappi, small shells, or even penne can also work beautifully. Choose a shape that effectively captures and carries the delicious sloppy joe sauce.
How can I customize the flavors of the sloppy joe sauce?
The sloppy joe sauce is quite versatile. For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the beef and vegetable mixture. If you prefer a sweeter profile, increase the brown sugar slightly, or for more tang, a bit more Worcestershire sauce or a splash of red wine vinegar can be added.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 480, Protein: 35g, Fat: 22g, Carbs: 38g (per serving, estimated based on 8 servings).
Allergy Information
This dish contains dairy (cheese) and gluten (pasta). For a gluten-free version, ensure you use gluten-free pasta and verify that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. For a dairy-free option, you can omit the cheese or substitute it with a plant-based shredded cheese alternative.
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