Description
This comforting and kid-friendly Sloppy Joe Casserole combines the classic flavors of Sloppy Joes with cheesy pasta, making it a hearty and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Pasta
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1 pound pasta (your choice)
Liquids and Sauce
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 24 ounces Sloppy Joe sauce (or homemade sauce – see below)
- 1⅓ cup ketchup
- ⅔ cup water
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1 cup corn
- 8 ounces Velveeta shreds
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
Optional Garnish
- Parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s fully heated when your casserole is ready to bake.
- Sauté Ground Beef: In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook 1 pound of ground beef for approximately 7 minutes until fully browned. Drain excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Add Pasta, Broth, Sauce, and Corn: To the cooked beef, add 1 pound of uncooked pasta, 4 cups vegetable broth, 24 ounces of Sloppy Joe sauce (or combine the homemade sauce ingredients: ketchup, water, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes), and 1 cup of corn. Stir well.
- Simmer Pasta Mixture: Cook the mixture for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Incorporate Velveeta Cheese: Stir in 8 ounces of Velveeta shreds until the cheese is thoroughly melted and blended with the pasta mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the cheesy beef and pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add Cheddar Topping: Evenly sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly and the pasta is fully cooked to your liking.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle chopped parsley over the casserole before serving to add a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use any pasta shape you like, though medium shapes like rotini or elbow macaroni work well.
- For a homemade Sloppy Joe sauce, mix ketchup, water, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes as per the ingredient amounts listed.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, increase the red pepper flakes slightly.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- If you want a lower-fat version, substitute lean ground beef and reduce the cheese quantity or use lower-fat cheese options.
- Adding vegetables like diced bell peppers or onions can enhance the flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole, Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Sloppy Joe Casserole, cheesy pasta casserole, kid-friendly dinner, ground beef casserole, easy weeknight meal
