Sloppy Joe Casserole is made with corkscrew pasta tossed in canned Sloppy Joe sauce, ground beef and Velveeta then topped with Colby Jack cheese and baked for an easy weekday dinner the whole family will love.
From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito
Sloppy Joes were one of those dinners that felt like a treat to me growing up. They’re messy, saucy, and somehow better than a regular plain old burger. This recipe takes all those familiar flavors that we love and turns them into a cheesy baked pasta that’s easy to serve and impossible not to like. It’s comfort food at its best with zero fuss.
This is the kind of recipe you make when you want something hearty, kid friendly, and guaranteed to disappear fast. It’s also great for busy nights because everything comes together in just one skillet and one baking dish. Simple ingredients, no fancy steps, and the leftovers reheat beautifully, too.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this sloppy Joe casserole. You can find the full ingredients list along with measurements and instructions on the recipe card below.
- Corkscrew Pasta- Its ridges and curves grab onto the sauce so every bite is coated and hearty.
- Ground Beef- The base of the casserole, giving it that classic Sloppy Joe flavor and texture.
- Onion- Adds a subtle sweetness and depth that balances the tangy sauce.
- Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce- Brings the signature sweet and savory flavor with zero extra seasoning required.
- Velveeta- Melts smoothly into the sauce, making everything creamy and smooth.
- Colby Jack Cheese- Adds a gooey, slightly sharp finish that pulls the whole dish together.
- Parsley- An optional garnish that adds a nice pop of color.
How To Make It
Here’s how to make this delicious casserole. You can find the full ingredients list along with instructions on the recipe card below.
Preheat the oven to 350°F
First, in a large skillet over medium hight heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion until fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease. Add both cans of Manwich sauce and the Velveeta. Stir until the Velveeta is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
PRO TIP: Cut the Velveeta into small cubes so that it melts faster and incorporates easily.
Now, add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet and toss until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9 x 13” baking dish. Sprinkle Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top.
NOTE: Don’t over cook the pasta. It will continue to cook while it’s in the oven.
PRO TIP: Make sure to shred the Colby Jack cheese yourself and avoid the pre shredded stuff that comes in a bag. It will melt much better that way.
Finally, place it into the center rack of the oven for 15 minutes, or just until the cheese is fully melted. Let sit for a 2-4 minutes before serving, garnish with parsley (optional) and enjoy!
PRO TIP: Don’t over bake the casserole or it will dry out. Take it out as soon as the cheese has melted.
PRO TIP: Let the casserole sit before serving to firm up and settle.
Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can! Assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes if it’s coming right out of the fridge.
Can I Use A Different Pasta?
Sure! Rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni all work, but cavatappi (corkscrew) holds sauce especially well.
What Can I Serve This With?
This casserole is rich and hearty so light sides are a great choice. A simple vegetable like Frozen Roasted Green Beans or side salad would be perfect.
Storage
Let the casserole cool completely and place it into an air tight container. It will last in the fridge for up to three days. This recipe freezes well, too. Just place it into a freezer safe air tight container and it will last for up to three months.
Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- 9" x 13" baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Ground Beef
- ½ Small Onion, diced
- 2 (24 Oz) Cans Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce
- 8 Ounces Velveeta, cubed
- 1 Pound Corkscrew Pasta, cooked
- 1 Cup Colby Jack Cheese, hand shredded
- 1 Tbs Parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F
- In a large skillet over medium hight heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion until fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add both cans of Manwich sauce and the Velveeta. Stir until the Velveeta is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet and toss until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9 x 13” baking dish. Sprinkle Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top.
- Place it into the center rack of the oven for 15 minutes, or just until the cheese is fully melted. Let sit for a 2-4 minutes before serving, garnish with parsley and enjoy!
Other Easy Casserole Recipes
If you like super easy to make casserole recipes like this one. You have to try this Chicken & Stuffing Casserole, Stuffed Pepper Casserole and Easy Enchilada Casserole.
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