A Comfort Food Classic with a Cheesy Twist

If you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, look no further than this Sloppy Joe Casserole. This dish takes everything you love about the classic sandwich and elevates it into a warm, bubbly casserole that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals. Packed with ground beef, melty cheese, elbow noodles, and bold, savory flavors, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that delivers comfort in every bite.

Who Will Love This Recipe?

This casserole is ideal for busy families, home cooks looking to use pantry staples, or anyone who needs to feed a crowd without fuss. If you grew up on Sloppy Joes or simply love casseroles that combine protein, pasta, and gooey cheese, this is your kind of meal. The best part? It’s quick to prep, made in one skillet (plus the baking dish), and you can easily tweak it to your taste or dietary preferences.

Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner, something to freeze for later, or a dish to bring to your next potluck, Sloppy Joe Casserole checks all the boxes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up this comfort classic, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons mustard
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 cup beef stock
12 ounces elbow noodles, uncooked
8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Before you dive in, here’s the gear you’ll need:

Large skillet or deep sauté pan
9×13-inch casserole dish
Wooden spoon or spatula
Cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Cheese grater (if shredding your own cheddar)
Oven mitts

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and set it aside. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

2. Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease for a cleaner, less oily dish.

3. Sauté the Veggies

Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the veggies are softened and fragrant. Then, stir in the salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.

4. Build the Sloppy Joe Sauce

Add the ketchup, mustard, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, diced tomatoes (with juice), and beef stock. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors.

5. Add the Pasta

Stir in the uncooked elbow noodles, making sure they are fully coated and submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed much of the sauce.

6. Make It Cheesy

Lower the heat and stir in the Velveeta cubes until melted and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of beef stock to loosen it.

7. Bake to Perfection

Transfer everything to your prepared casserole dish. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to help everything set.

Pro Tips and Tricks

Time Saver: Use pre-diced frozen onions and peppers to cut down on prep time.
Extra Creamy: For added richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream before baking.
Cheese Swap: Not a fan of Velveeta? Try cream cheese or shredded Monterey Jack for a different melt and flavor.
Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce for a kick of heat.
Make It Healthier: Swap ground turkey or chicken for beef, and use whole-wheat pasta.

Recipe Variations

This dish is incredibly versatile. Try some of these fun spins:

Tex-Mex Style: Add a can of drained black beans, corn, and taco seasoning. Top with pepper jack cheese.
Vegetarian Version: Use a plant-based ground meat substitute and veggie broth instead of beef stock.
Bacon-Lover’s Twist: Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon before topping with cheese for a smoky, savory boost.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat:

Microwave individual portions on medium power for 2–3 minutes.
Or cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes.

You can also freeze portions in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above. The texture of the noodles may soften slightly but will still taste amazin

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a meal in itself, but here are some tasty side ideas:

Green salad with vinaigrette for freshness
Garlic bread or buttered rolls
Steamed broccoli or roasted green beans for a healthy balance

Drink Pairings:

A cold beer or root beer pairs well with the bold flavors.
For wine lovers, try a Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely. Shells, rotini, or penne all work well—just ensure they’re similar in size and cooking time to elbow noodles.

Do I have to use Velveeta?
No, but it adds that signature creamy texture. Substitute with cream cheese or just use more shredded cheese if preferred.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add 5–10 extra minutes to the cook time.

How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your Worcestershire sauce and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Sloppy Joe Casserole is the ultimate comfort food fusion—bringing together nostalgia, hearty ingredients, and cheesy goodness into one oven-baked masterpiece. It’s the kind of meal that brings people back for seconds and makes weeknight dinners something to look forward to.

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