Go Back
–+ servings
Sloppy Joe Casserole

Savory Sloppy Joe Casserole for Cozy Family Dinners

This Sloppy Joe Casserole is a comforting twist on a classic dish, perfect for family dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Mixture
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Main protein; brown until no pink remains for a rich flavor.
  • 1 cup Onion Adds sweetness and depth; shallots or leeks are great alternatives.
  • 1 cup Green Bell Pepper Offers crunch and flavor; any color bell pepper can be used.
  • 1 cup Red Bell Pepper Brings additional sweetness and color; optional if you prefer just green.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Enhances aroma; substitute 1/4 tsp garlic powder if fresh isn’t handy.
For the Sauce
  • 1 can Diced Tomatoes Provides moisture and acidity; fresh tomatoes work beautifully in season.
  • 1/2 cup Ketchup Key for sweet tanginess; consider barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor twist.
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar Balances acidity; honey or maple syrup can substitute for sweetness.
  • 1 tablespoon Yellow Mustard Adds a dash of tang; Dijon mustard is a sharper alternative.
  • to taste Salt Essential for balancing flavors; adjust to personal taste.
  • to taste Black Pepper Essential for balancing flavors; adjust to personal taste.
For Texture and Bulk
  • 1 cup Frozen Corn Adds a sweet texture; fresh or canned corn makes valid replacements.
  • 2 cups Penne Pasta Forms a hearty base; swap with other pasta types or use cauliflower rice for a lighter alternative.
For the Creamy Topping
  • 1 cup Colby-Jack Cheese Provides creaminess and flavor; cheddar or mozzarella work well as substitutes.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Sloppy Joe Casserole
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef and cook for about 8–10 minutes until well-browned. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add chopped onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
  4. Mix in the diced tomatoes, ketchup, yellow mustard, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
  5. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add penne pasta and frozen corn, and cook until pasta is tender, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  6. Stir the cooked pasta and corn into the beef and sauce mixture. Add about 1 cup of shredded Colby-Jack cheese and mix until combined.
  7. Transfer the mixture into a prepared 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until the top is golden and the cheese is melted.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.7gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

For best results, cool the casserole slightly before serving. Add toppings like fresh herbs or sour cream for extra flavor enhancements.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!