Sloppy Joe Casserole
Cheesy ground beef sloppy joe sauce baked with tender pasta for an easy family casserole
PRINT PINServings 6
INGREDIENTS
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 tsp salt for pasta water.
Sloppy Joe Meat Sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 1 small green bell pepper diced optional
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil optional
- 1 cup ketchup
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup beef broth or water as needed.
Casserole Finish
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sour cream optional
- chopped parsley for garnish optional.
INSTRUCTIONS
Prep and Pasta
- heat oven to 375 F and lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish
- cook macaroni in salted water until just al dente then drain.
Meat Sauce and Bake
- brown ground beef with onion and bell pepper in a large skillet over medium heat until cooked through then drain excess fat
- stir in garlic for 30 seconds then add ketchup tomato sauce tomato paste brown sugar Worcestershire mustard and spices plus broth as needed and simmer 5 minutes
- fold in drained pasta and sour cream if using then spread in baking dish
- top evenly with cheddar and mozzarella then bake until hot and bubbly and cheese is melted about 12 to 15 minutes then rest 5 minutes before serving and garnish if desired.
Notes
1. drain beef well to avoid a greasy casserole; swap ground turkey or chicken for beef; use rotini shells or gluten free pasta; add diced jalapenos hot sauce or red pepper flakes for heat; make ahead assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours then bake; store leftovers covered up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months
Nutrition
Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 20g