Here’s a Sloppy Joe Casserole—all the classic sloppy joe flavors baked into a hearty, cheesy casserole 🍔🧀
Sloppy Joe Casserole
Ingredients (serves 4–6)
For the filling:
1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey
1 small onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (8 oz / 225 g) tomato sauce
½ cup ketchup
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the topping:
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2–3 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini) or mashed potatoes
Instructions
1. Preheat oven
Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook onion and bell pepper until softened, 3–5 minutes.
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Simmer 5–10 minutes until thickened.
3. Assemble the casserole
If using pasta: Mix cooked pasta with the meat mixture and spread in the baking dish.
If using mashed potatoes: Spread meat mixture in the dish and layer mashed potatoes on top.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
4. Bake
Bake 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve
Let cool 5 minutes before serving. Optionally garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.
Tips & Variations
Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Vegetarian: Use lentils or meatless crumbles instead of ground meat.
Cheese options: Mix cheddar and mozzarella for extra gooeyness.
Meal prep: Assemble in advance and refrigerate; bake when ready.
If you want, I can make a “quick 30-minute Sloppy Joe Casserole” version that uses pantry staples and still tastes like the classic messy sandwich.
Do you want me to do that?
