Dinner

Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole

Name: Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 lb. ground beef; 1 15.5 oz can Manwich sauce; 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes; 8 oz. Velveeta cheese cubed; ¾ lb penne pasta (uncooked); 2 ½ cups chicken broth; 1 ½ cups cheddar shredded; ½ cup sweet yellow onion (diced)

KrystelJuly 23, 2024

DifficultyEasy

Servings6

The Ultimate Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole Delight

Introduction

Imagine combining the rich, tangy flavors of a classic Sloppy Joe with the heartwarming, cheesy goodness of a freshly baked casserole. That's exactly what this Sloppy Joe Casserole is all about. It's a delightful fusion that promises all the comforting vibes of your favorite childhood dinners but with the ease and simplicity modern life demands. Perfect for those busy weeknight dinners, this recipe is a surefire way to bring everyone to the table, smiling and ready to dig in. With ingredients like ground beef, Manwich sauce, and Velveeta cheese, it's the kind of meal that's both satisfying and straightforward, thanks to its one-pot preparation. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or new to the kitchen, this casserole is designed to make your dinner routine a breeze, letting you serve up a meal that tastes like home.

Key Takeaways:

A fusion of Sloppy Joe flavors and casserole comfort
Ideal for easy, quick weeknight dinners
One-pot meal with simple, hearty ingredients

Gathering Your Ingredients

Hey there! Let’s dive into the heart of our Sloppy Joe Casserole by lining up all the ingredients you’ll need to bring this comforting meal to life. Highlighted by the unmistakable flavors of ground beef and Manwich sauce, this dish is a no-fuss ticket to a hearty dinner. You'll need a pound of lean ground beef, about half a cup of diced onions, that signature 15.5 oz can of Manwich sauce, and the rich foundation of 2 ½ cups of chicken broth. Don’t forget a 14.5 oz. can of diced tomatoes – and here's the kicker, keep those juices; we're not draining them today! They’re key for that extra punch of flavor and moisture.

Then, there’s the beloved penne pasta, a generous 8 oz. of cubed Velveeta cheese, and to top it all off, 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. And of course, who could forget the perfect sidekick to this casserole? A delicious serving of cornbread pairs wonderfully. Feel free to get creative with swaps to suit your dietary preferences, making this versatile recipe a perfect fit for any family dinner. Whether it's a bustling weeknight or a leisurely weekend, this dish promises comfort in every bite.

Prepping Your Kitchen

Before we dive into creating our mouthwatering Sloppy Joe Casserole, let me walk you through getting your kitchen ready—it's easier than you think! First things first, let's crank up that oven to 375°F. While it's warming up, grab your large, deep skillet or pot and a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish. These are the heroes of our adventure today, making sure our casserole turns out just perfect.

Now, I know dealing with all these dishes sounds overwhelming, but here's the silver lining: our recipe is a stunning one-pot meal. Yes, you read that right. That means you'll have more time to enjoy with your family, and less time worrying about a mountain of dishes. You're welcome!

Browning the Beef

Okay, let’s dive right into the heart of making our Sloppy Joe Casserole come to life—the beef. It’s simpler than you think and I’m here to guide you through each step, making sure you nail it from the get-go. Now, grab that apron and let’s get the stove fired up!

Start by heating your large, deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. You’ll want to cook and crumble the ground beef right in there. Feel that sizzle? That’s the sound of deliciousness in the making.
After a couple of minutes, toss in the diced onions. Keep stirring and watch as the beef transforms. The aroma of cooking onions mixed with beef should be filling your kitchen by now—it’s one of my favorite smells and a sure sign that things are moving in the right direction.
Now, for the crucial part: draining the excess grease. Once the beef is beautifully browned and the onions are tender, take a moment to drain off any excess fat. This step is essential for a healthier version of our casserole, but also it means the flavors concentrate rather than getting lost in the grease. Health benefits aside, it just makes everything taste better.
Looking for signs of perfectly browned beef? You're aiming for a nice, even color without any pink left, and those onions should be soft and transparent. This means your beef is perfectly cooked and ready to become the foundation of our Sloppy Joe Casserole, bringing depth and richness to every bite.

Adding the Flavors

Alright, dive into the heart of our Sloppy Joe Casserole by bringing our cast of characters into the mix. Here's how we stir up some magic:

Add the Manwich sauce—that rich, tomatoey goodness that screams comfort. Pour it right into the skillet where the beef and onions have been getting to know each other.
Pour in the chicken broth, which is going to give us that moist, sauce-drenched pasta we're all craving. It's the secret to casserole success.
Toss in the diced tomatoes, juice and all. Don't you dare drain them! We're after every bit of flavor we can get. This trio—Manwich sauce, broth, and tomatoes—creates a Sloppy Joe base that’s unmatched.
Let the mix bubble before you introduce the penne pasta. Yes, we add it uncooked—trust me. It’s going to soak up all that splendid sauce and turn just perfectly tender.
Now, take a taste. Cozy, right? But if it needs a little salt or a pepper pep-up, now's your moment. Adjust it to make it your own; after all, you’re the chef!

Final Touches and Baking

Add the cubed Velveeta cheese directly into the skillet mixture. I like to make sure that the Velveeta is evenly distributed so that it melts into creamy perfection, enveloping each noodle in velvety cheese sauce. It's like watching magic happen right in your pot.
Transfer your Sloppy Joe mix into a lightly greased 9 x 13 inch casserole dish. This is the moment when your kitchen starts to feel like the heart of your home, filled with the promise of a delicious meal.
Generously sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top. You want a thick layer that will turn into a gooey, golden crust. Cheddar adds that perfect sharpness that complements the tangy Manwich sauce beautifully.
Bake in your preheated oven until the cheese is bubbly and irresistible. If you crave that irresistibly crispy, golden-brown top, pop the casserole under the broiler for a few minutes. Just keep an eye on it – it's worth it for that perfect cheese crust.

Serving Your Casserole

Once you've pulled this bubbly, golden Sloppy Joe Casserole delight from the oven, the magic really begins. Serving it hot is key – the aromas alone are enough to gather everyone around the dinner table. But why stop there? Pair it with a slice of warm, buttery cornbread or a crisp, green salad to round out your meal. And hey, if you're anything like me, the more cheese, the merrier, so feel free to sprinkle some extra cheddar on top of your serving. Got leftovers? No problem! This casserole reheats beautifully, making your weeknight dinners even easier. Just a few minutes in the oven or microwave, and it's like you're indulging in this hearty, comforting meal all over again.

Why It's a Weeknight Wonder

There's something irresistibly comforting about a dish that combines the heartiness of ground beef, the tanginess of Manwich sauce, and the gooeyness of cheeses—all wrapped up in a pasta bake that screams home. This Sloppy Joe Casserole is exactly that; it's not just a meal, it's a warm hug at the end of a long day. Its simplicity makes it a no-brainer for weeknight dinners, especially when you're looking for something that will leave everyone at the table satisfied and smiling.

What I love most about this recipe is how it invites us to make cooking a joyous journey rather than a chore. Whether you're a cooking novice or a seasoned chef, the easy casserole recipes like this one invite creativity and personal flare. Feel free to swap in your family's favorite veggies, use a different type of pasta, or even adjust the cheeses to suit your dietary needs. The essence of this dish – its comforting, heartwarming nature – remains, no matter how you twist it.

In Closing

Moreover, it's dishes like this Sloppy Joe Casserole that remind us of the importance of family dinners. In the hustle and bustle of weeknights, gathering around a one-pot meal that's both filling and comforting can be the highlight of the day. And let's not forget the joy of sharing a meal that's as fun to eat as it is to make—especially when paired with sides like cornbread or a simple green salad.

So, I encourage you to dive into this recipe, to make it your own, and to share your unique take on this classic comfort food with your loved ones. After all, it's in the sharing and enjoying together that the true magic of cooking comes alive. Here's to the Sloppy Joe Casserole, a true weeknight wonder that's easy, quick, and endlessly adaptable. Let's keep making memories, one delightful dish at a time.