Description
This Quick Sloppy Joe Pasta Casserole is a comforting and delicious meal that combines the classic sloppy joe flavors with hearty pasta and melted cheese. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s easy to prepare, with a flavorful ground beef tomato sauce baked to bubbly cheesy perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Sloppy Joe Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta
- 12 oz elbow macaroni or any short pasta
For the Topping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sloppy joe mixture: In a large skillet or pan, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add sauces and spices: Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together, stirring occasionally.
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Assemble the casserole: In a large casserole dish (9×13 inches), combine the cooked pasta with the sloppy joe mixture. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Add cheese topping: Top the casserole with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Optional broil for crispy top: If you prefer a crispy top, you can broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish and enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells if elbow macaroni isn’t available.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder and paprika according to your spice preference.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding a bit of olive oil to the pasta water can help prevent the pasta from sticking.
