Sloppy Joe Casserole – Welcome to the ultimate comfort food delight! This Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe. Combines tender penne pasta, seasoned ground beef, and vibrant bell peppers. And a savory tomato sauce. All topped with melty Colby-Jack cheese. Ready in just over an hour. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Or a potluck gathering.
The first time I made this Sloppy Joe Casserole. It was an instant hit with my husband. And our child. The blend of flavors. And the cheesy topping. Made it a favorite comfort meal. In our household. Every time I serve it. I’m reminded of the smiles. And contentment. It brings to our family table.
What makes this Sloppy Joe Casserole truly special?
This casserole is a hearty, one-dish meal. That’s easy to prepare. And packed with rich flavors. The combination of ground beef, bell peppers, and a tangy tomato sauce. Creates a deliciously satisfying dish. The melted Colby-Jack cheese on top. Adds a gooey, cheesy finish. That makes it irresistible. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe. That can be adjusted. To suit various dietary preferences.
What You Need To Make This Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe?
Penne Pasta: This pasta holds its shape well. And absorbs the flavors beautifully. Making each bite delightful.
Olive Oil: Adds a hint of richness. And helps to cook the beef. And veggies perfectly.
Ground Beef: The heart of this dish. Providing a savory. And meaty foundation.
Yellow Onion & Bell Peppers: These veggies add a sweet and savory crunch. Enhancing the overall texture. And taste.
Paprika & Garlic Powder: These spices bring warmth. And depth to the sauce. Making it irresistible.
Kosher Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
Tomato Sauce, Ketchup, Mustard, Worcestershire Sauce, Light Brown Sugar: This combo creates the signature tangy. And slightly sweet Sloppy Joe flavor.
Frozen Yellow Corn Kernels: Adds a touch of sweetness. And texture contrast.
Shredded Colby-Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully. Creating a gooey, cheesy topping. That’s hard to resist.
Steps To Make Sloppy Joe Casserole:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). And gather all your ingredients.
Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta. And cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Step 3: Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven. Over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef. And cook until browned. Breaking it up as it cooks.
Step 4: Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the beef. Season with paprika, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally. Until the vegetables are tender.
Step 5: Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and light brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat. And simmer. Until slightly thickened.
Step 6: Remove from heat. And mix in the cooked pasta, corn, and ¾ cup of shredded cheese.
Step 7: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Pour the beef. And pasta mixture into the dish. And spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. Or until the casserole is heated through. And the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 9: Serve warm. And enjoy the cheesy, hearty goodness!
Tip:
To elevate your Sloppy Joe Casserole. Try adding a layer of crispy breadcrumbs. Mixed with a little melted butter on top before baking. This adds a delightful crunch. That contrasts wonderfully. With the soft pasta. And melty cheese. For a deeper flavor. Let the casserole sit for a few hours. Or overnight before baking. Allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. This dish can also be frozen and baked later. Making it perfect for meal prep. Or busy weeknights.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes. You can substitute the penne. With any pasta you prefer. Such as rotini or fusilli.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step. Cover it. And refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake. Let it come to room temperature. And then bake as directed.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes. Feel free to add more veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or even spinach. To make it more nutritious.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 16 oz package penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1½ lbs ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 1 small red bell pepper chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper chopped
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 2 15 oz cans tomato sauce
- ½ c ketchup
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar
- 2 c frozen yellow corn kernels
- 1½ c shredded Colby-Jack cheese divided
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook penne pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain.
- In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil. Cook ground beef until browned.
- Add onion, red and green bell peppers, paprika, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Cook until veggies are tender.
- Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Simmer until thickened.
- Mix in cooked pasta, corn, and ¾ c cheese.
- Transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve warm.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
