Tangy Sloppy Joe Pasta Casserole Recipe: A Family Favorite

Whipping up a quick sloppy joe pasta casserole brings comfort food to an entirely new level of deliciousness.

Hearty ground beef mingles with zesty tomato sauce and perfectly cooked pasta shells.

Cheese melts into every delectable corner, creating a mouthwatering main dish that satisfies intense hunger pangs.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet spectacular solutions, and this recipe delivers exactly what you crave.

Kids absolutely adore the familiar flavors packed into each cheesy bite.

Familiar ingredients combine in unexpected ways to create something magical on your dinner plate.

One forkful of this crowd-pleasing casserole will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Sloppy Joe Pasta Casserole Bursting with Flavor

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Transform classic sloppy joes into a hearty pasta casserole that brings excitement to dinner without complicated steps. One-pan preparation means less cleanup and more family time.
• Kid-Approved Comfort Food: Combines beloved flavors of ground beef, tangy sauce, and melted cheese that children and adults will devour. Packed with protein and satisfying ingredients that make mealtime a crowd-pleaser.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for busy families, potlucks, or casual gatherings. Easily adaptable with optional add-ins like diced jalapeños or different cheese varieties to suit personal tastes.
• Quick Ingredient Swap: Customize the recipe by using ground turkey for a leaner option or switching pasta shapes based on what's in your pantry. Flexible recipe that works with ingredients you already have on hand.

Ingredients to Build Your Sloppy Joe Pasta Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of the Sloppy Joe flavor and adds richness to the casserole.

• Onion, Green Pepper: Aromatic vegetables that provide a delicious depth of flavor and texture to the dish.

• Rotini Pasta: A curly pasta that perfectly catches and holds the sloppy joe sauce.
• Sloppy Joe Sauce: A tangy and sweet sauce that gives the classic Sloppy Joe taste to the casserole.

• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that adds creamy richness and helps bind the casserole together.
• Parsley: A fresh herb that provides a bright, green garnish and a mild herbal note.

How to Cook Quick Sloppy Joe Pasta Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Veggies

In a large skillet, combine ground beef, chopped onion, and diced green pepper. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon.

Continue cooking until the beef is completely cooked through and the vegetables become soft and translucent. Carefully drain away any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Add Saucy Goodness

Pour in the sloppy joe sauce, stirring to coat all the meat and vegetables evenly. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to slightly thicken.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Meat Mixture

Fold the cooked rotini pasta into the skillet, making sure every noodle gets a generous coating of the sloppy joe sauce. Gently toss until the pasta is completely incorporated with the meat mixture.

Step 4: Melt Cheesy Deliciousness

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta and meat mixture. Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy and rich sauce that binds everything together.

Step 5: Final Cheese Topping and Serve

Scatter the remaining cheese on top of the casserole. Cover the skillet or transfer to an oven-safe dish.

Heat on low until the cheese becomes perfectly melted and bubbly. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy your comforting meal!

Tips for the Ultimate Sloppy Joe Pasta

• Select ground beef with lower fat content to reduce excess grease and create a healthier dish.
• Cover the pan with a lid to help cheese melt evenly and quickly without drying out the casserole.
• Cook rotini al dente to prevent mushy pasta when mixing with the saucy beef mixture.
• Add extra vegetables like diced carrots or zucchini to increase nutritional value and add more flavor complexity.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal option.

Creative Spins on Sloppy Joe Pasta

• Spicy Southwest Sloppy Joe Pasta: Replace traditional sloppy joe sauce with salsa, add diced jalapeños, and sprinkle pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Veggie Twist: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles, incorporate diced zucchini, use marinara sauce, and top with feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Bacon Cheeseburger Pasta Bake: Mix in crispy bacon bits, use a blend of cheddar and monterey jack cheese, and add a dollop of mustard to the sauce for a cheeseburger-style casserole.
• Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joe Pasta: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken, stir in buffalo sauce, and top with blue cheese crumbles for a game day favorite.

Perfect Pairings for Sloppy Joe Pasta

• Pair Hearty Red Wine: Select a bold, medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the rich, meaty flavors of the sloppy joe pasta casserole.
• Create Fresh Salad Side: Prepare a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the heavy, cheesy pasta dish and add refreshing contrast to the meal.
• Serve Cool Craft Beer: Choose an amber ale or hoppy IPA that stands up to the robust beef and cheese, cutting through the richness with its carbonation and complex flavor profile.
• Add Crunchy Garlic Bread: Prepare toasted garlic bread with a golden, crispy exterior to provide textural contrast and soak up the delicious sloppy joe sauce from the casserole.

Storing Your Sloppy Joe Pasta Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the casserole completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of milk or water to prevent dryness.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat.

• What if I don't have rotini pasta?

No problem! You can substitute with other short pasta shapes like penne, shells, or macaroni. The key is to use a pasta that can hold the sauce well.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love sloppy joe flavors and cheesy pasta. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines two favorite comfort foods in one delicious dish.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add some diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or use a spicy sloppy joe sauce to kick up the heat. Adjust according to your family’s spice tolerance.

Quick Sloppy Joe Pasta Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sloppy joe pasta casserole delivers hearty comfort in one mouthwatering dish that combines classic diner flavors with creamy pasta goodness. Savory ground beef, tangy sauce, and melted cheese create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Pasta and Base:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) rotini, cooked
• 30 ounces (850 grams, 2 15-ounce cans) sloppy joe sauce

Vegetables and Cheese:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese, divided

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef with diced onions and green peppers in a large skillet over medium-high heat until meat is fully cooked and vegetables are softened, approximately 7-8 minutes.
2. Drain excess fat from the meat mixture to reduce greasiness and improve overall dish texture.
3. Pour sloppy joe sauce into the skillet, stirring thoroughly to coat the meat and vegetables evenly, and simmer for 3-4 minutes to develop rich flavors.
4. Add cooked rotini pasta directly into the meat sauce, gently folding to ensure each pasta strand is generously coated with the robust sauce.
5. Incorporate most of the shredded cheddar cheese into the pasta mixture, stirring until cheese melts completely and creates a creamy, cohesive texture.
6. Transfer the pasta mixture to a serving dish, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, and place under low heat or broiler for 2-3 minutes until cheese becomes golden and bubbly.
7. Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and additional flavor before serving hot.

Notes

• Customize the protein by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
• Kick up the spice level by adding a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes into the sloppy joe sauce for those who enjoy extra heat.
• Make this dish ahead of time by preparing the casserole and refrigerating it, then baking in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes to reheat and melt the cheese.
• Boost nutrition by mixing in additional vegetables like diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach during the cooking process for extra flavor and vitamins.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 560 kcal
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 760 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg