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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Drain excess fat from the meat mixture to reduce greasiness and improve overall dish texture.
- 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.
- Add cooked rotini pasta directly into the meat sauce, gently folding to ensure each pasta strand is generously coated with the robust sauce.
- Incorporate most of the shredded cheddar cheese into the pasta mixture, stirring until cheese melts completely and creates a creamy, cohesive texture.
- 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.
- 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