Name: Sloppy Joe Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (15 oz) can Sloppy Joe sauce; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

There’s just something about melty cheese, tender pasta, and saucy beef all baked into one skillet that makes comfort food feel like a warm hug. This Sloppy Joe Casserole is one of my go-to dishes when I want to serve something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The familiar flavors of the classic Sloppy Joe sandwich get a cozy, baked twist that’s absolutely irresistible.

I love making this when I’ve got a busy evening ahead but still want to put something home-cooked on the table. It’s one of those meals where everyone reaches for seconds, and leftovers (if there are any) are even better the next day. Let’s just say, this dish never makes it through the night at my house.

Why You’ll Love This Sloppy Joe Casserole

This dish brings all the nostalgic flavors of a Sloppy Joe but transforms it into a cheesy, bubbling casserole. It’s rich, gooey, savory, and just the right amount of sweet and tangy. You don’t need fancy ingredients, and it’s super kid-friendly. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just want a cozy meal for the family, this casserole is one you’ll make on repeat. Plus, it’s ideal for make-ahead meals, meal prepping, or freezing for later!

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Sloppy Joe Casserole?

When it comes to the perfect pasta for this casserole, I prefer using small, sturdy shapes that can hold onto the rich, meaty sauce. Elbow macaroni is a classic go-to and probably the most common choice. However, rotini, shells, or even penne work beautifully too. The key is to choose something that won’t get too soft during baking and can really grab all that saucy goodness in every bite.

You want pasta with texture—those grooves and curves help scoop up the beef and cheese so that every forkful is packed with flavor. Just remember to cook the pasta al dente since it’ll continue to soften in the oven.

Options for Substitutions

This casserole is super flexible, and that’s one of the reasons I love it so much. You can make it your own depending on what you have on hand or dietary needs:

Ground meat: Ground beef is traditional, but ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work just as well.
Cheese: Mozzarella melts like a dream, but cheddar adds a sharper flavor. You can mix both or use Monterey Jack or provolone for a twist.
Pasta: Gluten-free pasta is a great substitute if needed. Just watch the cook time so it doesn’t over-soften.
Sauce: Don’t have a can of Sloppy Joe sauce? You can make your own with ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire, and brown sugar.
Vegetables: Want to sneak in more veggies? Dice in some bell peppers, mushrooms, or shredded zucchini with the meat.
Dairy-free: Use your favorite dairy-free cheese and a vegan ground meat to make it completely plant-based.

Customizable, crowd-pleasing, and endlessly cozy—that’s the magic of Sloppy Joe Casserole.

Ingredients for This Sloppy Joe Casserole

Every component in this recipe has a purpose—it’s all about building that bold, saucy, cheesy flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:

Elbow macaroni – The pasta base that gives this casserole its comforting bite. It holds the sauce beautifully and bakes to tender perfection.
Ground beef – Adds that hearty, savory foundation. It’s what gives this casserole its classic Sloppy Joe flavor.
Onion – Brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the meat mixture. It enhances the overall flavor without overpowering.
Garlic – A little goes a long way. It sharpens the richness of the beef and sauce.
Sloppy Joe sauce – The signature ingredient that brings in the sweet, tangy, tomato-rich punch. Store-bought or homemade both work.
Tomato paste – Thickens the sauce and intensifies the savory notes. Just a couple of tablespoons can do wonders.
Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami and balances the sweetness of the Sloppy Joe sauce.
Shredded cheddar cheese – For that gooey, sharp, melty layer on top. It ties everything together with richness.
Shredded mozzarella cheese – Helps create those dreamy cheese pulls and gives a creamy counter to the cheddar’s sharpness.
Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
Olive oil or butter – For sautéing the onion and garlic, and bringing everything together.

Each bite of this casserole is a combo of saucy meat, pasta, and golden bubbly cheese—and it all starts with this simple but flavorful lineup.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook just until al dente—you want it firm to the bite since it’ll bake later. Drain and set aside while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a splash of olive oil. Toss in the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Lower the heat slightly and add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 2–3 minutes until the onion turns translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This step builds a rich flavor base.

Step 4: Add Sauce Ingredients

Stir in the Sloppy Joe sauce, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well to coat the meat evenly and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes. You want the sauce to thicken slightly and become rich and glossy.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Turn off the heat and gently fold the cooked pasta into the meat sauce. Make sure every piece of macaroni is coated in that delicious, savory mixture.

Step 6: Layer with Cheese

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the pasta-meat mixture into a greased baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top for a cheesy, golden finish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for about 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. For extra browning on top, switch to broil for the last 2–3 minutes—but keep a close eye!

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps everything set up a bit so you can slice into those dreamy cheesy layers without it falling apart.

How Long to Cook the Sloppy Joe Casserole

The actual cooking process is pretty straightforward and quick. After the pasta and meat sauce are combined and layered with cheese, the casserole goes into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’re not cooking anything raw at this point—just melting the cheese and letting all those amazing flavors meld together.

If you want that irresistible golden top, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 2–3 minutes. Just don’t walk away—cheese can go from perfectly golden to burnt in seconds!

Tips for Perfect Sloppy Joe Casserole

Undercook the pasta slightly: Since the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, boil it until just al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy.
Drain the beef well: Excess grease can make the casserole greasy and heavy. After browning the beef, be sure to drain off the fat.
Season as you go: Taste the meat sauce before baking and adjust the salt, pepper, or sweetness to suit your taste.
Use a mix of cheeses: Combining mozzarella for meltiness and cheddar for flavor makes the top extra gooey and flavorful.
Let it rest: After baking, let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. This gives it time to settle and makes it easier to scoop clean servings.
Add veggies if you want: Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even grated carrots can blend right into the sauce for a nutrition boost.
Make it ahead: Assemble everything and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake—add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Don’t skip the broil: That bubbly, golden cheese crust is what makes this dish extra special!

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though this recipe is super approachable, a few missteps can take your Sloppy Joe Casserole from wow to meh. Here’s what to avoid:

Overcooking the pasta: Remember, it keeps cooking in the oven. Boil just until al dente to avoid a soggy casserole.
Using too much sauce: Sloppy Joe sauce is flavorful, but too much can make the dish overly sweet or watery. Stick to the right amount and balance with tomato paste.
Skipping the drain step: If you don’t drain your ground beef, the casserole can get greasy fast. Take the time to get rid of the excess fat.
Not seasoning the meat: Even though the sauce has flavor, seasoning the meat with salt and pepper as it cooks builds a more savory dish.
Forgetting to preheat the oven: If your oven isn’t hot enough, the cheese won’t brown properly, and the whole dish will bake unevenly.
Broiling too long: A minute too long under the broiler can burn the top. Watch it closely!
Rushing the rest time: Letting it rest for 5 minutes helps everything firm up—it’s worth the wait!
Using too much cheese: Yes, there is such a thing. Overdoing it can make the dish overly greasy rather than gooey.

What to Serve With Sloppy Joe Casserole?

Looking to round out your meal? Here are some easy, tasty pairings that complement this rich and saucy dish:

Garden Salad

A crisp, refreshing salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the casserole.

Roasted Broccoli

Simple, slightly charred broccoli adds a healthy green element that pairs beautifully with cheesy pasta.

Garlic Bread

Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that Sloppy Joe sauce.

Dill Pickles

A tangy, cold pickle on the side? Trust me—it’s a classic Sloppy Joe pairing that just works.

Sliced Tomatoes with Salt & Pepper

Keep it simple. Juicy tomatoes add brightness and freshness with zero effort.

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet and savory balance is everything. Crispy sweet potato fries make a fun and flavorful side.

Iced Tea or Lemonade

Light, refreshing drinks help cut the richness of the dish and keep things balanced.

Apple Slaw

A crunchy apple slaw adds a sweet and tangy contrast that livens up every bite.

Storage Instructions

Sloppy Joe Casserole stores incredibly well—making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers the next day (which, honestly, taste even better). Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container or cover the casserole dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Want to freeze it? Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until hot throughout.
Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or warm larger amounts in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a general breakdown per serving (assuming 6 servings total). Keep in mind that exact values can vary based on the specific brands or substitutions used:

Calories: ~480 kcal
Protein: 27g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Sugar: 9g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 800mg
Cholesterol: 75mg

This casserole is hearty and filling, and you can always adjust ingredients like cheese or pasta type to suit your nutritional preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Sloppy Joe Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can fully assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Can I use homemade Sloppy Joe sauce instead of canned?

Absolutely. A simple blend of ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and seasonings makes a great homemade alternative. It’s a great way to control sweetness and flavor.

Can I freeze this casserole after baking it?

Yes, once it cools completely, wrap it well and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot all the way through. You can also freeze individual portions for quick meals.

What kind of cheese works best for the topping?

Cheddar and mozzarella are my go-to combo—cheddar adds a punch of flavor, while mozzarella brings the gooey melt. Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend also works beautifully.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Totally! The sweet-savory combo, soft pasta, and cheesy topping make it a hit with kids. You can even sneak in some finely chopped veggies, and they likely won’t notice.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes—just use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your sauce and seasonings are certified gluten-free. It’s an easy swap and tastes just as good.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Of course! Bell peppers, mushrooms, grated carrots, or even spinach blend well with the meat and sauce. Just sauté them with the onion and garlic before adding the sauce.

How do I keep the casserole from drying out when reheating?

Cover it with foil and reheat at a moderate temperature (about 350°F). You can also splash a little water or broth on top before reheating to keep everything moist.

Conclusion

Sloppy Joe Casserole is the kind of dish that never fails to satisfy—it’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and brings all the nostalgic comfort of a childhood favorite in baked, cheesy form. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping for the week ahead, or just craving something cozy and delicious, this recipe is bound to become a repeat on your dinner rotation. Grab a fork and dig in—you’re going to love every bite.