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Sloppy Joe Casserole

Savory Sloppy Joe Casserole: Quick Comfort for Busy Nights

Discover the ultimate Sloppy Joe Casserole, a comforting dish packed with savory flavors that family will love, perfect for busy nights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 lb Ground Beef or ground turkey for a lighter option
  • 1 small Onion, diced adds sweetness
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper, diced or red/yellow for sweetness
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced enhances flavor
  • 1 can Tomato Sauce 15 oz
  • 1/2 cup Ketchup for sweetness and tang
  • 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar balances acidity
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce for umami depth
  • 1 tablespoon Yellow Mustard can use Dijon for a twist
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste
For the Casserole Base
  • 3 cups Cooked Pasta elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini
  • 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded divided
For the Crunchy Topping
  • 1 cup Crushed Crackers or French Fried Onions optional

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Large Skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • 9x13 inch baking dish

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to package instructions for 1 minute less than al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Let simmer for 5-8 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  6. In the bowl with cooked pasta, combine the meat sauce and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until evenly coated.
  7. Pour the pasta mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top and add crunchy toppings if desired.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbling and cheese is melted and golden.
  9. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking. It can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

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