Description
This Sloppy Joe Casserole transforms the classic sloppy joe sandwich into a hearty, cheesy baked dish perfect for family dinners. Ground beef is simmered with Manwich sauce, chicken broth, and tomatoes, then combined with farfalle pasta and melted Velveeta cheese before being finished in the oven with a cheddar cheese topping. The casserole is creamy, savory, and packed with comfort-food flavors, making it an easy crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef (85% lean)
- ½ cup onions (diced)
- 1 15.5 oz can Manwich sauce
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- ¾ pound farfalle pasta (uncooked)
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese (cubed)
- 1 cup corn (frozen or drained from a can)
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Beef and Onions: In a large, high-walled skillet or pot over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef for about 2 minutes. Add the diced onions and continue cooking for 5 minutes, until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess grease.
- Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Stir in the Manwich sauce, chicken broth, and the undrained diced tomatoes. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Boil and Add Pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add the farfalle pasta. Stir to ensure the pasta is evenly distributed in the sauce.
- Cook Pasta Until Al Dente: Cover the pot and let the pasta cook gently until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook it slightly longer than the box instructions recommend due to the gentle boiling method. Test a noodle to confirm readiness.
- Incorporate Corn and Velveeta: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the corn and the cubed Velveeta cheese. Cover again to allow the cheese to melt completely, then gently stir until smooth and evenly combined.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish and transfer the beef and pasta mixture into it, spreading evenly.
- Add Cheddar Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Cover the casserole and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until the cheddar is melted and bubbly. Remove the cover before serving.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy Sloppy Joe Casserole warm, ideally accompanied by cornbread for a complete comfort meal.
Notes
- Be sure to stir the pasta occasionally during cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- You can substitute corn with other vegetables like peas or green beans if preferred.
- Velveeta cheese adds creaminess; substitute with cream cheese or a milder cheese if desired.
- Adjust seasoning by adding salt and pepper to taste, especially after adding the broth and tomatoes.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.