Sloppy Joes Pasta

Sloppy Joes have been my go-to quick and easy dinner for years, but when I want to change up the flavors and opt for a heartier meal, I pick this Sloppy Joes Pasta. It’s meaty and delicious, and this quick-and-easy casserole is the perfect family-friendly dinner.

What are Sloppy Joes?

Sloppy Joes are an American classic that was likely inspired by other loose meat sandwiches and gained popularity for being both delicious and economical. It usually consists of ground beef, onions, and a tangy tomato sauce, all piled high on a hamburger bun. My Sloppy Joe Casserole takes those comforting flavors and turns them into a family-friendly, baked pasta casserole that you’ll want to make again and again.

I love this recipe. This Sloppy Joes Casserole is everything a good ground beef casserole should be: it’s meaty, saucy, cheesy, and easy to make!

My kids gobble this up and it’s one of the dishes they ask for me to make again and again. It’s just that good!

Sometimes I’ll even make enough for 2 casseroles and freeze one. That way I have a quick and easy dinner ready for a night I don’t have much time.

INGREDIENTS

• Penne pasta – Cook to al dente so it holds up when tossed with the sauce.
• Olive oil – Avocado oil or canola oil are great substitutes if that’s what you have on hand.
• Onion – Yellow onion is my first choice, but white onion works too.
• Ground beef – Use 90/10 lean ground beef to keep the sauce flavorful without becoming greasy.
• Green bell pepper – Dice it evenly so it softens at the same rate as the onions.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic only; skip jarlic for the best flavor.
• Tomato sauce – Use plain tomato sauce, not seasoned pasta sauce, so you can control the flavor.
• Ketchup – Regular ketchup works best; no need for specialty varieties.
• Brown sugar – Light or dark brown sugar will work; dark brown sugar adds a deeper molasses flavor.
• Ground mustard – Don’t substitute prepared mustard; it can change the consistency of the sauce.
• Chili powder – Use a mild chili powder blend unless you want extra heat.
• Oregano – Rub it between your fingers before adding to release more flavor.
• Paprika – Sweet paprika is my preference here; smoked paprika will add a different flavor profile.
• Worcestershire sauce – Adds savory depth; a little goes a long way.
• Salt and pepper – Season to taste.
• Monterey Jack cheese – Shred it yourself for the smoothest melt.
• Hamburger buns – Day-old buns toast up especially well for serving.
• Butter – Salted butter is perfect for toasting the buns.

How to make Sloppy Joe Casserole

Scroll down for the full recipe card with exact measurements and printable instructions.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and spraying a 2- to 3-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold running water to cool it down.

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they become translucent.

Crumble the ground beef into the skillet and cook, breaking it up as it browns, until no longer pink.

Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 additional minute, then add the diced bell pepper.

Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, ground mustard, chili powder, oregano, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.

Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce, tossing until the pasta is evenly coated.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread it into an even layer.

Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, then crumble the hamburger buns evenly over the cheese. Finish by drizzling the melted butter over the casserole.

Cover the dish and bake for 20 minutes.

Remove the cover and continue baking for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the top is browned and the casserole is hot and bubbly.

Let cool slightly, then serve and enjoy!

Chef Jenn’s Tips

• Undercook the noodles for a minute so they’re very al dente; this way, they’ll be perfectly cooked when your casserole is done. This is important to make sure your pasta isn’t overcooked.
• You can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge until it’s ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes of baking time if the dish is fridge-cold.
• Swap out the ground beef for ground pork, chicken or turkey, or even bulk sausage for a different flavor.

Make It A Meal

This noodle casserole pairs perfectly with a simple green salad with a terrific dressing and garlic bread or cornbread for a complete, satisfying meal. If you’re in a rush, even some store-bought coleslaw and crusty bread can turn this into a feast. Don’t forget about dessert! This Blueberry Dump Cake is all kinds of delish and pairs nicely with this meal!

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, do so before the final bake. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before popping it into the oven, and you’ll need some extra heating time. This pasta bake is fully cooked – you just need to heat it until it is bubbly hot.