Name: Sloppy Joe Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey); 1 medium onion, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce; 1/2 cup ketchup; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon); Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 12 oz egg noodles or pasta, cooked; 1 tbsp olive oil or butter; Optional topping: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe takes the nostalgic flavor of Sloppy Joes and turns it into a warm, comforting casserole that’s easy to serve and enjoy. It’s filling, customizable, and made with pantry-friendly ingredients. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal that saves you time while still delivering bold, delicious flavors.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef (or ground turkey)
Onion, diced
Bell pepper, diced
Garlic, minced
Tomato sauce
Ketchup
Worcestershire sauce
Brown sugar
Mustard (yellow or Dijon)
Salt and black pepper
Shredded cheddar cheese
Egg noodles or pasta (cooked)
Olive oil or butter

Optional topping:

Breadcrumbs or crushed crackers

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish.
In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter and sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Add cooked noodles or pasta into the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce and meat mixture.
Transfer mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
If desired, add a layer of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for extra crunch.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend.
Add corn or peas to the filling for extra veggies.
Try sweet potato mash or biscuit dough as the topping instead of noodles.
Make it spicy with jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. This casserole also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it up to a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely, any short pasta such as penne, rotini, or macaroni works well.

Is this casserole kid-friendly?

Yes, it’s a family favorite with its sweet and tangy flavor that appeals to kids.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs, and check your sauces for gluten-free labeling.

Do I have to use cheese on top?

No, you can skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Can I freeze the casserole before baking?

Yes, assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze. Bake straight from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the cook time.

What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?

Soy sauce or coconut aminos can be used as a substitute.

How can I make it healthier?

Use lean ground turkey, whole wheat pasta, and reduce the sugar slightly.

Can I add beans to the casserole?

Yes, kidney beans or black beans make a great addition for extra protein and fiber.

How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?

Cover with foil during the first half of baking if needed, and don’t overbake.

Conclusion

Sloppy Joe casserole is a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food, turning the messy sandwich into an easy-to-serve baked dish. With its savory meat, sweet and tangy sauce, cheesy topping, and pasta base, it’s a family-friendly meal that’s quick to prepare, customizable, and perfect for any night of the week.