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Sloppy Joe Casserole

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Sloppy Joe Casserole is a delicious, hearty dish that combines all the flavors of a classic sloppy joe, baked into a comforting casserole. With seasoned ground beef, a tangy tomato sauce, and a cheesy topping, this casserole is the perfect fusion of two comfort food favorites. It’s easy to make, great for feeding a crowd, and sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a little heat)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini works best)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ground beef mixture: In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through (about 6-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add the vegetables: To the skillet with the ground beef, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.
  3. Make the sloppy joe sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, and chili powder (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld together.
  4. Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the beef mixture, stirring to combine. Once everything is well mixed, transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  5. Add the cheese: Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, making sure it’s evenly spread.
  6. Make the breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter, stirring to coat the breadcrumbs evenly. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese layer for an extra crunchy topping.
  7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
  8. Serve: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Scoop out portions and enjoy!

Notes

Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the casserole.Vegetarian Sloppy Joe Casserole: Use lentils, beans, or a plant-based ground meat substitute to make this casserole vegetarian.Add Veggies: You can add extra veggies like corn, peas, or mushrooms to the beef mixture for added flavor and nutrition.Cheesy Sloppy Joe Casserole: For extra cheesy goodness, add a layer of cheese between the pasta and the sloppy joe filling, or sprinkle more cheese on top.Spicy Sloppy Joe Casserole: Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for an extra kick.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookibly.com/sloppy-joe-casserole/