Sloppy Joe Casserole

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Get ready to indulge in a culinary adventure that combines the timeless appeal of sloppy joes with the cozy comfort of a baked casserole. Our Sloppy Joe Casserole recipe takes familiar ingredients and transforms them into a mouthwatering dish that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend meal, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.

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, not drained
  • ¾ pound farfalle pasta, uncooked
  • 8 oz. Velveeta cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup corn, frozen or drained from a can
  • 1 ½ cups cheddar, shredded

Directions:

  1. Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is warming up, cook the ground beef in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and continue cooking until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Remember to drain any excess grease.
  2. Sauce and Simmer: Stir in the Manwich sauce, chicken broth, and undrained diced tomatoes, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Next, add the uncooked farfalle pasta, ensuring it’s submerged and mixed well. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
  3. Cheesy Goodness: Lower the heat and mix in the corn. Then, add the cubed Velveeta cheese, covering the pot to allow the cheese to melt fully. Once melted, stir to combine everything evenly.
  4. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the cheesy mixture into a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top for that irresistible gooey, golden finish.
  5. Bake and Enjoy: Cover the casserole dish and bake for 15 minutes. Once done, it’s ready to serve! For an extra treat, pair it with a side of warm cornbread to complement the flavors perfectly.

Prep Time: 5 min | Cooking Time: 45 min | Total Time: 50 min | Servings: 6

Serving Tips:

  1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the casserole for a pop of color and freshness.
  2. Pair with Side Dishes: While this Sloppy Joe Casserole is delicious on its own, consider serving it alongside some complementary side dishes. Cornbread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad would all make excellent accompaniments.
  3. Add a Dollop of Sour Cream: For an extra creamy and tangy touch, top each serving of the casserole with a dollop of sour cream. It adds a delicious contrast to the rich and savory flavors of the dish.
  4. Serve with Pickles: Traditional sloppy joes are often served with pickles for a bit of acidity and crunch. Consider serving some dill pickles on the side to complement the flavors of the casserole.
  5. Family Style Serving: Place the casserole dish in the center of the table and let everyone serve themselves. It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy a meal together as a family or with friends.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  2. Freezing: This Sloppy Joe Casserole is freezer-friendly! Simply portion out any leftovers into individual servings and place them in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Label them with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
  3. Reheating: When ready to enjoy again, thaw the frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or place the entire casserole dish in the oven at a low temperature until heated through. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the pasta from drying out during reheating.
  4. Meal Prep: Consider doubling the recipe and freezing individual portions for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners during busy weekdays. It’s a convenient way to have homemade meals ready whenever you need them.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can make the most out of your Sloppy Joe Casserole, ensuring that every bite is as delicious as the first!

Variations:

  1. Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or a mix of diced mushrooms and black beans. Follow the recipe as directed, substituting vegetable broth for the chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
  2. Spicy Kick: Add some heat to your casserole by incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the mixture. You can also top the casserole with sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños for an extra spicy kick.
  3. Cheesy Twist: Experiment with different types of cheese to customize the flavor of your casserole. Try using pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist or smoked gouda for a rich and smoky flavor.
  4. Tex-Mex Style: Give your Sloppy Joe Casserole a Tex-Mex flair by adding a packet of taco seasoning to the ground beef mixture. Top the casserole with sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream for a deliciously festive twist.
  5. Whole Grain Pasta: Swap out the farfalle pasta for whole grain penne or rotini for a healthier alternative. Not only does whole grain pasta add extra fiber and nutrients, but it also provides a nuttier flavor and heartier texture to the casserole.
  6. Add Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value of your casserole by adding extra vegetables. Try stirring in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach along with the corn for added color and flavor. You can also sneak in finely grated carrots or sweet potatoes for extra moisture and sweetness.
  7. Customized Toppings: Get creative with your casserole toppings by adding crushed tortilla chips, crumbled bacon, or sliced green onions before serving. These extra toppings add texture and flavor, taking your Sloppy Joe Casserole to the next level.
  8. Buffalo Sloppy Joe: For a unique twist, substitute buffalo sauce for the Manwich sauce and blue cheese crumbles for the cheddar cheese. Serve with a side of celery sticks and ranch dressing for a buffalo chicken-inspired twist on the classic Sloppy Joe.

These variations offer endless possibilities for customizing your Sloppy Joe Casserole to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Feel free to mix and match ingredients to create a personalized version that your family will love!

FAQs:

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef for this Sloppy Joe Casserole? Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking to reduce red meat consumption or prefer a lighter option. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly before proceeding with the recipe.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use any type of pasta you have on hand or prefer. While farfalle pasta adds a fun shape to the casserole, other options like penne, rotini, or macaroni will work just as well.

3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Simply cover the assembled casserole dish with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

4. How long does the Sloppy Joe Casserole last in the refrigerator? Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.

5. Can I freeze the Sloppy Joe Casserole? Yes, this casserole freezes well. Portion out any leftovers into individual servings and freeze them in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags for up to 2-3 months.

Dive into the heart of comfort food with our Sloppy Joe Casserole recipe. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a memorable meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or entertaining guests, this casserole is sure to impress. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food bliss!