Looking for a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love? This Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich is the perfect solution! Made with classic flavors, creamy cheese, and hearty ground beef, this casserole is easy to prepare and is sure to become a staple on your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this dish is a winner every time. Serve it with a side salad or some veggies for a complete and delicious meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 24 oz can original Manwich sauce
- 15 oz can original Manwich sauce
- 12 oz pkg farfalle (bowtie) noodles (cooked al dente)
- 8 oz pkg shredded Velveeta
- 8 oz pkg shredded Colby-Jack cheese
Directions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish and set it aside.
- Brown Beef and Onion: In a 4-5 quart heavy-bottomed stock pot, brown the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat. Drain any excess grease, then return the browned ground beef and onions to the pot.
- Add Ingredients: Add the 2 cans of Manwich sauce, the cooked bowtie noodles, and the shredded Velveeta to the pot. Stir the ingredients until well combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the Manwich casserole into the prepared 9×13 baking dish.
- Add Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded Colby-Jack cheese on top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy this comforting and delicious Sloppy Joe Casserole!
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: (per serving)
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips:
- Garnish Galore: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top of the casserole before serving for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Side Salad: Serve the Sloppy Joe Casserole alongside a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a balanced and refreshing meal.
- Garlic Bread: Pair the casserole with garlic bread or dinner rolls for a complete and comforting dinner experience.
- Vegetable Medley: Serve steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or green beans on the side to add a nutritious component to the meal.
- Cornbread Muffins: Accompany the casserole with homemade cornbread muffins for a Southern-inspired twist.
- Taco Tuesday Twist: Use the casserole as a filling for taco shells or tortillas and top with your favorite taco toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream.
- Brunch Buffet: Serve leftover casserole for brunch alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Party Pleaser: Bring the casserole to potlucks, game day gatherings, or family reunions to feed a crowd and receive rave reviews.
- Lunchbox Delight: Pack leftover casserole in individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a double batch of the casserole and freeze individual portions for quick and convenient meals on busy days.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: The casserole can be frozen for longer storage. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place them in freezer-safe containers. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing: To thaw frozen casserole, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Alternatively, reheat frozen portions directly in the oven or microwave.
- Reheating: Reheat leftover casserole in the microwave, covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out, or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Simply bake it the next day for a convenient dinner option.
- Individual Portions: Portion the casserole into individual servings before refrigerating or freezing for easier reheating and serving.
- Sauce Separation: If the casserole separates slightly upon reheating, simply stir it gently to redistribute the sauce and cheese for a uniform consistency.
- Bulk Batch: Make a large batch of the casserole and divide it into smaller portions for meal prep or sharing with friends and family.
- Refreshing Leftovers: To refresh leftover casserole, add a splash of water or beef broth before reheating to prevent it from drying out.
- Creative Leftovers: Use leftover casserole as a filling for stuffed peppers, baked potatoes, or pasta dishes for a delicious and easy meal makeover.
Variations:
- Tex-Mex Twist: Add black beans, corn, diced green chilies, and taco seasoning for a flavorful Tex-Mex version.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with crumbled tofu, lentils, or meatless ground beef for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
- Pizza Inspired: Layer the casserole with sliced pepperoni, diced bell peppers, onions, and mozzarella cheese for a pizza-inspired twist.
- Buffalo Chicken: Mix shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce and blue cheese dressing, then layer it in the casserole with cheese and noodles for a spicy kick.
- Mushroom Madness: Add sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and Italian seasoning for a savory and earthy variation.
- Cheesy Bacon: Incorporate cooked and crumbled bacon along with extra shredded cheese for a indulgent and savory dish.
- Southwest Fiesta: Mix in cooked rice, black beans, diced tomatoes, green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese for a festive and flavorful Southwest twist.
- Greek Inspired: Layer the casserole with cooked ground lamb or beef, diced tomatoes, kalamata olives, feta cheese, and oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
- Hawaiian Delight: Add diced pineapple, ham, and sliced green onions for a sweet and savory Hawaiian twist.
- Spinach and Artichoke: Mix in chopped spinach, marinated artichoke hearts, and cream cheese for a creamy and flavorful variation.
- Beef and Broccoli: Add cooked broccoli florets and sliced mushrooms to the casserole along with the ground beef for a nutritious and hearty option.
- Taco Pasta Bake: Use cooked pasta shells or rotini instead of bowtie noodles, and add taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, black beans, and shredded cheese for a taco-inspired pasta bake.
- Italian Sausage Supreme: Substitute ground beef with Italian sausage and add marinara sauce, diced bell peppers, onions, and shredded mozzarella cheese for an Italian-inspired twist.
- Chili Mac Casserole: Mix cooked elbow macaroni with chili, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese for a hearty and comforting meal.
- Spicy Chipotle: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, diced bell peppers, onions, and shredded pepper jack cheese for a spicy and smoky variation.
FAQs:
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
- Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef in this recipe.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes, assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Increase baking time as needed if baking from cold.
- Can I use different types of cheese?
- Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
- Can I use homemade Sloppy Joe sauce instead of Manwich?
- Yes, homemade Sloppy Joe sauce can be used instead of Manwich for a more customized flavor.
- How can I make this dish less spicy?
- Reduce or omit spicy ingredients such as chili powder, diced green chilies, or hot sauce to adjust the level of spiciness to your preference.
- Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?
- Yes, leftover casserole can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
This Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With its hearty ground beef, creamy cheese, and classic Manwich sauce, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover Manwich sauce! Give this easy recipe a try and enjoy a delicious and comforting meal that’s ready in no time.
