Sloppy Joe Casserole

Step 3: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until it begins to brown, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 4: Add Veggies

Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

Step 5: Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce

Stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

• If using pasta: Spread half of the cooked pasta in the greased casserole dish. Layer the meat sauce over the pasta, then add the remaining pasta on top.
• If using bread cubes: Place a layer of bread cubes in the bottom, pour the meat sauce over, then top with more bread cubes.

Step 7: Add Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will melt and form a gooey, golden crust during baking.

Step 8: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra golden top, you can broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—just watch closely to prevent burning.

Step 9: Serve

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips for the Perfect Sloppy Joe Casserole

• Make it ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance and baked when ready.
• Add extra veggies: Carrots, corn, or zucchini can be added to the meat sauce for more nutrition.
• Spice it up: A dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes gives the dish a little kick.
• Cheese alternatives: Try mozzarella for a gooier texture or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for extra flavor.

Why You’ll Love It

The Sloppy Joe Casserole takes everything we love about a classic sandwich—sweet, tangy meat, and melty cheese—and transforms it into a comforting, easy-to-eat dish. It’s less messy, more filling, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. Plus, it reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers.

This dish is the perfect combination of savory, sweet, and cheesy, making it a hit with kids and adults alike. Give it a try, and you might just find it becoming a regular in your weekly dinner rotation!

If you want, I can also create a foolproof version with pictures for each step to make it even easier to follow. That would be like a mini recipe guide you can print.

Do you want me to do that?