Description
A hearty and comforting dish that transforms the classic American sandwich into a delicious pasta bake. This family-friendly casserole combines savory ground beef with tangy sauce and gooey cheese for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces pasta (elbow macaroni or similar), cooked and drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and set it aside while you prepare the filling. This ensures everything is ready when your casserole mixture is complete.
- Cook the Meat and Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add ground beef, chopped onion, and bell pepper to the hot skillet. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon while cooking until the beef is completely browned and no pink remains, and the vegetables have softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Flavors: Carefully drain excess fat from the skillet, then return it to medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and mustard, combining thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat and allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together and the sauce thicken slightly.
- Combine with Pasta: Transfer the cooked and drained pasta to your prepared baking dish. Pour the sloppy joe mixture over the pasta and gently mix until all pasta is evenly coated with the meat sauce. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish for consistent baking.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, creating a layer that will melt into a delicious golden crust during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and starting to brown at the edges. The casserole should be heated through and slightly crispy around the sides.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This rest time helps the casserole set and makes it easier to portion. Serve hot and enjoy the combination of tangy sloppy joe flavors with comforting pasta and melted cheese.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika or chili powder to the meat mixture.
- This casserole freezes well – prepare up to the baking step, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
- To add more vegetables, consider mixing in corn, peas, or grated carrots to the meat sauce.
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg