If there’s one thing Southerners know, it’s how to make a meal that warms the heart and fills the belly. This Sloppy Joe Casserole is a comforting twist on the classic sloppy Joe sandwich.
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It’s a dish that brings back childhood memories of messy, delicious meals with family and friends. The rich, saucy flavors and casserole-style preparation make it an easy go-to for weeknights or family gatherings.
A Southern food classic
Growing up, Southern food was always the highlight of family gatherings. Whether it was Sunday dinner or a weekend potluck, we gathered around tables filled with soulful dishes that brought us closer together.
One thing about Southern cooking: It’s not just about the food; it’s about making memories. This Sloppy Joe Casserole captures that sense of warmth and connection with its familiar flavors. It’s a recipe that takes me back to cozy evenings, and I’m so excited to share it with you.
Ingredients
How to make Sloppy Joe Casserole
This Sloppy Joe Casserole comes together with just a few easy steps. First, you’ll cook the pasta slightly underdone so it can finish in the oven. While the pasta is cooling, sauté onions, brown the ground beef and add garlic for a savory base.
Next, you’ll build the sauce with tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and spices for that signature sloppy Joe flavor. After combining the sauce with pasta, it all goes into a casserole dish. Topped with crumbled hamburger buns and melted butter, it’s baked until golden and bubbly.
Serving suggestions
Serve this casserole with a side of coleslaw or a simple garden salad to add a refreshing crunch. Pair it with a few slices of pickles or cornbread for an extra Southern touch.
The cheesy, saucy casserole and these sides are perfect for a true Southern supper experience. This dish is also delicious with a glass of sweet tea.
Storage tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave, or cover the casserole dish with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through. You can also freeze this dish, just hold off on the bun topping until you’re ready to bake it.
Southern farewell
Southern food is all about making memories and enjoying good company, and this Sloppy Joe Casserole brings all that together. I hope it finds a place in your family’s recipe rotation, filling your table with warmth and your hearts with joy. Enjoy every bite and savor the comfort that only Southern cooking can bring.
Sloppy Joe Casserole
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Spoon
- Casserole dish
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Oven mitts
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta cooked 1 minute less than package directions; drained rinsed and cooled
- 1 pound ground beef use lean ground beef
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 15 ounce canned tomato sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 cup diced green bell pepper
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 hamburger buns coarsely crumbled
- ¼ cup butter melted
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spray a 2-3 quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions, stopping one minute before it reaches al dente. Drain the pasta well, then rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it turns translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Use a spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Stir until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains.
- Once the beef is browned, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about one minute, letting the garlic become fragrant.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and ketchup. Add the Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, oregano, paprika and ground mustard. Season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for five minutes.
- Add the diced green bell pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the flavors come together.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked pasta and toss until all the pasta is coated in the sauce.
- Transfer the saucy pasta to the prepared casserole dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Crumble the hamburger buns over the top of the casserole. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the bun pieces.
- Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Remove the casserole from the oven, let it cool slightly and serve up warm scoops of cheesy, comforting Sloppy Joe Casserole. Enjoy!
