Hey y'all! If you're searching for a hearty, cheesy comfort food that's quick enough for busy weeknights and impressive enough for potlucks, this Sloppy Joe Pasta Casserole is exactly what you need. With saucy ground beef, tender pasta, and plenty of melted cheese, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser your family will ask for again and again. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This

Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults love the familiar flavors of classic sloppy joes in a new, pasta-packed form.
Quick & Easy: Minimal prep, simple steps, and on the table in under an hour.
Cheesy & Satisfying: Ooey-gooey cheese in every bite for serious comfort food vibes.
Great for Leftovers: This casserole reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.
Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients.

Ingredients

12 oz (340g) penne or rotini pasta
1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz/425g) can tomato sauce
¼ cup (60ml) ketchup
2 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon chili powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 ½ cups (170g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup (115g) shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Sloppy Joe Pasta Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook 1-2 minutes less than al dente, according to package instructions (about 8-9 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking apart with a spatula (about 5-6 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
Add diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until softened, 3-4 minutes.
Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Step 3: Assemble & Bake

Combine cooked pasta with the sloppy joe mixture in the skillet, stirring to coat the pasta well.
Spread half of the pasta mixture into the casserole dish. Sprinkle with ¾ cup cheddar cheese. Top with remaining pasta mix, then sprinkle with mozzarella and the remaining cheddar cheese.
Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted and golden brown.
Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving if desired.

Notes

Undercook the pasta slightly as it will continue cooking in the oven and absorb flavor from the sauce.
Easily swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter casserole.
Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños if you like a spicy kick.

Variations

Cheesy Tex-Mex: Stir in a drained can of black beans, use pepper jack cheese, and top with sliced jalapeños.
Veggie Loaded: Add 1 cup diced zucchini or mushrooms when sautéing the peppers and onions.
One-Pan Skillet: Make the whole recipe in an oven-safe skillet and transfer straight from stovetop to oven for fewer dishes.

Required Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
9x13-inch casserole dish
Cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula and mixing spoon

Storage Instructions

Allow casserole to cool fully before covering tightly and storing in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or cover and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. For freezing, wrap portions tightly and store up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed green beans for freshness.
Serve with warm garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the extra sauce.
Top with sliced pickles or a sprinkle of hot sauce for extra zing.

Pro Tips

Drain the cooked beef well to prevent the casserole from being greasy.
Shred your own cheese for the best melting and flavor.
Let the casserole rest 5 minutes after baking for neat, tidy slices and even flavor.

FAQ

Can I make Sloppy Joe Pasta Casserole ahead of time?: Absolutely! Assemble it up to 1 day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake an extra 5-10 minutes when ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of pasta?: Yes! Short cuts like rigatoni, ziti, or shells all work well.
How do I make it gluten-free?: Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and be sure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.