This Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich is a hearty, crowd-pleasing twist on a classic American favorite. It combines saucy ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and tender pasta baked to perfection—all coated in the bold, tangy flavor of Manwich sauce. The first time I made this casserole, I couldn’t believe how comforting and satisfying it was. It’s warm, cheesy, and packed with nostalgia—everything you want in an easy family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this casserole because it’s quick, delicious, and uses simple ingredients that everyone already loves. The Manwich sauce infuses the dish with that signature sweet-and-savory Sloppy Joe flavor, while the melted cheese and pasta make it rich and filling. It’s the perfect weeknight meal for busy families, potlucks, or anyone craving comfort food without the mess of sandwiches. Plus, it reheats beautifully—so leftovers are just as good the next day!
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Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich – Hearty, Cheesy & Family-Favorite Comfort Food
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich is a comforting, family-friendly dinner featuring seasoned ground beef tossed in tangy Manwich sauce, layered with pasta and gooey melted cheese. It’s an easy weeknight meal that combines the nostalgic flavor of Sloppy Joes with the heartiness of a casserole.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1 can (15 oz) Manwich Original Sloppy Joe Sauce
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
- Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Drain excess grease from the meat mixture, then stir in the Manwich sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir until evenly coated with the sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add corn or black beans for extra texture and flavor.
- For a crispy topping, sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers or French fried onions before baking.
- Leftovers reheat well and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best for rich flavor without excess grease.
Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce: The classic shortcut for that tangy, sweet-savory taste.
Pasta (Elbow Macaroni or Rotini): Holds the sauce and cheese beautifully.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty for that perfect gooey layer.
Mozzarella Cheese (optional): Adds extra creaminess and stretch.
Onion: Adds sweetness and flavor depth.
Green Bell Pepper: Brings a hint of crunch and freshness.
Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory flavor.
Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables and meat.
Salt and Pepper: To season and balance the flavors.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
Stir in the Manwich sauce and garlic powder, letting the mixture simmer for 3–5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat mixture, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir until well mixed. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining cheese.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or sliced green onions if desired.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 6–8 people. Preparation time: 15 minutes. Cooking time: 30 minutes. Total time: 45 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. You can also freeze the casserole (before or after baking) for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Casserole: Replace pasta with a crispy tater tot topping for extra crunch.
Bisquick Topping: Add a biscuit layer on top for a Sloppy Joe pot pie feel.
Cheesy Garlic Bread Version: Serve the mixture over garlic bread slices instead of baking with pasta.
Vegetable Boost: Add corn, peas, or diced carrots for extra nutrition.
Spicy Sloppy Joe Casserole: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
Turkey Sloppy Joe Casserole: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Bacon Cheddar Twist: Stir in crumbled cooked bacon for smoky flavor.
BBQ Sloppy Joe Casserole: Mix BBQ sauce with the Manwich for a smoky-sweet variation.
Loaded Casserole: Add a layer of sour cream or cream cheese under the cheese topping.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based crumbles, vegan cheese, and a meat-free Manwich alternative.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, penne, ziti, or shells all work well.
Can I use homemade Sloppy Joe sauce?
Absolutely—if you prefer to control sweetness or spice, make your own sauce.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Can I make it without pasta?
Yes, use rice, tater tots, or biscuits as a base instead.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, turkey or even plant-based meat alternatives work great.
How do I make it extra cheesy?
Layer cheese in the middle and on top for double the gooeyness.
What sides go best with this dish?
Try garlic bread, green beans, or a fresh salad.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, it freezes beautifully—cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
Yes, corn, mushrooms, or zucchini blend nicely with the flavors.
Can I cook it in an air fryer?
If your air fryer is large enough, you can bake smaller portions at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Conclusion
This Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich is the ultimate comfort food—easy, hearty, and irresistibly cheesy. It’s a fun twist on the classic Sloppy Joe, with all the saucy, savory flavor baked into one satisfying dish. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a simple make-ahead meal, this casserole delivers every time. It’s nostalgic, delicious, and destined to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
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