Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich

 

Easy, Cheesy, Hearty Family Dinner

This Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich takes the classic sandwich everyone loves and turns it into a comforting, oven-baked casserole. Made with seasoned ground beef, Manwich sauce, tender pasta, and plenty of melted cheese, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or feeding a hungry family. It’s simple, filling, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15–16 oz) Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce (Original or Bold)
• 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni, rotini, or shells)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Colby-Jack cheese

Optional Add-Ins

• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)

For Topping

• ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• Chopped parsley (optional)

 Directions

1 Preheat & Prep

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, and set aside.

2 Cook the Beef Mixture

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef.
2. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up, until browned.
3. Drain excess grease if needed.
4. Add diced onion and bell pepper.
5. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
6. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3 Add Manwich Sauce

1. Pour in the Manwich Sloppy Joe sauce.
2. Stir well and let simmer for 3–5 minutes.
3. Season with optional spices if desired.

4 Assemble the Casserole

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with the sloppy joe mixture.
2. Stir in 1 cup cheddar and 1 cup mozzarella.
3. Transfer everything to the prepared baking dish.
4. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top.

5 Bake

1. Cover loosely with foil.
2. Bake for 20 minutes.
3. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

 Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a green salad
• Pair with steamed broccoli or green beans
• Add garlic bread or dinner rolls for extra comfort

 Tips for Best Results

• Use leftover Manwich sauce to boost flavor
• Swap pasta for tater tots or biscuits for fun variations
• For extra creaminess, mix in ½ cup sour cream
• Make ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking

 Variations

• Low-Carb: Use cauliflower florets instead of pasta
• Spicy: Add jalapeños or hot Manwich sauce
• Kid-Friendly: Skip peppers and use mild cheese
• Extra Cheesy: Add a layer of cream cheese (4 oz, cubed)

 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months
• Reheat in oven or microwave until heated through

 Nutrition (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: ~420
• Protein: ~28 g
• Carbohydrates: ~35 g
• Fat: ~20 g