The familiar scent of sloppy joe sauce bubbling with ground beef fills the kitchen, rich and tangy from tomato and spice. As it bakes, the cheese melts into the rigatoni, catching bits of sauce in each curve of pasta.
What emerges from the oven is not just a nostalgic nod to the sandwich, but a hearty baked meal that holds its shape under the spoon. Serve it straight from the casserole dish, warm and bubbling, with a crisp green salad or a side of buttered rolls.
Tips for Success
- Use rigatoni or another sturdy pasta shape like penne to hold up to the thick sauce.
- Shred your own cheese for the best melt and texture — pre-shredded cheese can have anti-caking agents.
- Let the casserole rest a few minutes before serving to help it hold together.
- Double the recipe and freeze one unbaked dish for a make-ahead dinner.
- Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
The bottom line
This Sloppy Joe Casserole brings together everything we love about the original sandwich — sweet-savory sauce, tender beef, and melted cheese — in a form that feeds a crowd. It’s a comforting weeknight meal that turns pantry staples into something satisfying and familiar, yet new.
Pair it with a crisp salad or green beans, and you’ve got dinner that’s as practical as it is nostalgic.
Sloppy Joe Casserole
Equipment
- Medium skillet
- Large Pot
- Strainer
- Large mixing bowl
- Silicone spoon
- Cheese grater (optional)
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 3 15 oz cans Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce
- 16 oz box Rigatoni noodles cooked al dente
- 8 oz cheddar Monterey Jack cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- In a medium skillet, cook ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until beef is browned.
- While beef cooks, boil rigatoni until al dente; drain.
- In a large bowl, combine beef mixture, sloppy joe sauce, pasta, and half the cheese. Stir to coat.
- Transfer to prepared casserole dish and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and edges are bubbling.
- Cool slightly before serving. Refrigerate leftovers.
