Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich
This sloppy joe casserole with Manwich is the ultimate comfort food mashup. It’s got all the tangy, savory flavor of classic sloppy joes baked into a cheesy, hearty casserole that feeds a crowd.
Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks, this recipe comes together in under an hour. You’ll love how it transforms pantry staples into a restaurant-worthy dinner everyone will ask for again.
No more messy sandwich filling sliding everywhere—this casserole version keeps everything contained and adds a golden, bubbly cheese topping that’s absolutely irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole takes everything great about sloppy joes and makes it even better. The Manwich sauce brings that iconic sweet and tangy flavor without any guesswork, while ground beef adds protein and heartiness.
It’s a true one-dish wonder that cuts down on cleanup time. Plus, you can prep it ahead and bake it when you’re ready, making dinner stress-free on even the craziest days.
Kids and adults alike devour this dish. The combination of pasta, meat sauce, and gooey cheese hits all the comfort food notes without being complicated or time-consuming.
Read More: Rustic Slow Cooked Beef Creamy Coconut Curry with Rice and Crispy Fries
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the casserole base:
For the topping:
You probably have most of these ingredients already. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity—no fancy or hard-to-find items required, just real food that delivers big flavor.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole
Step 1: Cook the beef mixture. Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with diced onion and bell pepper until the meat is no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Step 2: Add sauce and pasta. Stir in the Manwich sauce, uncooked pasta, and beef broth. Mix well until everything is combined. The pasta will cook in the oven, soaking up all that delicious sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the casserole. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly and cover tightly with aluminum foil. This helps the pasta cook through without drying out.
Step 4: Bake covered for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle both cheeses on top, and add crushed crackers if using. Return to oven uncovered for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes it easier to scoop clean portions onto plates.
Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings15
minutes45
minutes1
hourA cheesy, hearty casserole that combines classic sloppy joe flavors with pasta in one easy baking dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners!
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef (80/20)
1 can (15.5 oz) Manwich Original Sloppy Joe Sauce
2 cups elbow macaroni or rotini pasta, uncooked
1 cup beef broth
1 small onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, onion, and bell pepper until beef is browned and vegetables are softened, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in Manwich sauce, uncooked pasta, and beef broth. Mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top. Add crushed crackers if desired.
- Return to oven uncovered and bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole (without cheese topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Add 10 minutes to covered baking time if starting from cold.
Spice it up: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese for heat.
Vegetable boost: Stir in 1 cup frozen corn or diced tomatoes with the sauce.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and crushed gluten-free crackers or skip the topping.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 733 kcal |
| Total Fat | 36 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugars | 8 g |
| Protein | 38 g |
Pro Tips for the Best Results
Always use uncooked pasta for this recipe—it absorbs the flavors as it bakes and creates the perfect texture. If you use pre-cooked pasta, you’ll end up with a mushy casserole that lacks structure.
Don’t skip the resting time after baking. Those 5 minutes make a huge difference in how well the casserole holds together when you serve it, preventing a soupy mess on the plate.
For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture. You can also customize the cheese blend with pepper jack for a spicy kick or Colby for a milder taste.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making this casserole even better the next day for meal prep or quick lunches.
To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry—the pasta absorbs liquid as it sits.
This casserole freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap then foil, or use a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating as directed above.
Variations and Swaps
Make it healthier: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, whole wheat pasta, and reduce the cheese by half. You can also add diced zucchini or mushrooms to sneak in extra veggies.
Try different sauces: While Manwich is classic, you can use Bold or Thick & Chunky varieties for different flavor profiles. Or make your own sloppy joe sauce if you prefer homemade.
Change the base: Swap pasta for tater tots, hash browns, or even cornbread batter on top for a completely different take on the same delicious concept.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Any short pasta shape works well in this casserole. Shells, penne, or rigatoni are great alternatives to elbow macaroni. Just keep the measurement at 2 cups uncooked. Avoid long pastas like spaghetti as they don’t distribute as evenly in a casserole.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While Manwich gives this casserole its signature flavor, you can substitute any sloppy joe sauce or make your own with tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and seasonings. You’ll need about 1½ cups of sauce total for the right consistency.
Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?
Not recommended with uncooked pasta, as the texture won’t be right. However, you can brown the beef, mix it with cooked pasta and sauce, transfer it to a slow cooker, and heat it on low for 2-3 hours with cheese added in the last 30 minutes.
