Sloppy Joe Casserole

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef (or turkey)

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper (optional)

1 can (15 oz) sloppy joe sauce (like Manwich) or homemade (see below)

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

3 cups cooked pasta (like rotini, elbow, or penne)

Salt & pepper to taste

Optional: crushed red pepper or hot sauce for heat

Optional topping: crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs

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Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the beef:

In a large skillet, cook ground beef with onions and bell peppers over medium heat until meat is browned and veggies are tender.

Drain excess grease.

3. Add sloppy joe sauce:

Stir in sloppy joe sauce (or homemade below) and simmer for 3–5 minutes.

4. Assemble the casserole:

In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the meat mixture.

Spread evenly into the baking dish.

Sprinkle the top with shredded cheese.

5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

6. Optional: Add crispy onions or breadcrumbs during the last 5 minutes for extra crunch.

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Homemade Sloppy Joe Sauce (if you want to skip the can):

3/4 cup ketchup

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp mustard

Salt & pepper to taste

Mix well and simmer with the beef.