If you love classic Sloppy Joes but want something even easier, cheesier, and perfect for feeding a crowd, this Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich is guaranteed to become a weeknight favorite. It combines all the bold, saucy flavors of traditional sloppy joes with tender pasta and melted cheese—creating a comforting one-pan meal that satisfies every time.
This casserole is hearty, budget-friendly, beginner-friendly, and incredibly simple thanks to Manwich sauce, which gives you the perfect sweet-savory flavor with zero effort. It’s ideal for busy nights, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner everyone will love.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Casserole
Easy one-pan dinner using simple ingredients
Manwich adds instant flavor—no need for extra sauces
Perfect for kids and adults
Cheesy, hearty, and comforting
Great for meal prep and reheating
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joe Base
1 ½ lbs ground beef
(or ground turkey for a lighter option)
1 medium onion, diced
1 small green bell pepper, diced
1 can (15 oz) Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce
1 cup beef broth (or water)
2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or rotini work best)
For the Casserole
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra meltiness)
Salt & pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
Topping (Optional)
Crushed Ritz crackers
Parsley
Red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Pasta
Cook your preferred pasta according to package instructions.
Drain and set aside.
3. Brown the Meat
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Season with a little salt and pepper.
Cook until browned, then drain excess fat.
4. Add Vegetables
Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet.
Cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened.
5. Add the Manwich Sauce
Stir in:
1 can Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce
1 cup beef broth
Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
6. Combine with Pasta
Stir the cooked pasta into the skillet, coating everything in the sloppy joe mixture.
If the mixture feels too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
7. Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Top with:
Cheddar cheese
Mozzarella (optional)
8. Bake
Bake for 18–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
9. Serve
Garnish with parsley or red pepper flakes.
Serve warm and enjoy this comforting, cheesy casserole!
Tips for Best Results
Add corn or black beans for extra texture.
For spice, mix in jalapeños or hot sauce.
Make it creamier by adding ½ cup sour cream to the mixture.
Use whole wheat pasta or protein pasta for a healthier version.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Perfect Side Dishes
Garlic bread
Simple green salad
Coleslaw
Roasted vegetables