Introduction
Transform humble ground beef and pantry staples into a comforting, crowd-pleasing Sloppy Joe Casserole in under 45 minutes! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort. Say goodbye to complicated recipes and hello to delicious, easy family dinners.
Why This Works
This Sloppy Joe Casserole recipe is a winner because it’s incredibly simple, uses common ingredients, and delivers a hearty, satisfying meal everyone will love. No more complicated browning of meat or multiple dishes—it’s all about efficiency and big flavor in one pan!
Key Ingredients
- 🥩 1 lb ground beef
- 🧅 1 medium onion, chopped
- 🫑 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 🥫 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 🥫 1 (15 ounce) can tomato paste
- 🍯 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 🫙 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 🌶️ 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
- 🤤 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 🍔 1 (16 ounce) package hamburger buns, sliced
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2️⃣ In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
3️⃣ Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4️⃣ Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5️⃣ Pour the sloppy joe mixture into the prepared baking dish.
6️⃣ Top with the sliced hamburger buns.
7️⃣ Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the buns are lightly toasted and the casserole is heated through.
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, use a smoky paprika instead of regular chili powder.
- If you don’t have hamburger buns, you can use potato chips or crushed tortilla chips for a fun, crunchy topping.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or carrots – whatever you have on hand!
Heat Control
This recipe uses medium-high heat for browning the beef and then a simmer for the sauce. Medium-high ensures the beef browns properly, while the simmer allows the flavors to meld together without burning. The oven temperature of 375°F is ideal for gently heating the casserole and toasting the buns.
Crunch Factor
The toasted hamburger buns on top provide a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, saucy filling.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Prep your vegetables ahead of time: chop the onion and bell pepper while the ground beef is browning to save time.
- Use pre-shredded cheese for a quicker cleanup.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This casserole makes a great potluck dish. Transport it in a disposable aluminum pan, or for a more elegant presentation, bake it in a ceramic casserole dish and transfer it to a stylish insulated carrier bag.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Sloppy Joes: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture.
🌟 Cheesy Sloppy Joes: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top before baking.
🌟 BBQ Sloppy Joes: Substitute BBQ sauce for the tomato sauce and add a tablespoon of smoked paprika.
🌟 Bacon Sloppy Joes: Crumble cooked bacon over the top before baking.
Troubleshooting
- Dry Casserole: If the casserole is too dry, add a splash of water or beef broth to the sauce.
- Burnt Buns: If the buns are browning too quickly, loosely tent the casserole with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
FAQ
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey works well as a substitute.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it just before serving. Store the assembled casserole, unbaked, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- What can I serve with this casserole? This casserole pairs well with a side salad, potato chips, or corn on the cob.
Conclusion
This One-Pan Sloppy Joe Casserole is a true weeknight lifesaver! It’s quick, easy, delicious, and perfect for busy families. Give it a try and share your delicious creations with us! We can’t wait to see your #SloppyJoeCasserole masterpiece. Enjoy!
30-Minute Sloppy Joe Casserole: Weeknight Dinner Winner
A quick and easy casserole that combines the classic flavors of sloppy joes with pasta for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
- 1 cup sloppy joe sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180u00b0C (350u00b0F).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper, and sautu00e9 until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the sloppy joe sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked elbow macaroni and the meat mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips
- For a healthier option, substitute ground turkey for ground beef.
- Add some chopped tomatoes or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.