Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich (Cheesy Ground Beef Pasta Bake)
If you love classic Sloppy Joes, this Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich transforms the traditional sandwich into a hearty baked pasta casserole the whole family will enjoy. Made with seasoned ground beef, Manwich sloppy joe sauce, tender bowtie pasta, and melted cheese, this comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknight dinners, potlucks, and family meals.
This recipe is popular with people searching for easy ground beef casserole recipes, sloppy joe pasta bake, cheesy beef casseroles, and simple family dinner ideas. It’s filling, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 1 can (24 oz) original Manwich sloppy joe sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) original Manwich sloppy joe sauce
- 12 oz farfalle (bowtie pasta), cooked al dente
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, shredded
- 8 oz Colby-Jack cheese, shredded
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion becomes soft and translucent. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the Sloppy Joe Sauce
Stir in both cans of Manwich sloppy joe sauce. Mix well and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors blend together.
4. Combine with Pasta
In a large bowl, mix the cooked farfalle pasta with the sloppy joe beef mixture until evenly coated.
5. Layer the Casserole
Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the Velveeta and Colby-Jack cheese over the top.
Add the remaining pasta mixture and finish with the remaining shredded cheese for a rich, cheesy topping.
6. Bake the Casserole
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.
Benefits of This Sloppy Joe Casserole
This easy sloppy joe casserole recipe is perfect for busy families because:
- High-protein meal thanks to ground beef and cheese
- Great comfort food casserole for cold evenings
- Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients
- Ideal for meal prep and leftovers
Tips for the Best Sloppy Joe Casserole
✔ Cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t become too soft while baking.
✔ Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.
✔ Add extra shredded cheese on top for an ultra-cheesy casserole.
✔ Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
Delicious Variations
Vegetable Sloppy Joe Casserole
Add bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms to boost flavor and nutrition.
Spicy Sloppy Joe Bake
Add jalapeños or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Lighter Version
Use reduced-fat cheese and lean ground turkey instead of beef.
Meal Prep & Storage
This easy ground beef pasta casserole stores very well:
- Refrigerator: up to 4 days
- Freezer: up to 3 months
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.
