Sloppy Joe Casserole recipe

Biscuit version: Top with quartered canned biscuits instead of pasta/tots.
Low-carb: Swap pasta for cauliflower rice.
Extra sloppy: Add ¼ cup beef broth or extra sauce.
Kid-approved: Add a little brown sugar for sweetness.

Oh heck yes—Sloppy Joe Casserole is pure cozy, weeknight comfort. Here’s a classic, crowd-pleasing version that’s easy and flexible.

🧀 Sloppy Joe Casserole

1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
1 small onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced (optional but good)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup Sloppy Joe sauce (Manwich or homemade)
1 cup cooked pasta or 3 cups frozen tater tots
(elbow macaroni, rotini, or shells work great)
1½ cups shredded cheddar or Colby-Jack cheese
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional add-ins: corn, black beans, jalapeños, pickle slices 😏

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Brown the meat in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess grease.
Add onion, pepper, and garlic. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in Sloppy Joe sauce. Season with salt & pepper.
Assemble casserole:
- If using pasta: mix cooked pasta into the meat mixture.
- If using tater tots: spread meat mixture in the dish, then top with tots.
Sprinkle cheese evenly over the top.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Let rest 5 minutes (hardest step). Serve and enjoy.

Want a from-scratch Sloppy Joe sauce, a slow-cooker version, or a spicy upgrade? 😄