Introduction :
Craving a hearty, comforting dish that combines the beloved flavors of Sloppy Joes with the convenience of a casserole? Look no further than this Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich. Packed with savory ground beef, tender bowtie noodles, and gooey melted cheese, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you need a warm, satisfying meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Opt for lean beef to keep the dish from being too greasy.
- 1 cup diced yellow onion: Adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the flavor of the beef.
- 24 oz can original Manwich sauce: This classic sauce brings the signature Sloppy Joe flavor.
- 15 oz can original Manwich sauce: For extra sauciness and flavor.
- 12 oz package farfalle (bowtie) noodles: Cooked al dente to hold up in the casserole.
- 8 oz package shredded Velveeta: Provides creamy, melty goodness throughout the casserole.
- 8 oz package shredded Colby-Jack cheese: Melts perfectly on top for a cheesy crust.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9×13 baking dish by lightly spraying it with cooking spray. Set it aside.
2. Brown Beef and Onion
In a large pot (4-5 quarts), combine the ground beef and diced onion. Cook over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess grease, then return the beef and onions to the pot.
3. Add Ingredients
Stir in both cans of Manwich sauce, the cooked bowtie noodles, and the shredded Velveeta. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined and the Velveeta is melted.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the Sloppy Joe mixture into your prepared 9×13 baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
5. Add Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded Colby-Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
7. Cool and Serve
Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
8. Enjoy
Serve this warm and comforting Sloppy Joe Casserole and enjoy every delicious bite. It’s a meal that’s sure to bring smiles to the dinner table!
Tips for the Perfect Sloppy Joe Casserole
- Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake.
- Add Veggies: For extra nutrition, consider adding diced bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms to the beef and onion mixture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the farfalle noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Serving and Storage Tips for Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich
Serving Tips
- Pair with a Side Salad: Complement the hearty casserole with a light, crisp side salad. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Garnish: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions on top for a touch of color and freshness.
- Portion Control: For a balanced meal, consider serving smaller portions of the casserole alongside steamed vegetables or a healthy grain like quinoa or brown rice.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover Sloppy Joe Casserole in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, let the casserole cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil and plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating:
- From the Refrigerator: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. For larger portions, cover the baking dish with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
- From Frozen: Thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat as described above. If you’re in a hurry, you can reheat directly from frozen; just add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time and ensure the dish is heated through.
- Avoid Overheating: When reheating, be careful not to overcook as this can dry out the casserole. Covering with foil can help retain moisture.
Additional Tips
- Portioning for Lunches: Divide the casserole into single-serving containers before refrigerating or freezing. This makes it easy to grab and go for quick lunches.
- Labeling: Always label your storage containers with the date so you can keep track of how long the casserole has been stored.
- Texture Maintenance: If reheating in the microwave, add a splash of water or a bit of extra sauce to keep the pasta from drying out.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure your Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich stays delicious and ready to enjoy whenever you want a hearty, comforting meal.
Delicious Variations of Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich
The classic Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich is already a delightful comfort food, but there are numerous ways to customize and enhance the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some delicious variations you can try:
1. Vegetarian Sloppy Joe Casserole
Ingredients:
- Replace 1 lb lean ground beef with 1 lb of lentils or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger.
- Follow the original recipe for the remaining ingredients and instructions.
Instructions:
- Cook the lentils or meat substitute according to the package instructions.
- Sauté the diced onion with the lentils or meat substitute.
- Continue with the original recipe, mixing in Manwich sauce, noodles, and cheeses, and bake as directed.
2. Mexican-Style Sloppy Joe Casserole
Ingredients:
- Add 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed.
- Add 1 can of corn, drained.
- Use Mexican blend cheese instead of Colby-Jack.
- Optional: Add 1 packet of taco seasoning.
Instructions:
- After browning the beef and onion, stir in the black beans, corn, and optional taco seasoning.
- Mix with Manwich sauce, noodles, and shredded Velveeta.
- Top with Mexican blend cheese and bake as directed.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream before serving.
3. Cheesy Chicken Sloppy Joe Casserole
Ingredients:
- Replace ground beef with 1 lb of shredded cooked chicken.
- Use a combination of shredded Cheddar and Mozzarella cheese instead of Velveeta and Colby-Jack.
Instructions:
- Sauté the diced onion until soft, then stir in the shredded chicken.
- Mix with Manwich sauce, noodles, and shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Top with Mozzarella cheese and bake as directed.
4. Loaded Vegetable Sloppy Joe Casserole
Ingredients:
- Add 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color).
- Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms.
- Add 1 zucchini, diced.
Instructions:
- Sauté the onion, bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini together until tender.
- Stir in the ground beef, cooking until browned, then proceed with the original recipe.
- Mix with Manwich sauce, noodles, and shredded Velveeta.
- Top with Colby-Jack cheese and bake as directed.
5. Spicy Sloppy Joe Casserole
Ingredients:
- Add 1-2 diced jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat).
- Use Pepper Jack cheese instead of Colby-Jack.
- Optional: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
Instructions:
- Sauté the diced onion and jalapeños together until soft.
- Brown the beef with the onions and jalapeños, then proceed with the original recipe.
- Mix with Manwich sauce, noodles, and shredded Velveeta.
- Top with Pepper Jack cheese and bake as directed.
- Garnish with additional sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
6. BBQ Sloppy Joe Casserole
Ingredients:
- Replace one can of Manwich sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce.
- Use a combination of shredded Cheddar and Gouda cheese instead of Velveeta and Colby-Jack.
Instructions:
- After browning the beef and onion, mix in one can of Manwich sauce and one can of BBQ sauce.
- Stir in the cooked noodles and shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Top with Gouda cheese and bake as directed.
- Serve with a side of coleslaw for a true BBQ experience.
7. Breakfast Sloppy Joe Casserole
Ingredients:
- Replace ground beef with 1 lb of ground breakfast sausage.
- Add 1 cup diced hash browns.
- Use shredded Cheddar cheese instead of Velveeta.
Instructions:
- Sauté the diced onion and hash browns together until soft.
- Brown the sausage with the onions and hash browns, then proceed with the original recipe.
- Mix with Manwich sauce, noodles, and shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Top with additional Cheddar cheese and bake as directed.
- Serve with scrambled eggs or a sunny-side-up egg on top for a breakfast twist.
Conclusion
This Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining the rich, tangy flavors of Sloppy Joes with the convenience and comfort of a baked casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this cheesy, hearty, and utterly satisfying casserole!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich
1. Can I make Sloppy Joe Casserole ahead of time?
Answer: Yes, you can prepare the Sloppy Joe Casserole ahead of time. Follow the recipe up to the baking step. Instead of baking, cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
2. Can I freeze Sloppy Joe Casserole?
Answer: Absolutely! To freeze, let the casserole cool completely after assembling. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. If baking from frozen, increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes and check to ensure it’s heated through.
3. What can I substitute for Velveeta cheese?
Answer: If you prefer not to use Velveeta, you can substitute it with any other melty cheese like shredded Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend. Another option is to make a simple cheese sauce using real cheese, milk, and a bit of flour and butter to thicken it, which can provide a similar creamy texture.
4. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Answer: Yes, you can use different types of pasta in this casserole. Penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni are great alternatives to farfalle (bowtie) noodles. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven and absorb some of the sauce.
5. How can I make this casserole healthier?
Answer: To make the Sloppy Joe Casserole healthier, consider the following adjustments:
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
- Add more vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini.
- Use whole wheat or high-fiber pasta.
- Opt for reduced-fat cheeses or a smaller amount of cheese.
- Consider using a low-sodium or reduced-sugar version of Manwich sauce.
