Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich (Hearty, Cheesy, and Family-Friendly)

Introduction

Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich is a comforting, no-fuss dinner that transforms a familiar sandwich filling into a satisfying baked meal. It is the kind of recipe that fits perfectly into busy weeknights, when you want something filling and reliable without spending hours in the kitchen. By using Manwich sauce, the flavor is instantly recognizable and well balanced, saving time without sacrificing taste. I first made this casserole when I needed a crowd-pleasing dish that could be assembled ahead of time, and it quickly became a household favorite. The savory beef, rich sauce, tender pasta, and melted cheese come together in a way that feels nostalgic yet practical. This casserole is hearty enough to serve on its own and flexible enough to adapt to whatever you have on hand, making it a dependable recipe to keep in rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole takes everything you love about sloppy joes and turns it into an easy, oven-baked meal. It is filling, flavorful, and made with simple ingredients. The Manwich sauce provides a consistent, classic taste, while the casserole format makes it easy to serve, store, and reheat. It is especially great for families, potlucks, and meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Ground beef forms the base of this casserole, providing rich, savory flavor and a hearty texture.

Manwich sauce
Manwich sauce delivers the classic sloppy joe taste with minimal effort and consistent results.

Pasta
Pasta helps turn the sloppy joe filling into a complete, filling casserole. Short shapes work best.

Onion
Onion adds sweetness and depth as it cooks with the beef.

Bell pepper
Bell pepper adds mild sweetness and a bit of texture, balancing the richness of the meat and sauce.

Cheddar cheese
Cheddar cheese melts smoothly and adds a creamy, savory finish.

Mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella enhances the cheesy texture and helps bind the casserole together.

Salt and black pepper
These seasonings enhance the overall flavor without overpowering the Manwich sauce.

Garlic powder
Garlic powder adds gentle savory notes without extra moisture.

Directions

Begin by preheating the oven to 375°F. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until just al dente, then drain and set aside. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onion and bell pepper until the meat is browned and the vegetables are softened. Drain excess grease.

Stir in the Manwich sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir until everything is evenly coated.

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Allow the casserole to rest briefly before serving.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately 6 people. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, with a baking time of 20 to 25 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. Add a small splash of water if the casserole appears dry.

Variations and Customizations

This casserole is easy to adapt. Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a lighter option. You can also add vegetables such as corn, peas, or zucchini for extra nutrition. If you prefer a spicier dish, mix in a small amount of chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes.

For a richer result, stir a small amount of cream cheese into the meat mixture before baking. You can also change the pasta type or swap cheddar for a different melting cheese. These adjustments allow you to tailor the casserole to your preferences while keeping the classic sloppy joe flavor intact.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

This dish provides protein from beef, carbohydrates from pasta, and calcium from cheese. It can be modified to suit lighter diets by using lean meat and reduced-fat cheese.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Pasta texture
Cook pasta just to al dente so it does not become soft during baking.

Grease control
Drain excess fat from the beef to prevent a greasy casserole.

Cheese balance
Use a mix of cheeses for the best melt and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it ahead and bake when ready to serve.

Can I freeze Sloppy Joe Casserole?

Yes, freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months.

What pasta works best?

Short pasta like rotini or penne works very well.

Can I use homemade sloppy joe sauce?

Yes, but Manwich provides the classic flavor quickly.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, it is mild and familiar in flavor.

Can I add more cheese?

Absolutely, adjust the cheese to your preference.

How do I prevent dryness?

Avoid overbaking and cover loosely if needed.

Can I use ground turkey?

Yes, it is a great lean alternative.

What sides pair well with this?

A simple salad or steamed vegetables work well.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and check the sauce label.

Conclusion

Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich is a simple, hearty dish that delivers familiar flavors in an easy-to-serve format. With minimal preparation and plenty of flexibility, it is a reliable recipe that works for busy nights, family dinners, and make-ahead meals.

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