Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole with Noodles Your Family Will Devour

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole with Noodles transforms a nostalgic classic into a hearty, baked comfort dish that works beautifully for busy weeknights. It combines tender pasta, rich sloppy joe sauce, melted cheese, and savory ground beef into a warm, comforting bake that feels both familiar and exciting. What I appreciate most about this recipe is its simplicity—everything comes together quickly, and the oven does the rest of the work. I once made it with whole-wheat noodles when I ran out of regular pasta, and the results were still satisfying and flavorful. It is budget-friendly, customizable, and practically guaranteed to please both kids and adults. From potlucks to weeknight dinners, this casserole offers all the beloved flavors of sloppy joes in a cozy, spoonable form. If you enjoy easy, crowd-pleasing casseroles, this one will quickly become part of your regular rotation.

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Ingredients

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

Ingredients Breakdown

Ground beef
Ground beef creates the hearty base of the casserole, giving it rich flavor and a satisfying texture. Lean beef works best, as it reduces excess grease.

Onion
Chopped onion adds sweetness and depth as it cooks with the beef. It softens beautifully and blends seamlessly into the sauce.

Sloppy joe sauce
Using canned sloppy joe sauce keeps this recipe incredibly quick and convenient. It provides classic tangy-sweet flavor that coats the noodles perfectly.

Tomato sauce
Tomato sauce stretches the sloppy joe mixture and adds moisture, helping the casserole stay saucy while baking.

Beef broth
A splash of beef broth helps create a smooth, cohesive sauce and enhances the savory notes of the dish.

Garlic powder
Garlic powder deepens the flavor and complements the tanginess of the sloppy joe sauce without overpowering it.

Pasta noodles
Egg noodles or short pasta like rotini or penne work well. They hold up during baking and absorb the sauce wonderfully.

Cheddar cheese
Melty cheddar forms a golden, irresistible topping. It creates a comforting, cheesy crust that pairs perfectly with the saucy interior.

Olive oil
A small drizzle of olive oil helps sauté the onions and beef evenly and adds richness to the mixture.

Salt and pepper
These essential seasonings enhance and balance the overall flavor of the casserole.

Directions

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Cook your noodles according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onions, breaking up the meat as it browns. Once the beef is fully cooked and the onions are soft, drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Return the skillet to the heat and stir in the sloppy joe sauce, tomato sauce, beef broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer briefly to blend the flavors. Add the cooked noodles directly into the sauce and fold gently to coat every piece of pasta. Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread it evenly.

Top generously with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake the casserole for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and set slightly. Serve warm and enjoy a classic comfort dish with a twist.

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.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

Serves 6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: about 40 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or heat gently in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if the casserole thickens too much after refrigeration. This dish also freezes well—freeze in portions and thaw overnight before reheating.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy sloppy joe casserole

Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Extra cheesy version

Mix additional cheddar or mozzarella directly into the pasta before baking.

Veggie-loaded casserole

Fold in bell peppers, corn, or shredded carrots for color and nutrition.

BBQ twist

Add a spoonful of barbecue sauce to the sloppy joe mixture for smoky sweetness.

Turkey sloppy joe casserole

Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter dish.

Sweet onion blend

Caramelize the onions before adding the beef for deeper flavor.

Creamy version

Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese for a velvety texture.

Tex-Mex twist

Add black beans, taco seasoning, and pepper jack cheese.

Gluten-free adaptation

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the sauces are gluten-free.

Open-faced casserole melts

Toast slices of bread and spoon the casserole mixture on top for a fun serving style.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta such as penne, rotini, or bowties works well.

Can I substitute ground turkey for beef?

Yes, ground turkey makes a lighter but still delicious version.

Does this freeze well?

Yes, it freezes and reheats nicely if stored properly.

Should the noodles be fully cooked before baking?

Cook them until al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Can I make this spicier?

Add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the mixture.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it in advance and bake just before serving.

Can I use homemade sloppy joe sauce?

Absolutely—homemade sauce works beautifully.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar melts well, but mozzarella or Monterey Jack are great alternatives.

How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?

Do not overbake, and ensure there is enough sauce in the mixture.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or peas work well.

Conclusion

Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole with Noodles brings nostalgic flavors and creamy, comforting textures together in one satisfying dish. Its simplicity, versatility, and family-friendly appeal make it a reliable recipe for busy evenings or casual gatherings. Whether you follow the classic version or experiment with one of the suggested variations, this casserole delivers a warm, hearty meal that feels both familiar and fresh every time you make it.

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