Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich

Quick Benefits

Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich is a hearty, family-friendly comfort food that brings together the classic taste of sloppy joes with a cheesy, pasta-filled twist. It’s quick to prep, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings.

Essential Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef – Provides the protein-rich, savory base.
1 cup diced yellow onion – Adds sweet and aromatic flavor.
24 oz + 15 oz cans of original Manwich sauce – The key ingredient for that tangy, tomato-rich Sloppy Joe taste.
12 oz pkg farfalle (bowtie) noodles – Pasta gives this casserole its comforting bulk.
8 oz pkg shredded Velveeta – Melts into a creamy, cheesy sauce.
8 oz pkg shredded Colby-Jack cheese – For the gooey, golden topping.

Preparation Steps

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Brown the ground beef and diced onions in a large pot over medium-high heat. Drain excess grease.
Stir in both cans of Manwich sauce, cooked farfalle noodles, and shredded Velveeta cheese. Mix until everything is well combined and melty.
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish.
Top evenly with shredded Colby-Jack cheese.
Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cool slightly before serving. Enjoy every savory, cheesy bite!

Health Benefits

While indulgent, this casserole provides a good amount of protein from ground beef and cheese. You can boost its nutritional value by:

Swapping in whole wheat pasta
Using leaner ground turkey
Adding hidden veggies like bell peppers or spinach to the sauce

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a green side salad for freshness.
Pair with steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables.
Offer toppings like chopped parsley, scallions, or even crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.

Creative Variations

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture.
Tex-Mex Twist: Use taco seasoning, black beans, and pepper jack cheese.
Veggie-Packed: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce.

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze baked (or unbaked) casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual portions.

Pro Tips

Cook pasta just al dente so it doesn’t become mushy after baking.
Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before cutting—it helps the layers hold together better.
Shred your own cheese for better melting and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both work well for a lighter version.

Q: What other pasta shapes can I use?
A: Penne, rotini, or macaroni are great substitutes if you don’t have farfalle.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: What’s the best way to freeze this casserole?
A: Let it cool completely, wrap tightly with foil, and freeze. Bake straight from frozen at 350°F for 45–55 minutes, covered.