Sloppy Joe Casserole With Manwich Recipe

The Zesty Sloppy Joe Casserole With Manwich Recipe You’ll Love

Comfort food reaches new heights with this hearty sloppy joe casserole with Manwich that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Bold flavors dance across layers of savory goodness, creating a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Ground beef sizzles with tangy sauce, blending perfectly with melted cheese and soft pasta.

This one-pan wonder comes together quickly, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Families will devour every single bite of this crowd-pleasing dish.

Simple ingredients transform into a memorable meal that sparks conversation around the dinner table.

You’ll want to add this recipe to your regular rotation for its delicious simplicity and irresistible taste.

FAQs

  • What is Manwich sauce?

Manwich is a canned sloppy joe sauce made by Hunt’s that combines tomato sauce, spices, and seasonings, creating a quick and flavorful base for sloppy joe dishes.

  • Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute bowtie noodles with other pasta shapes like rotini, elbow macaroni, or penne that hold sauce well and provide similar texture.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! This casserole combines classic sloppy joe flavors with cheesy pasta, making it a crowd-pleaser for children and adults who enjoy comfort food.

Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich: Comfort Food Classic

  • Transform traditional sloppy joes into a hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole that combines classic flavor with cheesy goodness.
  • Minimal prep and basic ingredients make this recipe a stress-free meal solution for busy families craving delicious comfort food.
  • Packed with familiar flavors and cheesy texture, this casserole appeals to both children and adults, guaranteeing clean plates and happy faces.
  • Streamline your cooking process with a single-dish meal that reduces kitchen cleanup and maximizes flavor in every bite.

Manwich Sloppy Joe Casserole: What You’ll Need

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the core protein for the casserole.
  • Velveeta Cheese: A creamy processed cheese that melts smoothly and adds rich texture to the dish.
Sauce and Pasta:
  • Manwich Sauce, Bowtie Noodles: A classic sloppy joe sauce paired with pasta that creates a satisfying and nostalgic meal combination.
Topping and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic sweetness to the beef mixture.
  • Colby-Jack Cheese: A melty cheese topping that provides a golden, bubbly finish to the casserole.
  • Cooking Spray: Ensures the casserole does not stick to the baking dish and allows for easy serving.

Tools for Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole Assembly

  • Large Pot (4-5 quarts): Essential for browning beef and mixing ingredients thoroughly.
  • 9×13 Baking Dish: Perfect for assembling and baking the entire casserole.
  • Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
  • Cheese Grater: Useful for shredding Colby-Jack and Velveeta cheeses.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Colander: Needed for draining pasta and excess beef grease.

How to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Dish

Fire up your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick spritz of cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown Meaty Goodness

In a large pot, toss in ground beef and diced onions.

Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat and stirring occasionally until the beef is perfectly browned and onions turn soft and translucent.

Drain away any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 3: Mix Flavor Explosion

Combine the ingredients for maximum deliciousness:
  • Manwich sauce
  • Cooked bowtie pasta
  • Shredded Velveeta cheese

Stir everything together until it’s beautifully blended and looks absolutely irresistible.

Step 4: Layer Into Baking Dish

Pour the entire saucy mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.

Step 5: Cheese Topping Extravaganza

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded Colby-Jack cheese over the top, creating a gorgeous melty blanket.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden landscape of deliciousness.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Pull the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

This helps the flavors meld and makes serving easier.

Step 8: Dig In And Enjoy

Scoop out generous portions and savor every single bite of this ultimate comfort food!

Tips for a Juicy, Flavorful Casserole

  • Remove excess grease completely to prevent a soggy casserole and ensure a rich, concentrated flavor.
  • Bowtie pasta works great, but feel free to swap with other short pasta shapes like rotini or penne for fun texture variations.
  • Let Velveeta and Colby-Jack blend smoothly by stirring gently and ensuring even distribution throughout the casserole.
  • Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal option.
  • Add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a little extra kick in their sloppy joe dish.

Casserole Variations to Suit Every Sloppy Joe Fan

  • Vegetarian Sloppy Joe Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, keeping the Manwich sauce for a meat-free version that's protein-packed and satisfying.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap bowtie noodles with gluten-free pasta and ensure Manwich sauce is gluten-free, making the dish safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute pasta with riced cauliflower or cauliflower noodles to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining the classic sloppy joe flavor profile.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Version: Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture and use pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of heat that transforms the traditional casserole into a zesty meal.

Best Ways to Serve Sloppy Joe Casserole

  • Comfort Food Companion: Serve this hearty casserole with crisp green salad for refreshing contrast.
  • Family-Style Feast: Pair with buttery corn on the cob or steamed green beans to balance the rich meaty flavors.
  • Crunchy Side Kick: Top with crushed tortilla chips or crispy breadcrumbs for added texture and satisfying crunch.
  • Garnish Glory: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or green onions for bright color and zesty finish that elevates the entire dish.

Storing Leftover Sloppy Joe Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze up to 3 months for best quality. Label with date and contents.
  • Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm. Add splash of water to prevent drying out.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Remove foil last 5 minutes for crispy cheese top.
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Sloppy Joe Casserole With Manwich Recipe

Sloppy Joe Casserole With Manwich Recipe


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4.8 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty sloppy joe casserole with Manwich sauce brings classic American comfort to dinner tables. Melted cheese, savory ground beef, and crispy bread crumbs create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (0.45 kilogram) lean ground beef
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) farfalle (bowtie) noodles, cooked al dente
  • 24 ounces (680 grams) can original Manwich sauce
  • 15 ounces (425 grams) can original Manwich sauce

Cheese Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (227 grams) package shredded Velveeta
  • 8 ounces (227 grams) package shredded Colby-Jack cheese

Additional Vegetable Ingredient:

  • 1 cup diced yellow onion

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 350°F (175°C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray for easy cleanup.
  2. In a large pot, sauté ground beef and onions over medium-high heat until meat is thoroughly browned and onions become translucent, then drain excess fat.
  3. Return beef and onions to the pot, then incorporate Manwich sauce, cooked bowtie noodles, and Velveeta cheese, stirring until ingredients are completely integrated.
  4. Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
  5. Generously layer Colby-Jack cheese across the entire surface of the casserole for maximum coverage.
  6. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt and develop a golden, bubbly texture.
  7. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes, which helps the dish set and makes serving easier.
  8. Slice into hearty portions and serve while warm, enjoying the rich, tangy flavors of this comforting meal.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a lighter dish without compromising flavor.
  • Replace regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free noodles for dietary accommodations and added nutritional value.
  • Consider adding diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra vegetables and increased nutrient density.
  • Swap Velveeta with sharp cheddar or a plant-based cheese alternative for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 1200 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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