Sloppy Joe Casserole with Noodles is the ultimate comfort food—rich, savory, and satisfying with every bite. Ground beef, seasoned with the classic Sloppy Joe flavors, is combined with egg noodles, mixed vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese, creating a one-pan dish that’s easy to make and even easier to love. This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a hearty, cheesy meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it combines the classic flavors of a Sloppy Joe in a warm, cheesy casserole. The egg noodles soak up the savory beef mixture, and the melted cheddar on top adds an extra layer of indulgence. It’s comforting and filling, making it a great choice for both casual dinners and when I need something to feed a crowd. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish, so cleanup is a breeze!
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon mustard
1 teaspoon brown sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
8 ounces egg noodles
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
directions
Step 1: Preheat and Sauté I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat. I add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking them for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Next, I add the ground beef to the skillet. I cook it, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and fully cooked through. I drain any excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce I then stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. I let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to let all the flavors meld together.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles While the beef mixture simmers, I cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once done, I drain the noodles and set them aside.
Step 5: Combine the Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, I combine the cooked noodles, Sloppy Joe mixture, and frozen mixed vegetables. I stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake I transfer the noodle and beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Then, I sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. I bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve Once the casserole is done, I remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. I then garnish with fresh parsley before serving. It’s ready to enjoy!
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people and takes just 45 minutes from start to finish. Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
There are so many ways to customize this casserole:
Vegetarian: I can use plant-based ground meat or lentils instead of beef for a vegetarian version.
Cheese: For a different flavor, I can use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Spicy: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture gives it a little extra heat.
storage/reheating
Refrigeration: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This casserole freezes well. I allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: I reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through. Alternatively, I can microwave individual servings for about 2-3 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! If I don’t have egg noodles, I can substitute them with any pasta I like, such as penne, fusilli, or rotini.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! I can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, I just pop it in the oven as directed.
Can I make this without mixed vegetables?
If I prefer, I can use any vegetables I like—frozen peas, corn, or even fresh spinach for a little extra green.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works just as well in this recipe. I might need to add a bit more seasoning to make up for the milder flavor.
How do I prevent the casserole from getting dry?
To prevent the casserole from becoming dry, I make sure to not overcook the noodles and add a little extra sauce if needed before baking.
Conclusion
Sloppy Joe Casserole with Noodles is the kind of hearty, comforting meal that brings everyone to the table. The combination of savory ground beef, cheesy noodles, and flavorful vegetables makes this casserole a family favorite. It’s quick, easy, and full of delicious flavors, making it the perfect dish for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.
Sloppy Joe Casserole with Noodles is a hearty and cheesy comfort food that combines seasoned ground beef, egg noodles, mixed vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s easy to make and a crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon mustard
1 teaspoon brown sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
8 ounces egg noodles
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
While the beef mixture simmers, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain the noodles and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, beef mixture, and frozen mixed vegetables. Stir until evenly mixed.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the casserole from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, use plant-based ground meat or lentils instead of beef.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
Substitute the egg noodles with any pasta type like penne, fusilli, or rotini.
This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months.