Description
A deliciously cheesy and hearty casserole combining the flavors of sloppy joes with pasta, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb. ground beef (lean or extra lean)
- 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta, cooked and drained
- 2 and 1/4 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded (or cheddar, Gouda)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with a light coat of butter or spray with cooking spray.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- (While the pasta is cooking) Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add ground beef, green pepper, onion & garlic. Cook until ground beef is no longer pink and onions have softened. Drain off any grease before adding next ingredients.
- Add the tomato paste, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, dry mustard, chili powder, salt & black pepper and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes (to thicken) over medium heat, stirring often.
- Next, add the cooked pasta to the sloppy joe mixture. Stir gently until pasta is coated with the sauce.
- Transfer half of the pasta and sauce mixture to the bottom of prepared baking dish, then top with half of the shredded cheese. Top with remaining pasta mixture, then top with remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake the casserole for 25 minutes until cheese is completely melted and casserole is heated through.
Notes
- For a spicier flavor, add more red pepper flakes.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
- Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg