Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this casserole because it’s quick to assemble, uses pantry staples, and gets a golden, bubbly cheese top that everyone wants to scoop into. It turns Sloppy Joe night into something a little extra cozy, and it’s great for feeding a crowd or storing as leftovers. Plus, the combination of Velveeta and Colby-Jack gives the whole dish that creamy, cheesy pull I can’t resist.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb lean ground beef

• 1 yellow onion, diced

• 2 cans Manwich sauce

• 12 oz farfalle (bowtie) pasta, cooked al dente

• 1 cup shredded Velveeta

• 1 1/2 cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a large pot, I cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium-high heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Then I drain off any excess grease.

3. I return the beef mixture to the pot and stir in both cans of Manwich sauce, the cooked pasta, and the shredded Velveeta. I stir until everything is evenly coated and the Velveeta has melted.

4. I transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

5. I top the casserole with the shredded Colby-Jack cheese.

6. I bake it uncovered for 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. I let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before serving—it helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to scoop.

Servings and timing

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes add chopped jalapeños, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.

• Ground turkey or chicken makes a great lighter substitute for beef.

• Penne, rotini, or shells also work well if I don’t have farfalle.

• A handful of crushed tortilla chips sprinkled on top before baking adds a nice crunch.

• For extra heat, I mix in a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave individual portions or warm larger amounts in a covered baking dish in the oven at 325°F until hot. This casserole also freezes well—after it’s cooled, I portion it into freezer-safe containers. When ready to serve, I thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as usual.

FAQs

Can I use homemade Sloppy Joe sauce instead of Manwich?

Yes, if I have a favorite homemade version, I substitute it for the canned sauce—just use about the same volume (around 2 1/2 cups total).

Is it okay to make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. I assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When I’m ready to bake, I add 5–10 minutes to the baking time.

What’s the best cheese substitute for Velveeta?

I’ve used cream cheese or a mix of shredded cheddar and a splash of milk in place of Velveeta when I want something a little less processed.

Can I make this in a smaller batch?

Yes, I halve the recipe and bake it in an 8×8-inch dish if I’m cooking for fewer people.

Can I freeze it before baking?

Yes, I prepare the casserole through Step 4, let it cool completely, cover it tightly, and freeze. I bake it from frozen at 350°F for about 45–50 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.

Conclusion

Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich is a fast, family-friendly dish that turns a nostalgic favorite into a satisfying baked meal. I love how it combines the bold flavor of a Sloppy Joe with the comfort of cheesy pasta in one dish that’s easy to prepare, easy to customize, and always a hit at the table. Whether I’m feeding a group or stocking the freezer, this is one recipe I know I’ll keep coming back to.

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