If you are in the mood for a hearty, comforting meal that effortlessly brings together classic flavors with a twist, this Crockpot Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe is a total game-changer. Imagine all the tangy, savory goodness of traditional sloppy joes transformed into a creamy, cheesy casserole that everyone will love. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners when you want something warm, satisfying, and super easy to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture in the Crockpot Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe. Each component adds something special, whether it’s the tender pasta, the rich sloppy joe sauce, or the melty cheese finish.
- 1 pound of ground beef: The hearty protein base that carries all those delicious flavors.
- 1 yellow onion (diced): Adds a sweet, aromatic depth when cooked.
- 1/2 green bell pepper (diced): Brings a slight crunch and fresh, bright notes to balance the richness.
- 30 ounce can of sloppy joe sauce: The star of the dish, with tangy tomato and savory spices that make sloppy joes so irresistible.
- 10.5 ounce can of cheddar cheese soup: Adds creaminess and cheesy flavor that soothes and unites all ingredients.
- 16 ounce box of pasta: Acts as the sturdy, soul-satisfying vehicle for all those delicious sauces and toppings.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every bite.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a subtle garlicky warmth that complements the beef perfectly.
- 1 & 1/2 cups of shredded cheese: For that irresistible, gooey topping and extra flavor punch.
How to Make Crockpot Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Veggies
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking your ground beef along with diced onions and green bell peppers. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for that perfect savory base. Once browned, drain the excess grease to keep the casserole from getting too oily but retain all that robust flavor.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Next, it’s time to layer the magic. In your crockpot, add the dry pasta, sloppy joe sauce, cheddar cheese soup, and the beef and veggie mixture you just cooked. Give everything a good stir to blend those hearty, saucy components together—this mix is what makes this Crockpot Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe so satisfying and comforting.
Step 3: Slow Cook and Add Cheese
Set your crockpot to high and let the casserole cook for one hour. After that, stir in half a cup of shredded cheese to start melting into the mix. Top the casserole with the remaining cheese and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes. This ensures your pasta is tender and the cheese topping is deliciously gooey and golden.
Step 4: Serve and Dig In
Once your Crockpot Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe is bubbly, cheesy, and perfectly cooked, it’s time to serve. Grab a big spoon, plate it up, and get ready to enjoy comfort food at its finest.
How to Serve Crockpot Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate this dish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or green onions to bring a fresh, vibrant note and a pop of color. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can also add a subtle heat if you like a bit of spice.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines when paired with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. For a more indulgent meal, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery dinner rolls complement the rich, cheesy flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets right from the crockpot to the table—this makes for a charming presentation and keeps each portion warm. You can also top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or a few pickles for that traditional sloppy joe flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Crockpot Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before cooking or after it has cooled. Just transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover casserole in the microwave for a quick fix or in an oven-safe dish covered with foil at 350°F until warmed through. Add a little extra shredded cheese on top during reheating for that fresh-from-the-crockpot taste.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative and still pairs beautifully with the sloppy joe sauce and cheese soup for a delicious twist.
What type of pasta is best for this casserole?
Medium-sized pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or shells work perfectly because they hold the sauce well and cook evenly in the crockpot.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils. The cheesy and sloppy joe flavors will keep it hearty and tasty.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Definitely. You can mix all the ingredients the night before and refrigerate. Just add the cheese and cook the next day—it’s a fantastic time-saver!
Do I need to use canned cheddar cheese soup?
While canned cheddar cheese soup gives wonderful creaminess and a rich cheesiness, you can substitute with a homemade cheese sauce if you prefer. Just make sure it’s thick enough to bind the casserole nicely.
Final Thoughts
There is just something so comforting and satisfying about this Crockpot Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe that makes it a keeper for any home cook’s repertoire. It’s easy, delicious, and family-friendly with just the right balance of flavors and textures. Give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes one of your go-to meals for busy days or when you need a little extra comfort on your plate.
Print
Crockpot Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Sloppy Joe Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the classic flavors of sloppy joes with cheesy pasta, all cooked conveniently in a slow cooker. Perfect for busy weeknights, it features ground beef simmered with onions and bell peppers, mixed with sloppy joe sauce and cheddar cheese soup, then layered with pasta and shredded cheese for a creamy, savory casserole.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
Other Ingredients
- 30 ounce can sloppy joe sauce
- 10.5 ounce can cheddar cheese soup
- 16 ounce box pasta
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese, divided
Instructions
- Brown the meat and vegetables: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef along with the diced onions and green bell peppers until the beef is browned and vegetables are softened. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Drain any excess grease to prevent greasiness in your casserole.
- Combine ingredients in crockpot: Transfer the cooked meat and vegetable mixture to your crockpot. Add the pasta, sloppy joe sauce, and cheddar cheese soup. Stir everything well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Cook and add cheese: Set the crockpot to high and cook for 1 hour. After this time, stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheese, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes until the pasta is tender and the cheese has melted into a creamy topping.
- Serve and enjoy: Once fully cooked, give the casserole a final stir if desired, scoop onto plates, and serve warm for a delicious, easy meal.
Notes
- Drain the grease after browning the beef to keep the casserole from being too oily.
- If you prefer, you can use different types of pasta such as penne or rotini, just adjust cooking time as needed.
- For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of garlic powder or omit the bell pepper.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and reheated for convenience.
- Use low-sodium sloppy joe sauce and cheese soup to reduce sodium content if desired.
