Name: Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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

If you’ve ever dreamed of taking the nostalgia-loaded, saucy goodness of classic Sloppy Joes and marrying it with the homey comfort of a bubbling baked pasta, you’ll fall in love with this Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich Recipe. Imagine all the tangy, sweet-savory flavors and beefy richness you adore, now layered with perfectly cooked pasta and tons of cheese, baked until bubbly and golden. Whether you’re rallying your busy family to the table or making crowd-pleasing comfort food for a potluck, this casserole is pure weeknight magic—with very little effort and maximum flavor satisfaction.

Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish comes together with just a handful of pantry rock stars and fridge favorites. Each ingredient in the Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich Recipe plays its own tasty role—some bring the zest, others the creaminess, and a few simply make the flavors pop!

Lean ground beef: The hearty, savory foundation that soaks up all that Manwich goodness.
Yellow onion: Adds a delicious sweetness and aromatic depth that upgrades every bite.
Manwich sauce (2 cans): Your shortcut to that nostalgic Sloppy Joe flavor—tangy, slightly sweet, and packed with spices!
Farfalle (bowtie) pasta, cooked al dente: These whimsical little noodles hold the sauce beautifully and create the perfect texture in every forkful.
Shredded Velveeta: The secret weapon for ultra-creamy, melt-in-your-mouth cheesiness throughout the casserole.
Shredded Colby-Jack cheese: This gooey topping forms a golden, irresistible crust as the casserole bakes.

How to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Beef and Onions

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish, so everything is ready to go. Then, set a large pot over medium-high heat and add your ground beef and diced onion. Sauté them together, breaking up the meat and stirring until it’s nicely browned and the onions have become soft and fragrant. Don’t forget to drain off any excess grease—no one wants a greasy casserole!

Step 2: Add Sauce, Pasta, and Velveeta

Now it’s time for the magic. Return the beef-onion combo to your pot, then stir in both cans of Manwich sauce for that signature Sloppy Joe flavor. Next, toss in your cooked farfalle pasta along with the shredded Velveeta. Stir everything together over medium heat until the Velveeta melts and you’re left with a wonderfully creamy, saucy mixture that smells like pure comfort.

Step 3: Layer and Top with Colby-Jack

The real beauty of this Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich Recipe is how simple it is to assemble. Pour your creamy beef and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Generously sprinkle the shredded Colby-Jack cheese over the top—this will form a glorious crust as it bakes.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly

Pop your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, a bit golden, and there are happy little bubbles forming around the edges. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving—this gives it time to set so you can scoop out neat, hearty portions.

How to Serve Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich Recipe

Garnishes

Give your casserole a fresh finishing touch with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions. If you’re feeling a little extra, a handful of pickled jalapeños can add a zesty kick that beautifully balances the cheesy richness.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a main event, but it plays well with others. Think crispy garlic bread, a fresh tossed salad, or simple roasted veggies—each one rounds out the meal and brings in a bit more color and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For weeknight fun (or if you’re serving kids), try scooping the Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich Recipe into individual ramekins for built-in single servings. You could also channel the classic “Sloppy” vibe by spooning a hearty scoop onto toasted hamburger buns, open-faced sandwich style!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of the Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch just as delightful as dinner.

Freezing

If you’re planning ahead, you can freeze unbaked or fully baked casserole portions. Wrap tightly with plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. To keep the cheese at its ooey-gooey best, add the Colby-Jack right before reheating if possible.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave (loosely covered) in 1-minute bursts until piping hot. For larger quantities, pop the dish back in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for about 20 minutes. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese and broil for a minute if you want to revive that bubbly topping!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While farfalle is fun and sturdy, penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni soak up the sauce just as well. Use whatever you have on hand or your family’s favorite shape.

What can I substitute for Velveeta?

If you prefer to skip processed cheese, a mix of cream cheese and freshly grated cheddar works great. You’ll get luscious creaminess with a little extra tang.

Can I make this Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up through the cheese topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, allowing a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Is it possible to make this with ground turkey or chicken?

Definitely. Swap in lean ground turkey or chicken for the beef—just cook until browned and follow the recipe as usual for a lighter twist that still brings all the flavor.

How can I add a veggie boost to the casserole?

Stir in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even zucchini when sautéing the onions and beef. These blend right in and add extra nutrition, color, and a little moisture to the dish.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort, crave something a little nostalgic, and want a meal that will make everyone at your table smile, you can’t go wrong with this Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich Recipe. It’s weeknight comfort food done right—easy, satisfying, and always a hit. Give it a try and get ready for empty plates and happy memories!