Name: Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 (15 oz) can Manwich Sloppy Joe sauce; 8 oz rotini pasta; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup diced onion (optional); Salt and pepper to taste

Why You’ll Love Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich Recipe

Weeknight‑Friendly: Ready in about 35 minutes from start to finish (10 min prep + 25 min bake).
Comfort Food All the Way: Saucy beef, tender pasta, creamy cheese—every bite is cozy and hearty.
Crowd‑Pleaser: Combines Sloppy Joe flavor with pasta and cheese—easy to serve to kids and adults alike.
Great for Leftovers: It reheats well, making it perfect for next‑day meals.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Lean ground beef
Yellow onion, diced
Manwich sauce (2 cans)
Farfalle (bowtie) pasta, cooked al dente
Shredded Velveeta
Shredded Colby‑Jack cheese

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (about 175 °C), and lightly grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish.
In a large pot or skillet over medium‑high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess grease.
Return the beef mixture to the pot. Stir in both cans of Manwich sauce, the cooked farfalle pasta, and the shredded Velveeta. Mix until everything is evenly coated and the Velveeta begins to melt into the mixture.
Pour the beef‑pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the shredded Colby‑Jack cheese.
Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving (this helps it set and makes it easier to slice and serve).

Servings and timing

Yield: 6 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook (bake) time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
More Veggies: Stir in finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen peas.
Lighter Protein: Substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the beef.
Different Pasta: Use penne, rotini, elbows, or your favorite shape.
Cheese Swap: Try cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack instead of Velveeta or Colby‑Jack.

Storage/Reheating

Storing Leftovers: Transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the fully assembled (but unbaked) casserole. Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350 °F until hot and bubbly. If it seems dry, add a splash of water or extra sauce before reheating.

FAQs

What can I substitute if I can’t find Manwich sauce?

You can make a quick homemade substitute using tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, and spices like onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of chili powder. Adjust to taste to mimic the sweet‑tangy profile of Manwich.

Can I use only one can of Manwich sauce instead of two?

Yes, but the casserole will be less saucy and may be drier. Using two cans ensures the pasta and beef stay juicy and flavorful.

How do I keep the pasta from getting soggy?

Cook the pasta only to al dente (slightly firm) before mixing it into the casserole. It will finish cooking a bit during baking, and being undercooked initially helps prevent mushiness.

Can I assemble this ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to one day. When you’re ready to eat, bake as directed (you may need to add a few extra minutes).

Is this recipe gluten‑free?

It can be, if you use a gluten‑free pasta and ensure that the Manwich sauce you use is certified gluten‑free.

Can I make this vegetarian or meatless?

You can swap in a plant‑based ground “meat” substitute, lentils, or crumbled tofu. Adjust seasoning and moisture to make sure the consistency remains good.

What if I want more sauce?

You could stir in an extra ½ to 1 can of Manwich or add some tomato sauce or stock. Just be careful not to make it too runny.

Can I change the cheese amounts or types?

Yes. Use more or less cheese as desired. You can also substitute cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, or your favorite melting cheese.

Will this work in a smaller or larger baking dish?

You can scale it, but depth matters. If your dish is shallower, the casserole layer may spread too thin and overcook. Use a dish that can accommodate the volume without overflowing.

Can I skip resting time and serve immediately?

You can serve immediately, but letting it rest 5–10 minutes helps the casserole settle and makes it easier to portion and serve neatly.

Conclusion

This Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich is a delightful twist on classic comfort food—easy to make, cheesy, hearty, and designed for busy weeknights. It delivers the familiar tangy Sloppy Joe flavor in a satisfying baked pasta form. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping leftovers for the week, this recipe is a winner you’ll want to keep in your rotation. Let me know if you’d like a variation (vegetarian, spicy, etc.) or help adjusting it for different serving sizes!