Midwest Comfort: Dive into a Cheesy Sloppy Joe Casserole with a Twist

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In the Midwest, comfort food holds a special place at the dinner table, and nothing says comfort like a hearty casserole. A true classic in this category is the Sloppy Joe Casserole, a dish that merges the saucy, savory goodness of traditional Sloppy Joes with the warm, baked appeal of a casserole. This Midwest-inspired meal is a crowd-pleaser, ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you want something filling and satisfying.

The Sloppy Joe Casserole draws on the nostalgia of school lunches and weekend gatherings, but elevates it into something even more family-friendly. While many are familiar with the sandwich version, the casserole form adds a whole new layer of coziness. With a base of flavorful ground beef, onions, peppers, and classic seasonings like Worcestershire sauce and ketchup, this dish captures the bold, sweet, and tangy flavors that everyone loves. Add in a generous amount of cheese and bake until bubbly, and you have a dish that's sure to become a family favorite.

Recipe: Midwest-Style Sloppy Joe Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1½ pounds ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 small red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
• ½ cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2 cups frozen yellow corn kernels
• 1½ cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese, divided
• Cooking spray

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, stirring frequently, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the chopped onion, red and green bell peppers, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Cook until vegetables are soft, about 4 minutes.
5. Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the cooked pasta, frozen corn, and ¾ cup of shredded Colby-Jack cheese.
7. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup cheese evenly on top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve warm and enjoy!

The Perfect Casserole for Any Occasion

Whether you're serving a big family dinner or looking for something to bring to a potluck, the Sloppy Joe Casserole is a no-fail option. Its combination of savory meat, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese baked to perfection will satisfy any craving for comfort food. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also versatile, as you can easily add vegetables or swap out ingredients to make it your own. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so leftovers never go to waste.

Sources:

For more details and variations on Sloppy Joe Casseroles, check out (Southern Living)tp​(Tessie's Table)ing.co​(Family Food on the Table)e), Tessie's Table, and Family Food on the Table.