Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box (16 oz) penne, bow tie, or any pasta of your choice
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 cans sloppy joe sauce (1 regular, 1 thick and chunky)
- 1 bag (8 oz) shredded Colby jack cheese
- 1 bag (8 oz) Velveeta shredded original cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. Be careful not to overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven.
- Cook the Meat Mixture
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the pan.
- Combine Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with both cans of sloppy joe sauce, stirring until the pasta is well coated. Add the cooked meat mixture and the bag of Velveeta shredded cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Assemble the Casserole
- Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the Colby jack cheese over the top, creating a generous cheese layer.
- Bake to Perfection
- Place the casserole in a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly crispy.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the meat while cooking.
- You can substitute homemade sloppy joe sauce if you prefer less processed ingredients.
- This casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. Prepare through assembly, cool completely, then freeze. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking.
- Add bell peppers or other vegetables to increase the nutritional value of this dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg