#NationalSloppyJoeDay ~ Sloppy Joe Casserole

The Festive Foodies have gathered to celebrate #NationalSloppyJoeDay! I have a few sloppy joe recipes on the blog already - Grown Up Sloppy Joes, Sloppy Joes, Turkey Sloppy Joes, and Cherry Chipotle Sloppy Joes. I decided instead of just looking for a variation on the basic recipe this time, I'd opt to see what types of Sloppy Joe casseroles existed out there for me to try! This one was fantastic. I love that it incorporated the buns as well into the topping of the casserole. It added great crunch and texture to the dish!

The flavors are very classic as sloppy joes go - tossed with cooked pasta, tucked in with some cheese and bread cubes, and baked until bubbly and toasty. It was a delicious afternoon meal that we all enjoyed.

The original recipe suggested incorporating carrot into the dish as well - I could see that working well for additional veggie content. If you grated one or two into the sauce you'd probably hardly notice it was there at all!

Come celebrate with us!

Celebrating National Sloppy Joe Day!

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes from Cheese Curd In Paradise

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Delicious Sloppy Joes from Palatable Pastime

Instant Pot Simple Sloppy Joes from Shockingly Delicious

Asian-Style Sloppy Joes from Karen's Kitchen Stories

Baked Sloppy Joe Cups from Our Crafty Mom

Sloppy Joe Casserole from Making Miracles

Healthy Homemade Sloppy Joes from Our Good Life

One Skillet Sloppy Joe Pasta from A Day in the Life on the Farm

Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes with Hoisin and Cilantro from The Spiffy Cookie

Sloppy Joe Casserole adapted from Southern Living

Ingredients
8 ounces elbow macaroni
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 medium onion, diced
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 cups tomato sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
5 large slices of lacey swiss cheese
2 brioche hamburger buns, finely diced

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Put a large pot of water on to boil, cook the macaroni for about 8-10 minutes. Should be al dente (they will finish cooking during baking). Drain and set aside once done.
3. Cook the ground beef along with the diced bell pepper and onion, seasoned with the salt and pepper. Cook for about 10-15 minutes until ground beef is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
4. Add in the tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings if desired. 
5. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
6. Stir the cooked macaroni into the sauce mixture then spread the whole thing in the 9x13 dish.
7. Lay the sliced cheese over the top of the whole casserole, cover as much surface as possible.
8. Sprinkle the diced buns over the top.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes - bread should be golden brown and the casserole should be bubbly.
10. Allow to rest and cool for a few minutes before serving.