Amish Sloppy Joe Penne Casserole Recipe – Easy Family Dinner

Introduction

Amish Sloppy Joe Penne Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining the sweet and savory flavors of classic sloppy joes with hearty baked pasta and melted cheddar cheese. This easy one-dish meal is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. The uncooked penne pasta bakes directly in the flavorful sloppy joe sauce, absorbing every bit of rich flavor while creating a satisfying, cheesy casserole that everyone will love. Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a reliable recipe you’ll want to keep on regular rotation.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces uncooked penne pasta (about 3 cups dry)
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 (15-ounce) cans sloppy joe sauce (such as Manwich)
• 2 cups beef broth or water
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup crushed butter crackers for topping
• ½ cup extra broth for a saucier casserole
• Pepper Jack or mozzarella cheese for variation

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.

Step 2: Add the Pasta

Spread the uncooked penne pasta evenly across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. There is no need to boil the pasta beforehand.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.

Step 4: Make the Sloppy Joe Mixture

Add the sloppy joe sauce and beef broth to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir until well combined and heated through. The mixture should be loose enough to help cook the pasta during baking.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the sloppy joe mixture evenly over the uncooked penne pasta. Use a spoon to gently press down any exposed pasta so it is mostly covered by the liquid.

Step 6: Add the First Layer of Cheese

Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 7: Bake Covered

Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the flavorful sauce.

Step 8: Add Remaining Cheese

Remove the foil carefully and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.

Step 9: Finish Baking

Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes serving easier. Scoop onto plates and enjoy warm.

Conclusion

This Amish Sloppy Joe Penne Casserole delivers everything you love about traditional sloppy joes in a hearty, cheesy baked pasta dish. Rich, comforting, and incredibly easy to prepare, it’s a family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy evenings and leftovers alike. With its savory beef filling, tender pasta, and melted cheddar topping, this casserole is sure to become a favorite comfort food recipe for years to come.