Sloppy Joe Casserole

Ingredients 📝 Shopping List

• 8 oz. elbow macaroni ➕
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil ➕
• 1 1/2 lbs. ground chuck ➕
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped (about 1 cup) ➕
• 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup) ➕
• 3/4 cup chopped carrots ➕
• 1 tsp. finely chopped garlic ➕
• 2 tsp. kosher salt ➕
• 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper ➕
• 1 (15-oz.) can tomato sauce ➕
• 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ➕
• 1/2 tsp. dry mustard ➕
• 1 Tbsp. light brown sugar ➕
• 2 cups shredded Muenster cheese ➕
• 2 hamburger buns, finely chopped ➕
• Garnish: fresh parsley leaves ➕

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook macaroni 3 minutes less than package directions. Drain. Set aside.
3. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook, breaking into pieces, until browned, about 6 minutes. Drain grease, return meat to pan. Stir in bell pepper, onion, carrots, garlic, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring often, until peppers are tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, dry mustard, and 1 1/2 cups water; stir to combine, bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add pasta to meat mixture, and stir to combine. Pour into a lightly greased 7- x 11-inch casserole dish. Top evenly with cheese. Sprinkle with bread pieces and bake at 375°F 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves.

Tips & Notes

Variations: Substitute ground chuck with ground turkey or chicken. Add more bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas. Add heat with cayenne, chili powder, or crushed red pepper flakes. Swap hamburger buns with crescent rolls, biscuits, or Hawaiian buns. Make ahead: The filling can be prepared up to two days in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bring to room temperature and top with cheese and buns before baking. Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to four days or freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight if frozen. Reheat covered in a preheated 350°F oven or microwave single servings.

Source

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