Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich Recipe

Easy Family-Favorite Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich Recipe

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering sloppy joe casserole that brings classic diner flavors straight to your dinner table.

Layers of hearty ground beef swim in rich, tangy sauce between crispy bread crumbs and melted cheese.

Midwestern kitchens know how to craft simple, satisfying meals that make everyone smile.

Such a dish connects us to childhood memories and weekend family gatherings.

Simple ingredients combine into something magical and totally irresistible.

Our no-fuss approach means minimal prep and maximum deliciousness.

One bite promises to spark joy and create instant dinner table excitement.

What Makes Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich So Comforting

  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Transforms classic Sloppy Joe flavors into a hearty casserole that satisfies hungry families with its rich, meaty goodness.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Combines simple ingredients and minimal prep steps, making it perfect for busy households seeking a delicious dinner solution.
  • Kid-Approved Meal: Covers all the favorite kid-friendly elements – ground beef, cheesy topping, and crescent roll crust that creates an irresistible dinner experience.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Streamlines cooking process by using a single skillet for meat preparation and a baking dish, reducing kitchen cleanup and saving precious time.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the main protein for the casserole.
Sauce and Vegetables:
  • Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce: A tangy and rich sauce that gives the classic Sloppy Joe flavor.
  • Onion, Bell Pepper: Fresh vegetables that add depth and sweetness to the meat mixture.
  • Frozen Corn: A sweet and tender vegetable that brings additional texture to the dish.
Topping and Seasoning:
  • Cheddar Cheese: A melty and sharp cheese that creates a delicious golden topping.
  • Crescent Roll Dough: A buttery and flaky crust that covers the meat mixture.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the casserole.

How to Prepare Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Toss ground beef into a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until the meat turns a rich brown color. Drain away any extra grease. Toss in:
  • Chopped onions
  • Diced bell peppers

Cook until the veggies soften and become tender.

Step 3: Sauce It Up

Pour in the Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce and stir in frozen corn. If you’re adding pasta, mix it right in. Sprinkle in some seasonings:
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Let everything simmer for 5 minutes to blend those amazing flavors.

Step 4: Layer the Goodness

Spread the beef mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Shower the top with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Cover with Crescent Magic

Unroll the crescent roll dough and drape it over the beef mixture. Pinch the seams together so it completely covers the filling.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crescent dough turns a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese starts bubbling.

Step 7: Serve and Devour

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Slice into squares and serve while it’s warm. Get ready for some serious comfort food excitement!

Tips to Elevate Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich

  • Enhance flavor by using lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and keep the dish lighter. Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a healthier alternative that maintains the classic Sloppy Joe taste. For gluten-free options, replace crescent roll dough with gluten-free biscuit dough or skip the topping entirely. Chop vegetables finely to ensure even distribution and better texture throughout the casserole. Make ahead and refrigerate the mixture before baking to let flavors meld, creating a more robust and delicious meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.

Flavor Variations for Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich

  • Tex-Mex Sloppy Joe Casserole: Replace bell peppers with jalapeños, add black beans, use pepper jack cheese, and top with fresh cilantro for a spicy southwestern kick.
  • Low-Carb Zucchini Boat Version: Swap crescent rolls with zucchini boats, use lean ground turkey, and reduce corn for a lighter, vegetable-packed alternative.
  • BBQ Ranch Sloppy Joe Casserole: Mix in ranch seasoning, substitute Manwich sauce with smoky BBQ sauce, and sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top for extra flavor.
  • Vegetarian Bean Casserole: Replace ground beef with mixed beans, use plant-based meat substitute, add more vegetables like mushrooms, and top with dairy-free cheese for a meatless option.

Best Pairings with Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich

  • Pair Zesty Drinks to Complement the Hearty Casserole: Cold beer like amber ale cuts through the rich, meaty flavors and refreshes the palate.
  • Serve Fresh Veggie Sides for Balance: Crisp green salad with light vinaigrette provides a tangy contrast to the heavy, savory casserole, adding nutritional variety.
  • Create Cool Condiment Companions: Pickle spears or coleslaw offer a crunchy, acidic counterpoint that brightens the dense meat and cheese combination.
  • Select Complementary Wine Option: Medium-bodied red wines like Zinfandel match the robust tomato sauce and ground beef, enhancing the meal's overall flavor profile.

How to Store Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich Properly

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the casserole completely before placing in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until thoroughly warmed. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Cover the casserole with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, removing foil during the last 5 minutes to crisp the crescent roll topping.

Frequently Asked Questions on Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich

  • Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

  • Is Manwich sauce necessary for this recipe?

While Manwich sauce is recommended, you can make your own sloppy joe sauce using tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices if needed.

  • How can I make this recipe more kid-friendly?

Add some extra cheese on top or serve with a side of french fries or a simple salad to make it more appealing to children.

  • Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate it, then bake it when you’re ready to eat. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the refrigerator.

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Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich Recipe

Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich Recipe


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4.6 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Sloppy Joe Casserole brings classic American comfort to dinner tables with layers of ground beef, tangy Manwich sauce, and melted cheese. Families will savor this easy, satisfying meal that combines nostalgia and convenience in one delicious baked dish you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Additional Proteins:

  • 1/2 cup (75 grams) chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup (75 grams) chopped bell pepper
  • 1 cup (150 grams) frozen corn kernels

Sauce and Toppings:

  • 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce
  • 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 can (8 ounces or 226 grams) refrigerated crescent roll dough
  • 1 cup (150 grams) cooked pasta

Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cooking vessel by lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish and heating the oven to 375F (190C).
  2. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, completely rendering out excess fat. Mix in diced onions and bell peppers, sautéing until vegetables soften and become translucent.
  3. Pour Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce into the meat mixture, incorporating frozen corn. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Allow ingredients to meld together during a 5-minute simmer.
  4. Transfer the seasoned meat mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer across the bottom surface. Generously distribute shredded cheddar cheese over the meat.
  5. Carefully unroll crescent roll dough, stretching it to completely cover the beef and cheese layer. Press seams together to create a uniform top crust.
  6. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, baking for 20-25 minutes until the dough turns golden brown and cheese melts into a bubbling surface.
  7. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes. Slice into square portions and serve while still warm.

Notes

  • Customize the heat level by choosing mild or spicy Manwich sauce to match your family’s taste preferences.
  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version of the casserole.
  • Enhance nutrition by adding extra frozen vegetables like peas or diced carrots to the beef mixture for more color and vitamins.
  • Prevent soggy bottom by patting ground beef completely dry after draining and allowing excess moisture to evaporate before mixing with sauce.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 370 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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