Cheesy Sloppy Joe Pasta Bake

Are you craving the ultimate comfort food that marries the flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the heartiness of pasta? Look no further than the delightful Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole. This one-pot wonder is a creamy, cheesy delight that’s guaranteed to please both kids and grown-ups alike. Made with pasta shells, Mexican-style processed cheese, savory ground beef, and roasted garlic creamy mushroom soup, this dish is a surefire way to satisfy your cravings in a flash.

I still remember the first time I whipped up this Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole—it instantly became a staple in our home, surpassing regular cheeseburgers in popularity. The secret lies in the velvety smoothness that the Velveeta cheese brings to the sauce, creating a rich and decadent dish that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re teaching your kids how the cheese melts into a creamy goodness or sneaking a quick bite before it’s ready, this casserole is a labor of love that’s perfect for cozy nights in. Don’t have Velveeta on hand? No problem! Swap it out with Colby Jack or mild cheddar for a tasty twist that’s just as satisfying.

Quick Benefits

• Creamy and cheesy one-pot dish that combines the flavors of cheeseburgers with easy pasta for a comforting meal
• Versatile recipe with flexible ingredient options for easy substitutions based on what you have on hand
• Can be stored in the fridge for up to three days and frozen for a month, making it a convenient make-ahead dish for busy weeknights
• Velveeta cheese creates a rich, melty sauce that adds a delicious creaminess to the dish

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Sloppy Joe Pasta Bake Recipe

• Creamy and Cheesy Combination: The creamy and cheesy flavors in this dish create a rich and indulgent meal that satisfies any comfort food cravings.
• One-Pot Wonder: This recipe is quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without the hassle of multiple dishes.
• Kid-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults, this dish is a family favorite that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out ingredients like the cheese or soup to customize the dish to your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
• Make-Ahead Option: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer, making it a convenient option for meal prep or leftovers.
• Comforting and Cozy: Perfect for chilly nights, this dish offers warmth and satisfaction that feels like a big hug in a bowl.
• Customizable Serving Suggestions: Enhance the dish with toppings like chopped chives or green onions, pair it with a fresh salad or crunchy pickle, and don’t forget garlic bread for a complete meal experience.
• Mouthwatering Texture: The combination of pasta shells and creamy sauce ensures that every bite is packed with flavor and texture, creating a truly delightful eating experience.

Ingredients for Cheesy Sloppy Joe Pasta Bake

Main Stuff

• Pasta shells, 450 grams, cook ’em up and drain
• Two cans roasted garlic creamy mushroom soup, about 295 grams each
• Block of Mexican-style processed cheese, about 450 grams, chopped into chunks
• Ground beef, around 900 grams, brown it up and get all the grease out

Pro Tips for Cheesy Sloppy Joe Pasta Bake

Pro tip 1: Use Velveeta cheese for an extra creamy and melty sauce. Add it in chunks and stir over medium heat for a smooth texture that everyone will love. If you’re out of Velveeta, Colby Jack or mild cheddar can work as substitutes.

Pro tip 2: Opt for pasta shells to hold onto the sauce perfectly, but feel free to use rotini or penne if that’s what you have on hand. The key is to choose a pasta shape that can scoop up all that delicious cheeseburger flavor.

Pro tip 3: Don’t stress if you’re missing some ingredients. Cream of chicken or celery soup can replace roasted garlic mushroom soup, and any cream of mushroom soup will work too. Feel free to get creative with toppings like chopped chives or green onions for a fresh touch, and serve with garlic bread or a side salad to complete the cheeseburger experience.

How to Make Cheesy Sloppy Joe Pasta Bake

Step 1: Serve It Up

Serve the creamy beef pasta immediately while it is still hot. Enjoy right away.

Step 2: Mix in Pasta

Add the cooked pasta shells and stir until evenly coated with the cheesy sauce.

Step 3: Melt the Cheese

Return the skillet to medium heat. Gradually add the cheese cubes, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Soup Meets Beef

Add the browned beef back in, pour in the creamy mushroom soup, and mix well without adding water or milk.

Step 5: Cook the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole, store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to seal the dish tightly to maintain freshness. When reheating, add a splash of milk to prevent the dish from becoming too thick. For longer storage, freeze the casserole in freezer containers for up to a month. Remember to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

If you do not have Velveeta cheese, you can easily substitute it with Colby Jack or mild cheddar for a slightly different flavor profile. Similarly, if you do not have roasted garlic creamy mushroom soup, cream of chicken or cream of celery can be used as alternatives. While pasta shells are recommended for this dish as they hold the sauce well, rotini or penne pasta can also be used as suitable substitutes. Feel free to customize the dish by adding chopped chives or green onions for a fresh touch, and serve it with a side of crunchy pickles or a fresh green salad to enhance the cheeseburger experience.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have Velveeta on hand, consider using Colby Jack or mild cheddar as they melt well and provide a creamy texture. While they offer a slight flavor variation, they can be great substitutes in this recipe. Remember to add them in chunks and stir continuously over medium heat for a smooth, creamy sauce.

In place of roasted garlic creamy mushroom soup, cream of chicken or celery soup can be used as suitable alternatives. These substitutions will alter the flavor profile slightly but will still contribute to the overall creamy texture of the dish. Feel free to experiment with different cream soups based on your preferences or what you have available in your pantry. Just ensure to adjust the seasoning accordingly to balance the flavors.

Although pasta shells are recommended for this casserole as they hold the sauce well, you can swap them out for rotini or penne if needed. These pasta shapes will also work effectively in capturing the creamy cheeseburger sauce, providing a slightly different mouthfeel while still delivering a delicious and comforting dish.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and creative serving suggestion, try topping the Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole with crispy onion straws or crumbled bacon for an added crunch and savory flavor. The contrast of textures will elevate the dish and add a tasty twist reminiscent of a loaded cheeseburger.

To enhance the cheesy goodness of the casserole, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Parmesan or mozzarella on top before serving. Pop the casserole under the broiler for a few minutes to melt and brown the cheese, creating a golden and bubbling crust that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Serve with a side of garlic breadsticks for dipping into the creamy sauce and enjoy a comforting and indulgent meal that’s perfect for cozy nights in.

FAQs for Cheesy Sloppy Joe Pasta Bake

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Velveeta in this recipe?

Sure, cheddar or Monterey Jack are fine swaps, but Velveeta melts like a dream and keeps things extra creamy.

Can I substitute pasta shells with a different type of pasta in this casserole?

Shells work great because they scoop up all the sauce, but rotini or penne will do the trick too.

Do I have to use roasted garlic creamy mushroom soup, or can I use a different cream of mushroom soup?

Nope, you can use any cream of mushroom soup. Roasted garlic just gives it a little flavor boost.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and reheat it later?

Definitely. Put it together early and reheat gently. If it thickens too much, splash in a bit of milk to loosen it up.

Conclusion

As you wrap up your cooking session for the day, take a moment to savor the delightful aroma lingering in your kitchen from preparing the Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole. The satisfaction of creating a hearty, comforting meal that brings loved ones together is truly special. Remember, this dish is all about simplicity and enjoyment, so feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients and make it your own.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, the Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole is a wonderful addition to your recipe collection. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a go-to option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. So, next time you’re craving a cheesy, meaty delight, turn to this casserole for a delicious and satisfying meal that will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy every bite of the Sloppy Cheeseburger Pasta Casserole and relish the joy it brings to your table!

Cheesy Sloppy Joe Pasta Bake

“Cheeseburger meets pasta in a creamy, one-pot casserole that’s a comfort food favorite for kids and adults alike, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.”

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Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time25 Minutes

Total Time40 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings8 Servings (Gives 8 hearty servings)

Ingredients

Main Stuff

• Pasta shells, 450 grams, cook ’em up and drain
• Two cans roasted garlic creamy mushroom soup, about 295 grams each
• Block of Mexican-style processed cheese, about 450 grams, chopped into chunks
• Ground beef, around 900 grams, brown it up and get all the grease out

Instructions

1. Serve It Up: Serve the creamy beef pasta immediately while it is still hot. Enjoy right away.
2. Mix in Pasta: Add the cooked pasta shells and stir until evenly coated with the cheesy sauce.
3. Melt the Cheese: Return the skillet to medium heat. Gradually add the cheese cubes, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
4. Soup Meets Beef: Add the browned beef back in, pour in the creamy mushroom soup, and mix well without adding water or milk.
5. Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.