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Cheddar Sloppy Joe Casserole

A comforting casserole combining Sloppy Joes with creamy cheddar cheese, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Casserole Base
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Cheese
  • 8 oz macaroni pasta, uncooked
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, cooking until they soften, approximately 5 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  4. Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  5. Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes.
  6. In another pot, cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and add it to the meat mixture, stirring well to combine.
  7. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs. Pour this mixture over the macaroni and meat, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
  8. Gently fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture.
Baking
  1. Transfer the casserole mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top, followed by the breadcrumbs.
  2. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
  4. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For added nutrition, consider adding chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach into the meat mixture. For heat lovers, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.