Sloppy Joe Pasta Casserole (Printable Version)
Pasta swirls meet hearty beef and cheese in a crowd-pleasing, oven-baked comfort dish.
# What You'll Need:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
450g ground beef
02 -
1 small onion, diced
03 -
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
04 -
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
05 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
425g canned tomato sauce
07 -
60ml ketchup
08 -
30g tomato paste
09 -
15ml Worcestershire sauce
10 -
13g brown sugar
11 -
1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
12 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
13 -
200g uncooked pasta swirls (such as rotini or cavatappi)
14 -
150g shredded cheddar cheese
15 -
60g shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
16 -
Olive oil, for sautéing
# Steps To Follow:
01 -
Boil the pasta in generously salted water until just al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
02 -
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and both bell peppers for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
03 -
Add minced garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant. Incorporate the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until evenly browned. Drain excess fat from the pan.
04 -
Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and allow the mixture to simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, developing a thick, aromatic sauce.
05 -
Preheat oven to 190°C. In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the cooked pasta and beef mixture until evenly coated. Transfer to a greased white baking dish, smoothing the surface.
06 -
Evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the assembled casserole.
07 -
Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
# Notes and Tips:
01 -
For enhanced flavour and creaminess, add the mozzarella cheese for extra meltiness. Feel free to substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.