Picture this: the flicker of candlelight casting a warm glow across the table, the faint hum of your favorite love songs in the background, and the irresistible aroma of a hearty, comforting casserole wafting through the air. A romantic dinner doesn’t always have to be extravagant; sometimes, it’s the simplest dishes that bring the most joy. Enter the Sloppy Joe Casserole – a delightful fusion of nostalgia and indulgence that’s perfect for a cozy evening with your special someone. This dish transforms the classic Sloppy Joe into a one-pan wonder, brimming with robust flavors and creamy, cheesy goodness that’s sure to set the tone for an unforgettable night.
There’s something undeniably charming about preparing a meal that’s both delicious and effortless. The Sloppy Joe Casserole starts with tender ground beef and sweet yellow onions, sautéed to perfection, then blended with tangy Manwich sauce, juicy diced tomatoes, and velvety cubes of cheese. As the ingredients simmer together, the magic begins – the flavors meld, creating a rich and hearty base that feels like a warm embrace on a cold evening. Toss in perfectly cooked penne pasta, and you’ve got a dish that’s equal parts satisfying and romantic.
To complete the experience, the casserole is topped with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese before being baked to golden, bubbly perfection. The result? A meal that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Paired with a side of freshly baked cornbread and perhaps a glass of your favorite wine, this Sloppy Joe Casserole becomes more than just dinner; it’s an expression of love. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, planning a special date night at home, or simply looking to treat your partner to something comforting, this recipe delivers all the heartwarming vibes of a perfect romantic evening.
Sloppy Joe Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup sweet yellow onion diced
- ¾ lb penne pasta uncooked
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups cheddar shredded
- 1 15.5 oz can Manwich sauce
- 8 oz. Velveeta cheese cubed
Instructions
1Set your oven to preheat at 375°F. In a large, deep skillet or pot, crumble and brown the ground beef over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes. Add the diced onions and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the meat is fully browned and the onions are soft. Drain off any extra grease.
2Next, mix in the Manwich sauce, chicken broth, and the undrained diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add the uncooked pasta. Stir well to ensure everything is combined. Cover the skillet and let the pasta cook until it reaches an al dente texture, stirring occasionally to keep it from sticking. This may take a little longer than the time indicated on the pasta package due to the gentle simmer. Taste test a piece of pasta to confirm it’s ready before moving on.
3Turn the heat down to low and add the Velveeta cheese cubes. Cover the skillet and allow the cheese to melt. Once melted, stir carefully to incorporate the cheese into the mixture evenly.
4Pour the pasta and sauce mixture into a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish that has been lightly greased. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and serve immediately, pairing it with cornbread for a complete meal!
