Amish Sloppy Joe Penne Casserole is the kind of hearty comfort food that instantly makes dinner feel warm, filling, and satisfying. This easy oven-baked casserole combines tender penne pasta, savory ground beef, rich sloppy joe sauce, and melted cheddar cheese into one cozy family-style meal that tastes like it simmered all afternoon. The best part is that the pasta cooks directly in the casserole dish without boiling first, making this recipe both practical and incredibly flavorful.
Every bite delivers tangy sloppy joe flavor, creamy melted cheese, and tender pasta coated in rich savory sauce. Because everything bakes together in one dish, the flavors blend beautifully while the oven handles most of the work. Whether served on busy weeknights or during cozy family dinners, this casserole quickly becomes a dependable comfort-food favorite.
I first made this sloppy joe penne casserole during a hectic evening when everyone needed dinner fast but still wanted something homemade and comforting. After layering everything into the baking dish and letting the oven do the work, the smell of bubbling cheese and savory sloppy joe sauce filled the kitchen. By the time the casserole reached the table, everyone was already asking for seconds before finishing the first serving. Since then, this recipe has become one of the easiest and most requested weeknight dinners in our home.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a casserole dish.
- Spread uncooked penne pasta evenly into the baking dish.
- Cook ground beef until browned and drain excess grease.
- Stir sloppy joe sauce and beef broth into the cooked beef.
- Pour the beef mixture evenly over the uncooked pasta.
- Top with 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35 to 40 minutes.
- Remove foil, add remaining cheese, and bake uncovered until bubbly and golden.
Notes
Why Sloppy Joe Penne Casserole Is So Popular
Rich Comfort Food Flavor
One reason Amish Sloppy Joe Penne Casserole tastes so comforting is the combination of sweet and tangy sloppy joe sauce with hearty pasta and melted cheese.
As the casserole bakes, the pasta absorbs the flavorful sauce and broth while softening perfectly inside the dish. Meanwhile, the cheddar cheese melts into creamy layers that balance the savory beef beautifully.
The sloppy joe sauce creates rich homemade flavor without requiring complicated ingredients or long cooking times.
Because the casserole stays thick, cheesy, and hearty, every serving feels warm and satisfying.
Easy One-Dish Dinner
Another reason families love this casserole is the convenience.
The recipe skips boiling the pasta separately, which saves both time and cleanup.
Everything bakes together in one casserole dish:
- Uncooked penne pasta
- Ground beef
- Sloppy joe sauce
- Beef broth
- Cheddar cheese
This simple preparation makes the recipe perfect for busy weeknights or casual family meals.
Ingredients That Create the Best Casserole
Ground Beef and Sloppy Joe Sauce
Ground beef creates rich savory flavor and hearty texture throughout the casserole.
Cooking the beef before baking allows excess grease to drain while also improving flavor.
Canned sloppy joe sauce adds sweet tangy seasoning that coats every piece of pasta during baking.
Because the sauce already contains seasonings and tomato flavor, the recipe stays wonderfully simple while still tasting homemade.
Penne Pasta and Cheese
Uncooked penne pasta cooks directly in the casserole dish while absorbing the rich sauce and broth.
The pasta softens beautifully without becoming mushy because it cooks slowly while covered in the oven.
Cheddar cheese melts throughout the casserole and creates gooey golden topping during the final bake.
The cheese also balances the tangy sloppy joe sauce perfectly.
Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions
Preparing the Casserole
Start by preheating the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Spread uncooked penne pasta evenly across the bottom of the dish.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned completely. Drain excess grease.
Add sloppy joe sauce and beef broth to the skillet with the beef. Stir until fully combined.
Baking the Casserole
Pour the sloppy joe mixture evenly over the uncooked penne pasta.
Press down any exposed pasta gently so it remains mostly submerged in liquid.
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Cover the casserole tightly with foil and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the pasta becomes tender.
Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the casserole.
Return to the oven uncovered for another 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly and lightly golden.
Allow the casserole to rest briefly before serving.
Best Ways to Serve Amish Sloppy Joe Penne Casserole
Perfect Side Dish Pairings
This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with lighter side dishes that balance the richness.
Popular serving ideas include:
- Green salad
- Garlic bread
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted vegetables
- Coleslaw
Crunchy dill pickles also pair surprisingly well because they balance the sweet sloppy joe flavor beautifully.
Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers
Because the casserole reheats so well, it works perfectly for leftovers and meal prep.
The flavors continue blending overnight, making leftovers even richer the next day.
Portion leftovers into containers for quick lunches or easy reheated dinners during busy weeks.
A small splash of broth or water during reheating helps restore creamy texture.
Helpful Baking Tips
Preventing Dry Pasta
Make sure the pasta stays mostly covered with liquid before baking.
Covering the casserole tightly with foil traps steam and helps the pasta cook evenly.
If you prefer extra saucy casserole, add an additional splash of broth before baking.
Delicious Variations
This casserole stays easy to customize depending on personal taste.
Popular additions include:
- Frozen corn
- Diced green peppers
- Crushed butter crackers
- Pepper jack cheese
- Ground turkey
These variations create extra flavor and texture while keeping the recipe simple and comforting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I boil the pasta first?
Yes, although the recipe is designed so the pasta cooks directly in the casserole dish.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar creates classic flavor, although mozzarella or pepper jack also work wonderfully.
Can I use ground turkey?
Absolutely. Ground turkey creates a lighter version while still tasting delicious.
How do I know the pasta is fully cooked?
The penne should feel tender when pierced with a fork.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes. Cool completely before freezing in airtight containers.
Conclusion
Amish Sloppy Joe Penne Casserole combines savory ground beef, tangy sloppy joe sauce, tender pasta, and melted cheddar cheese into one cozy baked comfort meal perfect for busy families. The one-dish preparation and simple pantry ingredients make this casserole practical while still delivering rich homemade flavor everyone loves.
Because the uncooked pasta bakes directly in the sauce, the casserole develops deep flavor and creamy texture without requiring extra steps or complicated preparation. Meanwhile, the cheesy golden topping and hearty filling create comforting homemade dinner flavor in every bite.
Whether served fresh from the oven with garlic bread or reheated for easy leftovers, this sloppy joe penne casserole always brings warm comforting flavor to the dinner table.
