Cheesy Sloppy Joe Pasta Bake
Indulge in a comfort food classic with a twist! This Cheesy Sloppy Joe Pasta Bake is the perfect combination of savory and gooey cheese that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) sloppy joe sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 oz penne pasta, cooked and drained
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the sloppy joe sauce and diced tomatoes to the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer cooked penne pasta on the bottom. Pour the beef mixture on top.
- Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top of the dish.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 380
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 26g
Popular Questions:
- Can I use a different type of pasta? – Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer for this recipe.
- Can I add vegetables to the dish? – Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like to the beef mixture.
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? – Yes, ground turkey can be a great substitution for ground beef in this recipe.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? – Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and bake it when ready to serve.
- Can I freeze leftovers? – Yes, you can freeze leftovers for a quick meal option later on.
- How can I make this dish spicier? – Add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicier kick.
- Can I use different types of cheese? – Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to customize the flavor of the dish.
- Can I make this dish vegetarian? – Yes, you can omit the ground beef and use vegetarian sloppy joe sauce for a vegetarian version.
- Can I add fresh herbs for extra flavor? – Absolutely! Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can add a pop of freshness to the dish.
- How long will leftovers last in the fridge? – Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Helpful Tips:
- Top the dish with some crushed potato chips for added crunch.
- Add a layer of caramelized onions for extra flavor.
- Try using a blend of different cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
- Serve the dish with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Experiment with adding different spices to the beef mixture for a unique twist.
- Garnish the dish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
- Try adding a can of drained corn to the beef mixture for added sweetness.
- For a lower-fat option, use ground turkey instead of beef.
- Substitute gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of the dish.
- Try adding a layer of cooked bacon on top of the cheese for a smoky flavor.
Expert Secrets:
- Cook the penne pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft when baked.
- Make sure to properly drain the diced tomatoes to avoid excess liquid in the dish.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together.
- For an extra cheesy dish, add some parmesan cheese on top before baking.
- Use a combination of mild and sharp cheddar cheese for a balanced flavor profile.
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef mixture for a depth of flavor.
- Try adding a can of drained black beans to the beef mixture for added protein and texture.
- For a different twist, try using ground pork or chicken instead of beef.
- Serve the dish with a dollop of sour cream on top for a creamy touch.
- Experiment with different types of sloppy joe sauce to find your favorite flavor combination.