- Lean Ground Beef: The heart of the dish, adding richness and protein. Lean works best so you’re not dealing with excess grease.
- Yellow Onion: Adds sweet, savory depth to the beef mixture—don’t skip it.
- Manwich Sauce: This is the shortcut MVP. Using two cans gives the casserole its signature tangy, sweet Sloppy Joe flavor with zero effort.
- Farfalle (Bowtie) Pasta: Holds onto the sauce perfectly and gives the dish great texture. Cook it just to al dente so it doesn’t get mushy in the oven.
- Shredded Velveeta: This adds an ultra-creamy, almost buttery texture that melts into every corner of the casserole.
- Shredded Colby-Jack Cheese: Perfect for topping—melty, gooey, and just the right touch of sharpness to balance the sauce.
Variations
Want to switch things up? Go for it! This dish is super flexible:
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for extra heat.
- Add Veggies: Mix in some finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even frozen peas to sneak in more veggies.
- Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Different Pasta: Penne, rotini, or even elbows all work well here—use whatever you have on hand.
- Cheese Swap: Try cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a different cheese vibe.
