5-Ingredient Amish-Style Sloppy Joe Penne Casserole

This Amish-style sloppy joe penne casserole is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. It combines the nostalgic sweet-and-tangy flavor of classic sloppy joes with the hearty satisfaction of a baked pasta casserole. Best of all, there is no need to boil the pasta beforehand—everything bakes together in one dish, making it a simple, family-friendly meal that saves both time and cleanup.

With just five everyday ingredients, this cozy oven-baked casserole delivers rich, meaty flavor and perfectly tender pasta in every bite. It has that warm church-potluck charm everyone loves, with a modern shortcut that makes it perfect for today’s busy schedule.

Ingredients

• 12 oz uncooked penne pasta (about 3 cups dry)
• 1 lb lean ground beef, browned and drained
• 2 cans (15 oz each) sloppy joe sauce
• 2 cups beef broth or water
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
3. Spread the uncooked penne pasta evenly across the bottom of the casserole dish.
4. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no pink remains. Drain excess grease.
5. Stir the sloppy joe sauce and beef broth into the cooked beef until well combined.
6. Pour the meat mixture evenly over the uncooked pasta, ensuring all pasta is covered with liquid.
7. Press down any exposed pasta pieces so they are mostly submerged.
8. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
9. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
10. Remove the foil, add the remaining 1 cup of cheese, and bake uncovered for another 8–10 minutes until melted and bubbly.
11. Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Why This Recipe Is Loved

• Only five ingredients for a fast and affordable dinner.
• No need to boil pasta separately.
• Perfect one-dish meal with easy cleanup.
• Classic sloppy joe flavor in a comforting casserole form.
• Great for meal prep and leftovers.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Casserole

• Make sure the pasta is fully covered with liquid to ensure even cooking.
• Cover tightly with foil to trap steam and help the pasta soften properly.
• Let it rest after baking so the sauce thickens and serving is easier.
• Add an extra splash of broth if you prefer a saucier texture.
• For extra crunch, top with crushed butter crackers before the final bake.

Serving Suggestions

• Fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette
• Steamed green beans
• Garlic bread or buttered dinner rolls
• Dill pickles for a tangy contrast
• Classic coleslaw for extra crunch

Conclusion

This 5-ingredient Amish-style sloppy joe penne casserole is the perfect combination of simplicity, comfort, and crowd-pleasing flavor. Rich ground beef, tangy sloppy joe sauce, tender baked pasta, and melted cheddar cheese come together in one irresistibly easy dish that feels homemade and comforting with very little effort.

If you are looking for a quick family dinner recipe that tastes like classic comfort food, this casserole is guaranteed to become a regular favorite.