Sloppy Joe Casserole (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
02 - ½ cup yellow onion, diced
03 - ¾ lb farfalle pasta, uncooked

→ Sauce & Liquids

04 - 1 can Manwich sauce (15.5 oz)
05 - 2½ cups chicken broth
06 - 1 can diced tomatoes with juice (14.5 oz)

→ Cheese & Vegetables

07 - 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
08 - 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
09 - 1 cup frozen corn kernels

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This casserole is going to be hearty and delicious!
02 - Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 2 minutes, then add the diced onions. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, breaking up the beef as you go, until the meat is nicely browned and the onions are soft. Drain off any excess grease.
03 - Pour in the Manwich sauce, chicken broth, and the entire can of diced tomatoes including all that flavorful juice. Don't drain those tomatoes - we want all that good liquid!
04 - Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then stir in the uncooked farfalle pasta. Cover the skillet and let it simmer gently until the pasta is al dente. This will take a few minutes longer than the box directions since we're cooking more gently. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and taste-test a noodle to check doneness.
05 - Turn the heat down to low and stir in the frozen corn. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese, cover the pot, and let it sit for a few minutes to melt. Then gently stir everything together until the cheese is completely melted and creamy.
06 - Spoon the entire mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
07 - Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes until bubbly and heated through. Remove the foil for the last few minutes if you want the cheese extra golden. Serve hot with warm cornbread on the side!

# Notes:

01 - This one-dish wonder combines all the flavors of sloppy joes with the comfort of a pasta casserole.
02 - You can assemble this completely ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking.
03 - The corn adds a nice sweet crunch that balances the tangy Manwich sauce perfectly.
04 - Don't drain the diced tomatoes - that juice helps cook the pasta and adds extra flavor.
05 - For make-ahead: let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake covered at 350°F for 25 minutes.

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