Ingredients:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 pound ground hamburger meat
- 1 can (about 15 ounces) sloppy Joe sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sloppy Joe Sauce: In a large skillet, brown the ground hamburger meat over medium-high heat. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat.
- Add Sloppy Joe Sauce: Pour the can of sloppy Joe sauce over the cooked hamburger meat. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the sloppy Joe sauce. Make sure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Assemble the Bake: Transfer the saucy pasta mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. If you prefer a browner cheese topping, uncover the dish for the last few minutes of baking.
- Serve: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool slightly before serving. Optionally, garnish with diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, or chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.
- Enjoy: Serve the Sloppy Joe Pasta Bake hot and enjoy this simple and flavorful twist on a classic dish!
