Sloppy Joe Casserole

Sloppy Joe Casserole?  I am not sure where he found this recipe, but Hubby prepared it for dinner one night a couple of weeks ago.  It turned out pretty good, but I wouldn't call it Sloppy Joe Casserole.  I would call it Goulash Casserole.  Pretty funny that he used hot dog buns from the freezer for the croutons!  Would be a good casserole to come home and throw in the oven as the temperature begins to drop.

Ingredients

Serves 6

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds ground chuck
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 3/4 cup chopped carrots
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped garlic
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 15 ounces can tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 2 cups shredded Muenster cheese
• 2 hamburger buns, finely chopped

Preheat oven to 375°. 

• Cook macaroni for 3 minutes less than package directions. Drain. Set aside.
• Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook, breaking into pieces, until browned, about 6 minutes. Drain grease, return meat to pan. Stir in bell pepper, onion, carrots, garlic, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring often, until peppers are tender, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, dry mustard, and 1 1/2 cups water; stir to combine, bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 5 minutes.

• Add pasta to meat mixture and stir to combine. Pour into a lightly greased 9x 13-inch casserole dish. Top evenly with cheese. Sprinkle with bread pieces and bake at 375° 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves.

Recipe Credit: Southern Living