Step 1

Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with a light coat of butter or spray with cooking spray.

Step 2

Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

(While the pasta is cooking) Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add ground beef, green pepper, onion & garlic. Cook until ground beef is no longer pink and onions have softened. Drain off any grease before adding next ingredients.

Step 4

Add the tomato paste, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, dry mustard, chili powder, salt & black pepper and red pepper flakes.  Simmer for 5 minutes (to thicken) over medium heat, stirring often.

Step 5

Next, add the cooked pasta to the sloppy joe mixture. Stir gently until pasta is coated with the sauce.

Step 6

Transfer half of the pasta and sauce mixture to the bottom of prepared baking dish, then top with half of the shredded cheese. Top with remaining pasta mixture, then top with remaining shredded cheese.

Step 7

Bake the casserole for 25 minutes until cheese is completely melted and casserole is heated through.