The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

How about the most wonderful casserole I have ever eaten? My friends call it Sloppy Robby and it is the perfect way to start the fall season. Don’t make it while the weather is still hot. Make it when cool and you will love it even more.

It is three parts. Let’s start with the top first. It is your favorite Sloppy Joe recipe or use this one. You will need two small cans of tomato paste, a pound and a half of hamburger, an onion diced, two packages of Sloppy Joe Mix and a couple cans of water along with a cup of good beef broth.

Sauté the hamburger with the onion, add the packages of Sloppy Joe Mix and mix in the meat very well. Add the two small cans of tomato paste, the water and the beef broth. Simmer until thick, then set aside until you need it.

Cook up a box of Penne pasta and let it sit until needed.

Now, you need a cheese mixture. Get around a cup of Ricotta cheese, an 8oz package of cream cheese and a package of smoked cheese slices that you have shredded. Mix all that together well and reserve. Chopped up green onions go well with this layer as well.

One thing more you will need is a package of sliced mozzarella cheese.

So now let’s put this hot mess together. Start by greasing your large casserole dish. Then add a good layer of noodles. Spoon the cheese sauce on the top of that and add another layer of noodles. On top of that add the mozzarella cheese and finish by spreading the Sloppy Joe Mix over all. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Do not over bake. All you want is for it to get bubbly, then serve.

Bon Appétit!