Sloppy Joe Casserole
Sloppy Joe Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and comforting dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of classic sloppy joes with a baked casserole twist. This easy-to-make recipe features ground beef cooked in a tangy tomato-based sauce, layered with cheese, and topped with buttery biscuits or pasta for a satisfying family meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks, this dish is a crowd-pleaser with minimal prep and maximum flavor.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
Ingredients
- For the Sloppy Joe Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 1 small green bell pepper finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard yellow or Dijon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- For the Casserole Layer
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can 16 oz refrigerated biscuit dough (or 3 cups cooked pasta)
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder optional
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Pour the sloppy joe mixture into the greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mixture.
- Prepare the Topping:
- If using biscuits, cut them into quarters and toss them in melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Arrange them over the casserole.
- If using pasta, mix the cooked pasta with the sloppy joe mixture before adding cheese.
- Bake:
- Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
- If using pasta, bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
- Final Touch:
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and return to the oven for 5 minutes until melted.
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free biscuits or serve the mixture over cooked rice instead.
Vegetarian Alternative: Swap the ground beef for lentils or plant-based crumbles.
Make Ahead: Prepare the sloppy joe mixture in advance and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free biscuits or serve the mixture over cooked rice instead.
Vegetarian Alternative: Swap the ground beef for lentils or plant-based crumbles.
Make Ahead: Prepare the sloppy joe mixture in advance and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.