The Best Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe for Hearty Family Dinners

Whipping up an easy sloppy joe casserole brings comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Hearty ground beef mingles with zesty tomato sauce, creating a mouthwatering blend that screams home-cooked goodness.

Layers of melted cheese and crispy bread crumbs add perfect texture to this crowd-pleasing dish.

Kids and adults alike will devour every single bite of this simple yet satisfying meal.

Minimal prep work means you can have dinner on the table in no time.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-favorite recipe.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every single delectable spoonful.

Reasons To Savor Sloppy Joe Casserole Tonight

• Conquer Comfort Food: A hearty one-dish meal that combines classic ground beef with crispy French fries for ultimate satisfaction.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Minimal prep work and straightforward ingredients make this casserole a stress-free dinner solution that comes together quickly.
• Kid-Approved Crowd-Pleaser: Combines kid-friendly favorites like French fries and ground beef into a single dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra toppings like bacon bits, sour cream, or additional seasonings to match your family's taste preferences.

Sloppy Joe Casserole Must-Have Ingredients List

• Ground Beef: A classic protein that creates the hearty base of this comforting casserole.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic: These aromatic vegetables add depth and flavor to the meat mixture.
• Mixed Vegetables: An optional addition that provides extra nutrition and color to the dish.

• Tomato Sauce: Provides a rich, tangy foundation for the sloppy joe flavor.
• Ketchup, Worcestershire Sauce, Brown Sugar, Mustard: These ingredients combine to create a sweet and savory sauce that defines the classic sloppy joe taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

• Biscuit Dough: Creates a golden, fluffy crust that covers the meat mixture.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a creamy, melty layer of deliciousness to the top of the casserole.

• Cooking Spray or Oil: Helps prevent the casserole from sticking to the baking dish.

How To Make Sloppy Joe Casserole Easily

Step 1: Brown Ground Beef and Veggies

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until completely browned.

• Diced onions
• Chopped bell peppers
• Minced garlic

Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Create Saucy Meat Mixture

• Tomato sauce
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Brown sugar
• Mustard
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the mixture simmer for 8-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 3: Prepare Casserole Base

Transfer the savory meat mixture into a greased baking dish. If desired, fold in some frozen mixed vegetables for extra nutrition and color.

Step 4: Add Biscuit Topping

Tear or cut refrigerated biscuit dough into bite-sized pieces. Scatter these pieces evenly across the top of the meat mixture, creating a rustic, textured surface.

Step 5: Sprinkle and Bake

Generously cover the biscuit layer with shredded cheddar cheese. Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).

Bake for 22-25 minutes until the biscuits turn golden brown and the cheese melts into a bubbly, irresistible layer.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 3-4 minutes.

This allows the dish to set and makes serving easier. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the comforting, flavor-packed meal.

Helpful Tips For Sloppy Joe Casserole Fans

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and make the casserole healthier.
• Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra spice if your family enjoys bold flavors.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option.
• Mix frozen mixed vegetables directly into the meat sauce for added nutrition and color.
• Use refrigerated biscuit dough for a quick and convenient topping that bakes up beautifully golden and crispy.

Fun Twists With Sloppy Joe Casserole

• Mexican Fiesta Casserole: Add taco seasoning, jalapeños, and top with crushed tortilla chips instead of biscuits. Sprinkle with Mexican blend cheese.
• BBQ Ranch Sloppy Joe Casserole: Replace tomato sauce with BBQ sauce, add ranch seasoning mix, and use pepper jack cheese for extra kick.
• Veggie Loaded Version: Swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles, increase mixed vegetables, and add spinach or kale for more nutrition.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Include diced green chiles, chili powder, cumin, and garnish with fresh cilantro after baking for bold southwestern flavors.

Best Sides For Sloppy Joe Casserole Bowls

• Family Game Night Comfort Feast: Slice this hearty casserole into generous squares for a casual, fun dinner that kids and adults will love together. Pair with crisp green salad and cold beverages.
• Potluck Party Showstopper: Transport in a covered dish for instant crowd-pleasing meal. Serve with extra cheese on side and simple coleslaw for maximum deliciousness. Guaranteed to be the first dish emptied at any gathering.
• Weeknight Meal Lifesaver: Create quick individual portions in ramekins for personalized servings. Top with extra cheese or green onions for quick gourmet touch. Perfect for busy families needing fast, satisfying dinner solution.

Storing Your Sloppy Joe Casserole The Smart Way

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring food safety and maintaining best quality.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Seal tightly, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for maximum flavor preservation.
• Warm individual servings in microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, reheat in preheated oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes until heated completely.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this casserole. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and season well.

• Do I need to pre-cook the biscuit dough?

No, you’ll use raw biscuit dough directly from the package. It will cook and become golden brown while baking in the oven with the meat mixture.

• How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add some red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture to increase the heat level. You can adjust the spiciness to your preference.

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Most kids love the combination of meat, cheese, and biscuits. The sweet and tangy sauce makes it especially appealing to children.

Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty sloppy joe casserole delivers classic comfort with a modern twist. Ground beef, tangy sauce, and cheesy topping create a satisfying meal that delights families and brings warmth to the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 2 tbsps Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsps brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray or oil

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until completely browned, then introduce diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables become tender and fragrant.
3. Incorporate tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture, allowing it to simmer and develop rich flavors for 7-8 minutes.
4. Pour the seasoned meat mixture into the prepared baking dish, gently folding in mixed vegetables for additional nutrition and texture.
5. Separate biscuit dough into bite-sized pieces and strategically layer them across the meat mixture, ensuring even coverage.
6. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the arranged biscuit pieces, creating a melty, golden topping.
7. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, watching for golden-brown biscuits and completely melted cheese.
8. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 3-4 minutes, enabling the flavors to settle and making serving easier.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and make the dish healthier.
• Customize vegetable mix with frozen mixed vegetables or fresh seasonal options for added nutrition.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein alternative.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline cooking process and reduce evening meal stress.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg