If you’re craving a comforting meal that hits all the right notes of savory, cheesy, and downright delicious, this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. With ground beef simmered in rich Sloppy Joe sauce, a melty cheddar cheese topping, and fluffy biscuit dough baked to golden perfection, this dish transforms a classic sandwich into a crowd-pleasing casserole everyone will adore. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners, it’s the kind of warm, hearty meal that feels like a big, delicious hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe keeps things straightforward with simple ingredients that each bring essential flavors and textures to the table. Every component plays a part in creating that perfect balance of saucy, cheesy, and fluffy goodness you’ll want to dive into.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: The hearty protein base that soaks up all the savory Sloppy Joe flavors.
- 1 cup Sloppy Joe sauce: Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce for that signature tangy, sweet, and savory punch.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds melty, sharp richness to crown the dish with gooey goodness.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
- 1 bell pepper, diced: Offers a pop of color and a tender, slightly crisp bite.
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough: Creates the irresistible golden biscuit topping that soaks up the juices underneath.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and giving your baking dish a good spray with nonstick cooking spray. This simple step ensures the casserole won’t stick and will bake evenly.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a skillet set over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish from getting greasy and to allow the flavors to shine.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Bell Pepper
Next, add the finely chopped onion and diced bell pepper to the skillet with your beef. Sauté these until tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This step builds a flavorful foundation by softening the veggies and melding their sweetness with the meat.
Step 4: Incorporate the Sloppy Joe Sauce
Pour in your Sloppy Joe sauce and stir everything together, letting the mixture simmer gently for another 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and infuse the meat and veggies fully, ensuring every bite tastes incredible.
Step 5: Assemble Your Casserole
Transfer the savory meat mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then tear pieces of biscuit dough and arrange them over the cheese. These biscuits bake up fluffy and golden, creating a perfect contrast to the hearty filling beneath.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the biscuit dough is puffed up and beautifully golden brown. The smell alone is enough to make anyone hungry, and your casserole will be bubbling with cheesy, savory goodness.
How to Serve Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your casserole is not only about visual appeal but also adding an extra layer of flavor. Freshly chopped parsley or chopped green onions sprinkled on top add a pop of color and a fresh, mild bite that complements the rich casserole beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a hearty main dish, so pairing it with lighter sides like a crisp garden salad or steamed green beans offers a refreshing contrast. For a fun twist, creamy coleslaw adds crunch and a little tang that pairs perfectly with the rich, cheesy casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive dinner or potluck, serve the Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or a deep-dish skillet for rustic charm. Adding a drizzle of extra Sloppy Joe sauce on each serving or a sprinkling of pickled jalapeños will also heighten flavor and make things extra exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sloppy Joe Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When stored properly, the flavors meld even more, meaning your next meal often tastes just as good as the first.
Freezing
If you want to keep this casserole on hand for later, it freezes beautifully. Wrap the entire baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and the biscuit topping is crisp again. Alternatively, microwave individual servings but note that the biscuit may lose some of its crispness with this method.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef in this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well as leaner alternatives and still pairs wonderfully with the Sloppy Joe sauce. Just keep an eye on cooking times since poultry can cook a bit faster than beef.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the biscuit dough for a gluten-free biscuit or cornbread topping, and ensure your Sloppy Joe sauce is gluten-free as well. This way, you won’t miss any flavor or texture while keeping it safe for gluten-sensitive diners.
Can I make the Sloppy Joe filling in advance?
Definitely. Prepare the meat and veggie mixture a day ahead, then refrigerate it in an airtight container. When ready to bake, simply assemble the casserole with cheese and biscuit topping before popping it in the oven.
What can I use if I don’t have refrigerated biscuit dough?
If you don’t have biscuit dough on hand, try substituting with biscuit mix made from scratch or store-bought crescent roll dough. Even frozen biscuit dough that’s thawed will work well. The key is a dough that bakes up light and golden.
How spicy is this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe?
The spice level depends largely on the Sloppy Joe sauce you use. Most store-bought sauces are mild to medium, but if you like it spicier, you can add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce during cooking to kick things up.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and loved by all ages, this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe is your next go-to. It brings together familiar flavors in a fun and comforting casserole form that’s perfect for sharing. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and make this delightful dish your family’s new favorite. You won’t regret it!
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Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sloppy Joe Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that combines the classic Sloppy Joe flavors with a cheesy biscuit topping. Ground beef is cooked with onions, bell peppers, and tangy Sloppy Joe sauce, then baked with cheddar cheese and biscuit dough for a delicious, family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
Sauce and Toppings
- 1 cup Sloppy Joe sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Other
- 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
- Nonstick cooking spray (for baking dish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the finely chopped onion and diced bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Sauté the mixture for about 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant.
- Add Sloppy Joe Sauce: Stir the Sloppy Joe sauce into the beef and vegetable mixture. Allow it to simmer for another 5 minutes to blend the flavors thoroughly.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the meat and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then place pieces of the biscuit dough evenly across the surface.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and make the casserole less greasy.
- If desired, substitute biscuit dough with homemade biscuit topping for a fresher taste.
- The Sloppy Joe sauce can be homemade or store-bought depending on preference and convenience.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the sauce for a little heat.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
