Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

This Sloppy Joe Casserole is a cheesy, comforting twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich. It features a hearty, savory ground beef filling mixed with tangy tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese, and layered under a soft, golden biscuit crust. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or feeding a hungry crowd, this easy casserole brings all the flavors you love in a fun, oven-baked dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort food classic – All the flavors of traditional sloppy joes in a cheesy, baked casserole.
• Easy to make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a weeknight favorite.
• Family-friendly – A dish that both kids and adults will love.
• Customizable – Add veggies or swap proteins for a healthier twist.
• Freezer-friendly – Perfect for meal prep or storing leftovers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the sloppy joe filling:

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 1 green bell pepper (diced, optional)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup tomato sauce (or ketchup)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the casserole topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar)
• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (or homemade biscuit dough)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for brushing the biscuits)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the beef filling:

• In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
• Drain any excess grease, then add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
• Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.

3. Assemble the casserole:

• Spread the sloppy joe mixture evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the meat mixture.
• Place the biscuit dough pieces on top of the cheese layer.

4. Bake the casserole:

• Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
• If desired, brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter for extra flavor.

5. Serve:

• Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Veggie-Packed Casserole: Add diced carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini to the beef mixture for extra nutrients.
• Spicy Sloppy Joe Casserole: Add 1 teaspoon of chili powder or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Tater Tot Topping: Swap biscuits for frozen tater tots and bake until crispy and golden.
• Low-Carb Version: Replace biscuits with cauliflower mash for a keto-friendly version.
• Turkey Sloppy Joe Casserole: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooled casserole (without the biscuit topping) in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months. Add fresh biscuits before baking when ready to serve.
• Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole without baking and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the biscuit dough just before baking.

Can I use homemade sloppy joe sauce?

Absolutely! Use your favorite homemade sloppy joe sauce instead of store-bought for a more personalized flavor.

What’s the best cheese for sloppy joe casserole?

Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack work great too.

Can I make this casserole without biscuits?

Yes, you can use cornbread batter or mashed potatoes as a topping instead of biscuits for a different twist.

How do I know when the biscuits are fully cooked?

The biscuits should be golden brown on top and cooked through—insert a toothpick into one to ensure it comes out clean.

Can I use ground chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground chicken works as a leaner protein and will absorb all the same delicious flavors.

Can I freeze the whole casserole with biscuits on top?

It’s best to freeze the casserole without the biscuit topping. Add fresh biscuit dough when you’re ready to bake for the best texture.

What sides go well with sloppy joe casserole?

Serve with coleslaw, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free biscuit dough and ensure all sauces (especially Worcestershire) are gluten-free.

Why is my biscuit dough not cooking through?

If the biscuit dough isn’t cooking evenly, cover the casserole loosely with foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes to prevent over-browning while allowing the biscuits to cook through.

Conclusion

This Sloppy Joe Casserole is the perfect fusion of a classic sandwich and comforting casserole—loaded with savory beef, cheesy goodness, and topped with fluffy, golden biscuits. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or casual get-togethers. Serve it with a fresh salad or some roasted veggies, and you’ve got a complete meal everyone will love!

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