Sloppy Joes Casserole: A Comforting Twist on a Classic Favorite

If you love the bold flavors of Sloppy Joes but want to enjoy them in a new and exciting way, then Sloppy Joes Casserole is the perfect dish for you! Combining the classic elements of a Sloppy Joe sandwich—ground beef, tangy sauce, and melty cheese—this casserole transforms your favorite comfort food into a delicious, family-friendly meal that’s baked to perfection.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or even potlucks, Sloppy Joes Casserole is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. In this recipe, all of the flavors you love come together in a single dish, eliminating the need for sandwich buns while still delivering that classic Sloppy Joe taste. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this casserole will be a hit.

For more similar recipes, check out these Easy Casserole Ideas and Sloppy Joe Recipes to find more comforting meals to try.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Sloppy Joes Casserole Recipe | Comfort Food Twist on a Classic

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Sloppy Joes Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that takes the classic flavors of sloppy joes and turns them into an easy, one-pan casserole. Ground beef is seasoned with a tangy and savory tomato-based sauce, then layered with buttery biscuits and baked until golden and bubbly. This family-friendly meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner and is sure to please both adults and kids alike!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for a leaner option)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional for a bit of heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (or homemade biscuit dough)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped

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Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
• Add the diced onion, bell pepper (if using), and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce:

• Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Assemble the Casserole:

• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish.
• Tear or cut the biscuit dough into smaller pieces and arrange them on top of the beef mixture. You can scatter the biscuit pieces randomly or arrange them in a more structured way, but the dough will spread out as it bakes.

Bake the Casserole:

• Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the biscuit dough.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuit dough is golden brown and cooked through, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve:

• Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

• Ground Meat Options: You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian crumbles for a meatless version.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to use a different cheese like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend depending on your preference.
• Spice it up: Add some red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the sloppy joe sauce for extra heat.
• Biscuit Alternatives: For a homemade touch, you can make your own biscuit dough or use cornbread for a different texture and flavor.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole in advance, refrigerate it, and bake it the next day. Just make sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
• Method: Stovetop, Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion (1/6 to 1/8 of casserole)
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Sloppy Joes Casserole Recipe

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
   • Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the Sloppy Joe Sauce:
   • Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens up.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the meat mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish.
   • Tear the refrigerated biscuit dough into small pieces and scatter them over the top of the meat mixture. Alternatively, if using cooked rice for a gluten-free version, spread the rice over the meat mixture instead.
4. Bake the Casserole:
   • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the biscuit dough (or rice).
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve:
   • Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Cut into squares and enjoy your Sloppy Joes Casserole!

Advanced Techniques

1. Swap the Meat

For a different twist, try using ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat to make this casserole lighter. Each protein will still work well with the Sloppy Joe sauce, offering a healthier alternative to the traditional beef version.

2. Add Vegetables

If you want to boost the nutrition of this dish, consider adding more vegetables. Chopped carrots, zucchini, or even spinach can easily be stirred into the meat mixture. Just make sure to sauté the veggies until tender before adding the sauce.

3. Customize the Biscuits

The biscuit topping is key to this casserole’s texture. For a more flavorful topping, try using seasoned biscuits or add your own herbs, such as oregano, thyme, or garlic powder, to the biscuit dough before baking.

4. Make it Spicy

For a spicy kick, stir in some chopped jalapeños or add a teaspoon of hot sauce to the Sloppy Joe sauce. If you prefer a smoky flavor, smoked paprika will work wonders in adding depth to the dish.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Sloppy Joes Casserole is perfect for leftovers and can be stored for a few days, making it great for meal prepping or as a quick option for lunch the next day.

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Ensure it’s completely cooled before storing to preserve freshness.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating Tips

• Microwave: Reheat leftovers in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Add a splash of water to keep it moist.
• Oven: For a more even reheat, place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

1. Gluten-Free

To make this casserole gluten-free, swap the biscuit dough with gluten-free biscuits or a layer of cooked rice. Both options will still provide a hearty base for the dish without sacrificing flavor.

2. Dairy-Free

To make this recipe dairy-free, replace the cheese with dairy-free alternatives such as vegan cheddar or mozzarella. You can also skip the cheese altogether for a simpler version of the casserole.

3. Low-Carb/Keto

For a low-carb or keto version, replace the biscuit dough with a cauliflower crust or a zucchini-based topping. You can also use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice to lower the carb content.

4. Vegetarian

To make this casserole vegetarian, replace the ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and carrots to bulk it up and enhance the flavor.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use ground chicken or turkey?

Yes! Ground chicken or turkey are great alternatives to ground beef in this casserole. You can easily substitute either for a lighter, leaner version of the dish.

Can I make the casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it with foil and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Make sure to increase the baking time slightly if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

What can I substitute for the biscuit dough?

If you prefer a different base, you can use crescent roll dough, cornbread, or even hash browns for a different twist. Rice can also work as an alternative for a gluten-free option.

Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?

Yes! To make this casserole in a slow cooker, layer the ingredients as usual and cook on low for 4-6 hours. You may need to top it with cheese and let it melt during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the biscuit topping is golden brown, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the filling is hot all the way through. If you’re unsure, you can check the internal temperature—it should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Sloppy Joes Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that takes everything you love about a Sloppy Joe and turns it into a cheesy, savory casserole. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and can be customized to fit your dietary preferences. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

With its simple ingredients and quick preparation, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be adapted into various flavors and textures. So why not try Sloppy Joes Casserole for your next meal? It’s bound to become a new family favorite!