If you’re craving that classic, tangy comfort of a Sloppy Joe but want something a little easier to serve and share, this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It transforms the beloved sandwich filling into a hearty, cheesy bake topped with fluffy biscuits, making dinner time a warm, satisfying celebration everyone will love. With a rich blend of seasoned ground beef, peppers, and gooey cheddar cheese, this casserole is an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building the casserole’s irresistible flavor and texture. From the savory ground beef to the cheesy topping and pillowy biscuits, it’s a fantastic balance of simple, easy-to-find ingredients that come together beautifully.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The hearty protein base that brings savory richness and substance to the dish.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used to sauté the veggies, adding a touch of smoothness and helping flavors meld.
- Small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch that balances the savory beef.
- Green bell pepper, diced: Offers a fresh, slightly tangy bite and beautiful color contrast.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic depth.
- Tomato sauce (1 cup): Creates that familiar, tangy Sloppy Joe base.
- Ketchup (1/4 cup): Enhances sweetness and adds a thick, luscious texture.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Delivers a savory, umami punch to round out the flavors.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Balances acidity with a touch of caramel-like sweetness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and elevating all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a mild heat that wakes up the palate.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle smoky warmth without overpowering.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups, divided): Brings creamy, melty richness that makes every bite comforting.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough (1 can, 8 ounces): The fluffy, golden topping that crowns this casserole with irresistible texture.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetable Base
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get things ready for baking. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking them gently for about 4 minutes until they soften just right. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute so everything smells gorgeous and fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next up, add the ground beef to your skillet with the softened veggies. Break it apart as it cooks, stirring frequently until the beef is fully browned, which will take roughly 6 to 8 minutes. Once it’s cooked through, drain any excess grease from the pan to keep the casserole from being too oily.
Step 3: Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce
Now, stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Combine everything and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes so the sauce thickens up just enough to cling to every tasty morsel.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Assemble
Remove the skillet from heat and mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Pour this hearty beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Then separate the biscuit dough into individual biscuits and place them evenly over the top of the beef mixture. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese over the biscuits to ensure every bite has that cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the biscuits turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked all the way through. Let the casserole rest about 5 minutes after baking before slicing and serving—it really helps those layers settle together for the best flavor and texture.
How to Serve Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top adds a burst of color and a fresh, bright flavor that contrasts nicely with the rich casserole. You can also add a few dashes of hot sauce if you like a bit of heat, or a dollop of sour cream for a creamy tang.
Side Dishes
Sloppy Joe casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad tossed with vinaigrette or steamed veggies to balance out the richness. For heartier meals, consider creamy mashed potatoes or buttered corn on the cob for that classic American comfort spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in small ramekins for a cute, personalized touch at parties or family dinners. Layer it in clear glass casserole dishes so everyone can admire those colorful layers. You can also top with sliced jalapeños or chopped olives to customize flavors and add flair to your presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delicious—sometimes even better!
Freezing
If you want to make this ahead of time, freeze the unbaked casserole after assembling it. Cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen—just add 10 to 15 extra minutes to the cooking time and keep an eye on those biscuit toppings.
Reheating
To reheat leftover or frozen casserole, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly, about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for 2 to 3 minutes, but baking helps keep the biscuit topping crisp and delicious.
FAQs
Can I make Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe with ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works beautifully with the sauce and spices in this recipe. Just cook it the same way as the beef, and you’ll have a lighter version that’s equally tasty.
What can I use if I don’t have refrigerated biscuit dough?
You can substitute with homemade biscuit dough or even crescent roll dough if you prefer. Alternatively, some people like to top with biscuit-style biscuit mix or shredded potatoes for a twist on the topping.
How spicy is this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe?
The recipe is mildly spiced with chili powder and black pepper, making it kid-friendly and generally mild. If you prefer more heat, adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper will easily kick up the spice level.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead and refrigerate before baking?
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep plans.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly after baking?
It is, but for best results, freeze it before baking. If you freeze after baking, expect a slight change in biscuit texture upon reheating. Still delicious but a little less fluffy.
Final Thoughts
This Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl — easy to make, packed with flavor, and downright comforting. Whether you’re serving a hungry family or bringing a crowd-pleaser to your next gathering, it checks all the boxes for simplicity, taste, and that homestyle charm. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it turns your weeknight dinners into something special!
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Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Sloppy Joe Casserole is a delicious, comforting dish that combines savory ground beef with a rich tomato sauce, topped with fluffy biscuit dough and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this casserole offers all the flavors of classic Sloppy Joes in a convenient baked format.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Topping
- 1 can (8 ounces) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper, cooking for about 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess grease to keep the mixture from becoming too oily.
- Add sauce ingredients: Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to thicken slightly and allow the flavors to meld.
- Incorporate cheese: Mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the beef mixture until well combined. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Prepare casserole dish: Pour the beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add biscuit topping: Separate and arrange the refrigerated biscuit dough evenly over the beef mixture. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the biscuits for a cheesy crust.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly option.
- For a spicier casserole, add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture while cooking.
- Incorporate a can of drained corn into the mixture for added texture and sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
