Quick & Zesty Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe Everyone Will Love

Crafting a hearty sloppy joe casserole brings comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Layers of savory meat and melted cheese create a mouthwatering experience that satisfies deep hunger.

Comfort meets convenience in this simple one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ground beef mingles with tangy sauce, creating a rich and robust flavor profile.

Crispy edges and gooey center make this dish irresistible to everyone at the table.

Cheese lovers will rejoice at the melted goodness blanketing each bite.

Dig into this crowd-pleasing recipe that promises to become a regular in your meal rotation.

Why Sloppy Joe Casserole Is a Classic Comfort Food

• Craft Comfort Classic: Transforms traditional Sloppy Joes into a hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole that brings everyone around the table with minimal kitchen effort.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows quick substitutions like ground turkey, different cheese blends, or extra veggies to match family preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Kid-Approved Meal: Combines familiar flavors kids love with a fun presentation that makes dinnertime exciting, turning a simple meal into a memorable family experience.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimizes cleanup with a single skillet and baking dish, perfect for busy weeknights when you want delicious food without extensive kitchen work.

Ingredients for Sloppy Joe Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that forms the delicious foundation of this casserole.

• Onion, Bell Pepper, Garlic: These aromatics add depth and flavor to the beef mixture.

• Sloppy Joe Sauce: A tangy and sweet sauce that brings classic flavor to the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that creates a rich, creamy topping.
• Biscuit Dough: A quick and convenient way to add a fluffy, golden crust to the casserole.

How to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole

Step 1: Brown The Beef

Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles until no pink remains. Drain away any excess fat from the pan to keep the dish lighter.

Step 2: Sauté Veggie Blend

• Diced onions
• Chopped bell peppers
• Minced garlic

Stir and cook until vegetables become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious flavors.

Step 3: Create Saucy Beef Mixture

Pour Sloppy Joe sauce into the skillet with the beef and vegetables.

Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and develop a rich taste.

Step 4: Prepare Casserole Base

Transfer the beef and sauce mixture into a rectangular baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom to create a hearty foundation for the casserole.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the beef mixture, creating a melty and golden layer.

Step 6: Crown With Biscuit Dough

Arrange uncooked biscuit dough pieces across the top of the cheese, covering most of the surface to create a delightful golden crust.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes until the biscuit topping turns a beautiful golden brown and looks irresistibly puffy.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the dish set and makes serving easier.

Cut into portions and enjoy the warm, comforting meal.

Tips for a Flavorful Sloppy Joe Casserole

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier alternative that still packs flavor.
• Enhance the dish's nutrition by adding extra vegetables like diced zucchini or mushrooms during the sautéing stage.
• Ensure biscuits cook evenly by spacing them slightly apart and avoiding overlapping on the casserole surface.
• Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free biscuit dough and checking that Sloppy Joe sauce is gluten-free.
• For a spicier kick, mix in diced jalapeños or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the beef mixture before baking.

Variations for Sloppy Joe Casserole

• Vegetarian Joe Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version.
• Spicy Southwestern Joe: Add diced jalapeños, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and mix in taco seasoning for a zesty kick.
• Low-Carb Joe Bake: Use cauliflower rice instead of biscuit dough and reduce sauce for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Turkey Joe Casserole: Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter protein option.

Serving Ideas for Sloppy Joe Casserole

• Comforting Family Feast: Create a hearty family dinner by serving this casserole with a fresh green salad and crisp coleslaw for added crunch and nutrition.
• Potluck Party Pleaser: Bring this dish to gatherings as a crowd-pleasing main course that travels well and feeds a hungry group with minimal effort.
• Game Day Touchdown: Serve alongside tortilla chips, extra hot sauce, and cold beverages for the perfect sports watching meal that keeps everyone satisfied and excited.
• Weeknight Meal Makeover: Transform leftovers by adding corn kernels or diced vegetables into the mixture for a quick and delicious next-day lunch option that feels like a brand new meal.

Storing Sloppy Joe Casserole Properly

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain food safety.
• Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the biscuit topping and beef mixture separate if possible.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, ensuring you wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheat refrigerated portions by placing them in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive drying and ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the cheesy, saucy beef and soft biscuit topping. It’s a fun meal that’s easy to eat and packed with flavors children enjoy.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a leaner protein substitute. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat before adding other ingredients.

• How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?

Check that the biscuits are golden brown and the internal temperature of the beef mixture reaches 160°F. The cheese should also be melted and bubbly.

Quick Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty sloppy joe casserole delivers classic comfort with a modern twist. Cheesy layers and zesty beef combine for a satisfying meal that brings family together at the dinner table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Topping and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 cup sloppy joe sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a casserole dish for assembly.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, thoroughly draining any excess fat.
3. Add diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the beef, sautéing until vegetables become tender and fragrant.
4. Pour Sloppy Joe sauce into the skillet, stirring to combine with the meat and vegetables, and allow to simmer for 5 minutes to develop rich flavors.
5. Transfer the savory meat mixture into the prepared casserole dish, ensuring an even distribution across the bottom.
6. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the meat layer, creating a melty, golden topping.
7. Carefully arrange uncooked biscuit dough pieces across the entire surface of the cheese and meat mixture.
8. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the biscuit topping turns a beautiful golden brown.
9. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 3-5 minutes to allow flavors to settle and make serving easier.

Notes

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to create a lighter, healthier version of the casserole.
• Enhance nutrition by adding finely chopped vegetables like zucchini or spinach to the beef mixture without changing the overall flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free biscuit dough or make your own homemade biscuits to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining the dish’s comforting texture.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or mozzarella to customize the flavor and add a unique twist to the classic Sloppy Joe casserole.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg