The Best Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe for Family Dinner Magic

Comfort food reaches new heights with this easy sloppy joe casserole that brings together hearty flavors in one delicious dish.

Weeknight dinners just got simpler with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Ground beef simmers in a rich, tangy sauce that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Layers of melted cheese and soft pasta create a mouthwatering combination that screams pure comfort.

The casserole delivers a perfect balance of meaty goodness and cheesy goodness in every single bite.

Families will love how quickly this meal comes together, making it a go-to option for busy evenings.

Sloppy Joe Casserole That’s Family Favorite

• Whip Up Family Comfort: This Sloppy Joe Casserole brings classic diner-style flavors right to your dinner table with minimal kitchen effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Kids and adults will love the hearty combination of ground beef, tangy sauce, melted cheese, and soft biscuit topping that makes every bite delicious.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this one-pan wonder in under an hour, with simple ingredients that transform into a satisfying meal perfect for busy families craving home-cooked goodness.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Easily customize by swapping ground beef for turkey, adding extra veggies, or adjusting spice levels to suit your family's taste preferences.

Sloppy Joe Casserole Ingredient Checklist

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the foundation of this classic comfort dish.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: These vegetables add depth of flavor and subtle sweetness to the casserole.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a warm, savory undertone to enhance the overall taste.

• Sloppy Joe Sauce: A tangy and sweet sauce that gives the casserole its signature flavor profile.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and a bright, slightly acidic element to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and intensify the other flavors.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a rich, creamy layer on top of the casserole.
• Biscuit Dough: Creates a golden, fluffy crust that completes the comfort food experience.

How to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F, getting ready for a delicious comfort food adventure.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into tasty crumbles.

Once cooked, drain away any extra grease.

Step 3: Sauté Veggie Friends

• Diced onions
• Chopped bell peppers

Cook until they’re soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious flavors.

Step 4: Build The Flavor Base

• Sloppy Joe sauce
• Diced tomatoes
• Garlic powder

Sprinkle some salt and pepper to make the mixture pop with taste.

Step 5: Create The Casserole Foundation

Pour the saucy beef mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish.

Blanket the top with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 6: Top With Biscuit Clouds

Slice biscuit dough into quarter pieces.

Arrange these fluffy dough bits across the cheesy surface like a delicious landscape.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the biscuit tops turn golden brown and everything looks irresistibly delicious.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes.

This helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier.

Scoop out generous portions and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Sloppy Joe Casserole

• Remove as much fat as possible to prevent a greasy casserole and keep the dish lighter.
• Chop extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to increase nutrition and add more texture to the base.
• Let cheese come to room temperature before sprinkling to ensure even, smooth melting across the casserole surface.
• Space biscuit pieces slightly apart to allow them to puff up and create a more attractive, crispy top layer.
• Prepare the beef mixture a day ahead and refrigerate to intensify flavors before assembling and baking the casserole.

Casserole Variations for Sloppy Joe Lovers

• Vegetarian Joe Casserole: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version that's packed with protein and flavor.
• Low-Carb Joe Bake: Swap biscuit dough with cauliflower or zucchini rounds, using almond flour for a keto-friendly alternative that cuts down on carbohydrates.
• Spicy Southwest Joe Casserole: Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired dish with extra kick.
• Gluten-Free Joe Skillet: Use gluten-free biscuit mix or cornbread topping, and ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.

Serving Sloppy Joe Casserole Hot

• Family Picnic Power: Pack this casserole in a portable container for an amazing outdoor meal that will wow everyone at your gathering.
• Comfort Dinner Companion: Serve alongside crispy green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the hearty meat dish and add some fresh nutrition.
• Leftover Magic: Store any remaining casserole in airtight containers for quick lunch options during the week, reheating quickly in microwave or oven.
• Game Day Champion: Pair with cold beer or soda for a crowd-pleasing game night menu item that satisfies hungry sports fans with minimal preparation.

Storing Sloppy Joe Casserole Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer casserole to baking dish. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, removing foil during last 5 minutes to crisp biscuit topping.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this Sloppy Joe Casserole different from traditional Sloppy Joes?

This casserole transforms the classic sandwich into a hearty baked dish by adding biscuit dough topping and layering the meat mixture with cheese, creating a more filling and comforting meal.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute for beef. It provides a leaner protein option while maintaining the same delicious flavor profile of the casserole.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The cheesy, saucy mixture with soft biscuit topping makes this casserole appealing to children. The combination of familiar flavors and easy-to-eat texture makes it a great family meal.

Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty sloppy joe casserole delivers comforting midwest flavors in one simple baking dish. Melted cheese, savory ground beef, and zesty tomato sauce create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 small onion
• 1 bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Sauce and Dairy:

• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) Sloppy Joe sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Baking and Seasoning:

• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough (16.3 ounces/462 grams)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish to prepare for assembly.
2. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, carefully draining any accumulated fat.
3. Incorporate diced onions and bell peppers into the meat, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and tender.
4. Pour Sloppy Joe sauce and diced tomatoes into the skillet, seasoning with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
5. Spread the savory meat mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish, creating a consistent base layer.
6. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the meat mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Slice refrigerated biscuit dough into quarter sections and strategically place them atop the cheese layer.
8. Transfer casserole to preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until biscuits transform into a golden-brown, crispy topping.
9. Allow casserole to rest and cool for 5-7 minutes before serving to help set the layers and improve overall texture.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adding jalapeños or hot sauce to the Sloppy Joe mixture for spice lovers.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian alternative.
• Use gluten-free biscuit dough and ensure Sloppy Joe sauce is gluten-free to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time and assemble the casserole quickly for a convenient weeknight dinner option.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg