There’s something magical about a one-dish meal that brings the whole family together around the table, especially when it’s as hearty and comforting as this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe. Growing up, we had “Sloppy Joe nights” in our home, a tradition that my mom started to make weeknight dinners easier and more enjoyable. Over time, that recipe evolved into something even more special this cheesy, meaty casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights and casual family gatherings. If you’re looking for a meal that’s kid-friendly, flavorful, and makes great leftovers, then this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe is about to become your new go-to.
In this recipe, you get all the delicious flavors of the classic Sloppy Joe, with the convenience of a casserole that requires minimal prep and is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s cheesy, savory, and full of satisfying textures ideal for feeding a hungry family or serving up for a casual dinner party. This casserole is an absolute winner, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
What is Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe?
thid Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe takes all the best parts of the classic Sloppy Joe sandwich and combines them into a baked casserole dish. Think of it as a deconstructed Sloppy Joe, but in casserole form. The dish features seasoned ground beef, onions, and a tangy sauce, all nestled beneath a layer of cheesy, golden goodness. Unlike a traditional sandwich, this casserole is baked until bubbly and delicious, with layers of flavor and textures that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
The beauty of a casserole like this is that you can adjust it to your taste preferences whether you like a little extra spice, more cheese, or a bit of sweetness, you can easily tailor this dish to your liking. Plus, it’s all done in one pan, which means fewer dishes to wash!
Why You’ll Love This Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
There’s a lot to love about this Sloppy Joe Casserole, and I’m excited to share a few reasons why it’s such a hit in our household.
Quick and Easy
This casserole is incredibly simple to make. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can have a hearty meal on the table in about 45 minutes. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you don’t have a ton of time to spend in the kitchen.
Kid-Friendly
If you’re looking for something your kids will actually want to eat, this is the dish. With its cheesy topping and the familiar Sloppy Joe flavor, even picky eaters will happily dig in. You can even make it a fun dinner experience by serving it with extra condiments or letting the kids help assemble the casserole.
Make-Ahead Friendly
Sloppy Joe Casserole is great for meal prep or make-ahead dinners. You can assemble it in advance and then bake it when you’re ready to eat. Leftovers are delicious too, making it perfect for packing lunches or reheating for a quick dinner the next day.
Budget-Friendly
The ingredients are simple and affordable, making this casserole a great option for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank. Ground beef, onions, cheese, and pantry staples come together to create a hearty and filling dish that won’t cost you much.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
Now that you know what makes this recipe so special, let’s dive into how to make it. It’s easy, I promise!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 (8 oz) package of biscuit dough (you can also use crescent roll dough for a flakier topping)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned and fully cooked, drain any excess fat.
- Add the Onions: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onions are softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Biscuit Dough: While the sauce simmers, open the biscuit dough package and separate the biscuits. Cut each biscuit into quarters.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then, layer the quartered biscuit dough pieces over the top of the beef mixture, covering it as evenly as possible.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the biscuits.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this cozy, cheesy, and savory meal with your family!
What to Serve With Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
This casserole is hearty on its own, but if you’re looking to add a little something extra to your meal, here are a few simple sides that pair perfectly with it:
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, broccoli, or green beans make for a great healthy side.
- Simple Salad: A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic Bread: If you can’t get enough of the carbs, garlic bread is always a winning choice.
Top Tips
- Customize the Topping: Feel free to use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, for a twist on the flavor.
- Add Veggies: If you want to sneak in some extra vegetables, try adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the ground beef mixture.
- Spice It Up: If you like more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers are a breeze with this dish. Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
FAQs
Can I make Sloppy Joe Casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking. Simply assemble the casserole, cover it with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature and then bake as directed.
Can I use a different kind of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can all be used as a substitute for ground beef. Just make sure to adjust seasoning if necessary, as different meats have different flavor profiles.
Can I make this casserole without biscuit dough?
If you prefer, you can swap the biscuit dough for tater tots, hash browns, or even a homemade pastry crust for a unique twist.
Is this casserole spicy?
The recipe as written has a mild heat from the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the spice level by omitting them or adding more if you like it hot!
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. You can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
Conclusion
This Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe is one of those recipes that just feels like home simple, comforting, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even making ahead for meal prep. With its cheesy topping and savory filling, it’s a dish that everyone will love, from kids to adults. Plus, the leftovers are just as tasty, making it a great choice for lunch the next day. So next time you’re looking for a quick, filling meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds, give this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe a try. Happy cooking!
Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
Kochutensilien
- Large skillet for cooking the beef and sauce
- 9×13-inch baking dish for assembling the casserole
- Oven for baking
Zutaten
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for a bit of heat
- 1 8 oz package of biscuit dough (or crescent roll dough for a flakier topping)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Anleitungen
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once browned and fully cooked, drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- While the sauce is simmering, open the biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters.
- Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with the quartered biscuit dough.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the biscuit topping is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!