Sloppy Joe Casserole

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Description:
Sloppy Joe Casserole is a hearty, family-friendly dish that takes all the savory flavors of classic Sloppy Joes and turns them into a satisfying casserole. Ground beef is simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce, then layered with cheese and a biscuit or cornbread topping, creating a comforting one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish with layers of flavor and texture.

Ingredients:

For the Sloppy Joe Filling:

  • Ground beef (or ground turkey): 1 lb (450 g)
  • Onion (chopped): 1 medium
  • Green bell pepper (chopped): 1 medium
  • Garlic (minced): 2 cloves
  • Ketchup: ¾ cup (180 ml)
  • Tomato sauce: 1 cup (240 ml)
  • Worcestershire sauce: 1 tbsp
  • Brown sugar: 1 tbsp
  • Yellow mustard: 1 tbsp
  • Chili powder: 1 tsp
  • Salt: 1 tsp
  • Black pepper: ½ tsp
  • Olive oil: 1 tbsp

For the Topping:

  • Refrigerated biscuit dough (optional: cornbread mix or crescent rolls): 1 can (16 oz/450 g)
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: 1½ cups (150 g)
  • Butter (melted): 2 tbsp (for brushing on biscuits)

Optional Ingredients (for extra flavor):

  • Red pepper flakes: ¼ tsp (for a spicy kick)
  • Diced jalapeños: 2 tbsp (for added heat)
  • Sliced pickles: to serve on top for a tangy contrast
  • Sautéed mushrooms: 1 cup for extra richness

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven:
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the beef mixture:
    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbled, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Make the Sloppy Joe sauce:
    Stir in the ketchup, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.
  4. Assemble the casserole:
    Transfer the Sloppy Joe filling to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.
  5. Add the biscuit topping:
    Arrange the refrigerated biscuit dough (or cornbread batter if using) on top of the cheese layer. If using biscuits, brush the tops with melted butter.
  6. Bake the casserole:
    Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through. If using cornbread, bake according to the package instructions.
  7. Serve:
    Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve hot, with a side of pickles or coleslaw for a complete meal.

Tips for Success:

  • Biscuit topping tip: If the biscuits are browning too quickly, cover the casserole loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
  • Use ground turkey: For a leaner option, swap ground beef with ground turkey.
  • Make it ahead: Prepare the filling ahead of time, refrigerate, and simply top with biscuits or cornbread before baking.

Recommendations:

  • Pair with a side salad: A crisp green salad or coleslaw provides a refreshing balance to the rich casserole.
  • Use cornbread for a twist: Swap out the biscuits for a cornbread topping to add a sweet, crumbly layer to your casserole.
  • Freezer-friendly: This casserole freezes well. Prepare and freeze before baking, then thaw and bake for an easy meal later.

Nutrition (per serving, approx. based on 6 servings):

  • Calories: 480
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg

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