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:
- Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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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