Hearty Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe: Family’s New Favorite

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible sloppy joe casserole that combines hearty flavors and simple ingredients.

Ground beef sizzles with zesty seasonings, creating a rich base for this crowd-pleasing dish.

Layers of melted cheese and soft bread crumbs add depth and texture to every delectable bite.

The classic sloppy joe flavor bursts through each mouthful, promising a satisfying meal that everyone will adore.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this easy-to-prepare casserole that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.

Packed with robust flavors and straightforward preparation, this recipe transforms a beloved sandwich into a comforting, shareable meal.

Gather around the table and savor every delicious spoonful of this ultimate family-friendly feast.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 7

All Ingredients For Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein foundation that brings rich, meaty flavor and satisfying texture to the casserole.
• Onion: Adds depth and subtle sweetness while creating aromatic base for the beef mixture.
• Bell Pepper: Introduces vibrant color and crisp vegetable texture with mild, fresh flavor.

• Sloppy Joe Sauce: Tangy and sweet core that defines the classic comfort food taste.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Delivers umami depth and complex savory undertones.
• Garlic: Provides robust, aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.
• Chili Powder: Brings warm, slightly spicy dimension to the meat mixture.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning that balances and enhances overall taste.

• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating creamy, golden layer with irresistible stretchy texture.
• Biscuits or Tater Tots: Crispy, golden topping that adds delightful crunch and satisfying starch element.
• Parsley or Green Onions: Fresh garnish that introduces bright color and light herbal note.

Tools To Prep Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and sautéing vegetables with even heat distribution.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect for layering and baking the entire casserole with a spacious surface.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps mix ingredients and stir beef mixture without scratching the skillet.
• Cheese Grater: Useful if using block cheese that needs shredding for topping.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning with chili powder, salt, and pepper.
• Colander: Optional for draining excess beef grease if needed.

Steps To Make Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F. Grab your baking dish and give it a quick grease to prevent sticking.

• Sizzle the Meat Magic

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with diced onions and bell peppers. Let those flavors dance together until the meat is perfectly cooked. Drain any extra grease, then toss in minced garlic for an extra flavor punch. Pour in the sloppy joe sauce, splash of Worcestershire, and sprinkle of spices. Let everything simmer and get friendly.

• Layer and Prepare

Spread the saucy meat mixture into the baking dish. Blanket the top with a generous layer of shredded cheese. Crown the casserole with biscuits or crispy tater tots, making sure they’re evenly distributed.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. Watch for golden-brown biscuits or super-crispy tater tots. This is your signal that dinner is almost ready.

• Serve and Enjoy

Pull out your masterpiece and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for a pop of color and extra flavor. Dig in while it’s hot and enjoy your comfort food creation!

Flavor Tweaks For Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

• Sloppy Joe Casserole Cooking Tips & Variations
• Lean Meat Option: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the beef mixture and assemble casserole up to 24 hours in advance, storing covered in refrigerator before baking for easy meal planning.
• Veggie Boost: Sneak in extra vegetables like diced zucchini or spinach into the beef mixture for added nutrition without compromising taste.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Replace traditional biscuits with gluten-free biscuit mix or swap with crispy potato rounds for a celiac-friendly version.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by choosing mild or spicy sloppy joe sauce, or add red pepper flakes for extra kick for those who love bold flavors.

Serving Ideas For Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

• Crowd-Pleasing Companions: Perfect Pairings for Sloppy Joe Casserole
• Fresh Green Crunch: Serve alongside a crisp garden salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, meaty casserole and add refreshing vegetable contrast.
• Zesty Veggie Sides: Roasted broccoli or honey-glazed carrots complement the savory flavors and provide nutritious vegetable options that kids and adults will enjoy.
• Cooling Comfort: Top with a dollop of sour cream or sprinkle with extra shredded cheese for added creaminess that cuts through the bold sloppy joe seasonings.
• Bread Buddies: Warm garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls make an excellent side for soaking up extra sauce and rounding out the hearty meal.

How To Keep Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe Fresh

• Refrigeration Magic: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the casserole completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
• Reheating Tricks: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or restore crispiness by baking in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes. Add a splash of extra sauce to prevent dryness.
• Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare the beef mixture and assemble the casserole ahead of time. Keep unbaked casserole refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. This saves time on busy weeknights and allows flavors to meld together.

Mouthwatering Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty Sloppy Joe Casserole brings classic comfort to dinner tables with a crowd-pleasing twist. Layered ground beef, tangy sauce, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal families will devour eagerly.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (1 pound) ground beef
• 1 lb (1 pound) ground turkey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) sloppy joe sauce
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuits
• 1 bag frozen tater tots
• Fresh parsley
• Green onions

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and preheat the oven to 375F (190C) for optimal cooking conditions.
2. Meat Foundation: In a large skillet, sauté ground beef with onions and bell peppers, allowing the meat to caramelize and vegetables to soften while releasing their aromatic essence.
3. Flavor Layering: Drain excess fat, then add minced garlic, sloppy joe sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently to concentrate flavors and create a robust meat mixture.
4. Casserole Assembly: Spread the seasoned meat evenly in the prepared baking dish, creating a hearty base layer.
5. Cheese and Topping: Completely cover the meat with shredded cheese, then artfully arrange biscuits or frozen tater tots across the surface to provide a crispy, golden-brown topping.
6. Baking Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the topping turns golden brown and achieves a crisp exterior.
7. Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a vibrant, herbaceous accent before serving.

Notes

• Drain Meat Thoroughly: Remove excess fat completely to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing texture.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust chili powder and seasonings to personal heat preference, making the dish adaptable for mild or spicy lovers.
• Layer Strategically: Distribute cheese and toppings evenly to guarantee consistent flavor and crispy texture in every bite.
• Dietary Modification Options: Substitute ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for health-conscious or vegetarian versions, maintaining the classic sloppy joe flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg