Cheesy Sloppy Joe Casserole – A Comforting and Easy Dinner
This Sloppy Joe Casserole is a delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich! Made with seasoned ground beef in a tangy tomato sauce, topped with melted cheese and a golden biscuit crust, this dish is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a family gathering, this recipe delivers bold flavors in every bite. Serve it with coleslaw, fries, or a side salad for a complete meal!
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven mitts
Ingredients
- For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 lb 450g ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp mustard yellow or Dijon
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika optional
- For the Casserole Layers:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can 16 oz refrigerated biscuit dough (or homemade biscuit dough)
- 2 tbsp melted butter for brushing on top
- For Garnishing:
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley optional
- 1/2 cup sour cream for serving
Instructions
- 1️⃣ Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 2–3 minutes until soft.
- Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
- 2️⃣ Assemble the Casserole
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly across the bottom.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the meat mixture.
- Arrange the biscuit dough pieces on top, covering as much surface as possible.
- Brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter for a golden finish.
- 3️⃣ Bake & Serve
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top. Bake for another 5 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Notes
Make it Spicier: Add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños for heat.
Make it Healthier: Use ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing: Assemble the casserole and freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Best Cheese Options: Cheddar is classic, but try Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a twist!
Make it Healthier: Use ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing: Assemble the casserole and freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Best Cheese Options: Cheddar is classic, but try Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a twist!