Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe 🍽️
Description:
This Sloppy Joe Casserole is a warm and cheesy comfort food dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. With a hearty beef filling, savory Sloppy Joe sauce, and a biscuit topping that’s golden brown and ooey-gooey with melted cheddar cheese, it’s a meal the whole family will love! Bonus: It’s easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it an ideal dish for when you’re short on time but craving something comforting.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients 🛒:
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1 lb ground beef 🥩
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1 onion (chopped) 🧅
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1 can Sloppy Joe sauce (15 oz) 🍅
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1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional) 🥕
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1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
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1 can biscuits (8 count) 🍞
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1/2 tsp garlic powder 🧄
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1/2 tsp onion powder 🧅
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Salt & pepper to taste 🧂
Instructions 🍳:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat.
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Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
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Stir in the Sloppy Joe sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. If you’re adding mixed vegetables, stir them in now.
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Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly in the dish.
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Open the can of biscuits and cut each biscuit in half. Arrange the biscuit halves on top of the Sloppy Joe mixture, covering it evenly.
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Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the biscuits.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve and enjoy your cheesy, comforting casserole!
Variations to Try 🍽️:
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Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
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Vegetarian Option: Use lentils or plant-based meat instead of ground beef for a vegetarian version.
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Add Hot Sauce: If you like a little heat, stir in some hot sauce or red pepper flakes with the Sloppy Joe sauce.
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Different Cheeses: Use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a different flavor profile.
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Add More Veggies: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the meat mixture for extra veggies.
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Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or chili powder to the sauce for a spicy kick.
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Crescent Rolls Topping: For a flakier topping, swap the biscuits for crescent roll dough.
Serving Tips 🍴:
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Serve with a Side Salad: Pair the casserole with a simple green salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
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Top with Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top adds a creamy contrast to the savory casserole.
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Pair with Garlic Bread: Serve alongside garlic bread or crusty rolls for a complete meal.
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Make it a Meal Prep Option: This casserole stores well in the fridge and makes for easy reheating for lunches or future dinners.
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Add Pickles on the Side: The tang of pickles complements the savory flavors of the casserole beautifully.
FAQ 🤔
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Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to make it leaner. -
Can I freeze Sloppy Joe casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, allow it to thaw overnight and then bake as directed. -
Can I make this casserole without the biscuits?
Yes, you can skip the biscuits and top the casserole with mashed potatoes for a twist, or use a crust made of puff pastry. -
What can I serve with Sloppy Joe Casserole?
Serve it with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or even coleslaw for a balanced meal. -
Can I add more vegetables to this casserole?
Yes! Feel free to add bell peppers, carrots, corn, or mushrooms to the meat mixture for more flavor and nutrition. -
How long does this casserole last in the fridge?
Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. -
Can I use homemade Sloppy Joe sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade Sloppy Joe sauce will work great in this recipe. -
What can I substitute for the cheddar cheese?
You can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any cheese you prefer. -
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture for extra heat. -
Can I make this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. -
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or in the microwave for a few minutes until heated through. -
Is there a way to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free biscuits and make sure your Sloppy Joe sauce is gluten-free. -
How can I make this casserole vegan?
Use plant-based meat and vegan biscuits and cheese to make a vegan version of this casserole. -
Can I add potatoes to this casserole?
Sure! You could add diced potatoes or even use hashbrowns as a topping instead of biscuits. -
What can I do if I don’t have a 9×13-inch dish?
You can use an 8×8-inch dish, but the casserole may need to bake a bit longer. -
Can I use frozen biscuits instead of canned?
Yes, frozen biscuits work well too; just follow the instructions on the package. -
What is the best way to store this casserole?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. -
Can I add cheese to the meat mixture?
Yes, adding a little cheese to the beef mixture can make it even cheesier and more delicious. -
What other meats can I use in this casserole?
Ground sausage or even shredded chicken would work as a substitute for ground beef. -
How can I make this casserole low-carb?
You can omit the biscuits and top it with a low-carb crust like cauliflower rice or a cheese crust.
20 Best Tips to Make This Sloppy Joe Casserole Perfect 👨🍳:
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Don’t skip draining the beef: Draining the excess fat keeps the casserole from being greasy.
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Use fresh garlic and onion for more flavor: Fresh aromatics will give your casserole a deeper, richer flavor.
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Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
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Don’t overbake the biscuits: Keep an eye on the biscuits as they bake; they should be golden brown but not overdone.
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Customize the veggie mix: Feel free to add peas, carrots, or even spinach to the beef mixture for added nutrition.
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Stir in some Worcestershire sauce: For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture.
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Use a baking dish with a tight-fitting lid: This ensures the casserole stays moist while baking.
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Add a sprinkle of parsley or chives: A fresh garnish adds color and a burst of freshness to your dish.
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Make it cheesy: For extra cheese, sprinkle some cheese over the biscuit layer before baking.
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Make a double batch: This casserole is perfect for leftovers, so make extra to enjoy later.
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Check for seasoning: Taste the beef mixture and adjust the salt and pepper as needed before baking.
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Bake at the right temperature: 375°F is the sweet spot for perfectly golden biscuits and bubbly cheese.
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Give it time to rest: Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to firm up and make serving easier.
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Try different biscuit types: Experiment with buttermilk, cheddar, or even flaky biscuit options for variety.
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Top with pickles: Add some tangy pickles on top of each serving for an extra flavor boost.
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Serve with a tangy sauce: A drizzle of ranch or barbecue sauce can add an unexpected twist.
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Use a large skillet: This allows the beef mixture to spread out and cook evenly.
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Store leftovers properly: Store in an airtight container for the best shelf life.
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Use frozen veggies for convenience: Frozen mixed vegetables work well in this recipe for added texture and nutrition.
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Adjust the consistency of the Sloppy Joe sauce: If you like a thicker filling, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce the sauce.
Enjoy this delicious and comforting Sloppy Joe Casserole!