This casserole takes all the savory, tangy flavors of a traditional sloppy joe and turns them into an easy, oven-baked dish. It’s budget-friendly, customizable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal that saves you time on cleanup and can be made ahead or frozen for later.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
Onion, chopped
Green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
Garlic, minced
Tomato sauce or sloppy joe sauce
Ketchup
Brown sugar
Worcestershire sauce
Mustard (yellow or Dijon)
Salt and pepper
Shredded cheddar cheese
Biscuit dough, cooked pasta, or tater tots (for topping)
Cooking spray or oil for greasing the baking dish
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add chopped onion, bell pepper (if using), and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until thickened.
Pour the sloppy joe mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Arrange biscuit dough, cooked pasta, or frozen tater tots on top of the cheese layer.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and cooked through.
Let cool slightly before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 6–8 servings. Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives.
Use cornbread batter or crescent roll dough as the topping instead of biscuits or tater tots.
Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to spice it up.
Mix in corn or black beans for added texture and nutrition.
Top with pickles or crispy onions after baking for a fun twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven until heated through or microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals. This casserole freezes well. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
What is Sloppy Joe Casserole?
It’s a baked version of the classic sloppy joe sandwich, combining seasoned ground beef, cheese, and a topping like biscuits or tater tots into a one-dish meal.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it ahead, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
What can I use instead of biscuits?
Tater tots, cooked pasta, cornbread, or crescent dough all make great alternatives.
Can I freeze Sloppy Joe Casserole?
Absolutely. Freeze the assembled (unbaked) casserole or freeze leftovers. Reheat in the oven after thawing.
How do I make it healthier?
Use lean ground turkey, reduce the cheese, and add more veggies like zucchini or spinach.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, use a plant-based meat substitute or lentils, and ensure the rest of the ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
What cheese works best in this casserole?
Cheddar is a classic choice, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend can also work well.
Do I need to cook the biscuits before topping?
No, use refrigerated biscuit dough as-is. It will bake on top during the casserole’s cooking time.
How long should I bake it if I use frozen tater tots?
Bake for about 30–35 minutes, or until the tots are crispy and golden.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish or two separate ones and adjust baking time slightly if needed.
Conclusion
Sloppy Joe Casserole is a cozy, delicious twist on a beloved classic that’s easy to prepare and always a hit at the table. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals ahead, this satisfying casserole delivers bold flavors and comforting textures that everyone will enjoy. It’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Sloppy Joe Casserole is a comforting, oven-baked twist on the classic sandwich. It features savory ground beef in a tangy tomato-based sauce, layered with cheese and topped with biscuits, pasta, or tater tots for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce or 1 cup sloppy joe sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp yellow or Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 can refrigerated biscuit dough or 3 cups frozen tater tots or 2 cups cooked pasta
Cooking spray or oil, for greasing
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
Add chopped onion, bell pepper (if using), and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–10 minutes until thickened.
Pour the sloppy joe mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the meat mixture.
Top with biscuit dough, cooked pasta, or frozen tater tots in an even layer.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and cooked through.
Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Use ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian version.Swap biscuit dough with crescent rolls or cornbread batter for variety.Add hot sauce, jalapeños, or spices to increase heat.Mix in corn or black beans for extra texture and nutrition.Top with pickles or crispy onions after baking for added crunch.
