Sloppy Joes capture the heart of classic American comfort food, and when transformed into a casserole, they become the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Imagine diving into layers of savory, saucy beef and melted cheese, all enriched with aromatic spices. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual gathering, this Sloppy Joe Casserole is your go-to dish.
Ingredients
Get ready to assemble a delightful meal with these ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (8 oz) biscuit dough
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Equipments
Ensure you have these tools on hand before starting:
- Sauté pan
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Spatula
How to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe – Step By Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is crucial to ensure that your casserole cooks evenly, giving you a perfectly baked top with bubbly cheese.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large sauté pan over medium heat, add the chopped onions and diced bell peppers. Sauté them for about 3-5 minutes until they become soft. This step enhances the flavor and allows the sweetness of the onions and peppers to develop.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
Add the minced garlic to the pan, followed by the ground beef. Cook the beef until it’s browned and crumbled, which should take another 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan to keep the dish’s flavor intact without being greasy.
Step 4: Mix in the Sauce Ingredients
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-10 minutes so the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Pour the beef mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Open your can of biscuit dough and place the biscuits over the top of the beef mixture. This forms the top layer that will turn golden brown and delicious when baked.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Bake
Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the biscuits. This layer adds a gooey, cheesy richness to each bite. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
How to Serve Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
Serve this warm and fragrant casserole fresh out of the oven. Pair it with a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables to balance the hearty flavors. It’s ideal for dinner parties, potlucks, or a cozy night in with family.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
Enhance your Sloppy Joe Casserole with some additional tips:
- For extra flavor, consider adding some chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Topped with sliced green onions after baking for a fresh, crunchy finish.
- Use a combination of ground beef and turkey for a lighter version, maintaining the savory taste with less fat.
High-Protein Powerhouse: The Protein-Packed Sloppy Joe Casserole
Boost your intake with this protein-rich variant of the Sloppy Joe Casserole. Swap half of the ground beef for lean ground turkey to not only cut down on calories but to ramp up the protein content. Adding black beans or chickpeas to the mix will further elevate the nutritional profile, making it a complete meal with plenty of energy to fuel your day.
This version remains hearty and flavorful, perfect for those looking to enjoy their favorite comforting meals without sacrificing their dietary goals. Rich in protein, it’s not just filling but also delivers a satisfyingly robust flavor that’s sure to impress.
Low-Carb Delight: A Healthier Sloppy Joe Casserole Take
Craving a classic but trying to keep it low-carb? Transform your Sloppy Joe Casserole by skipping the biscuit layer and using cauliflower rice as the base. This change drastically reduces the carb count while maintaining the hearty essence of the dish. Sprinkle a bit of almond flour or crushed pork rinds on top for a crunch reminiscent of those beloved biscuits.
The low-carb version doesn’t skimp on flavor, offering the same saucy, cheesy delight in every bite. It’s an incredible way to enjoy a balanced meal that aligns with your nutritional preferences while still serving up comfort in a casserole dish.
Storage Instructions
This casserole stores wonderfully! Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them into an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply cover and place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months; just be sure to wrap it tightly or use freezer-safe containers to lock in freshness.
FAQs
- Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
You can definitely include veggies like mushrooms or zucchini to add more depth and nutrition to the dish. - Can the casserole be made ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the beef mixture and layer the casserole as directed. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake, for up to a day in advance. - How can I make the casserole spicier?
Consider adding chopped jalapeños or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes for an added kick. - Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free biscuits or top with an alternative like zucchini rounds instead of the regular biscuit dough. - ground beef
- onion
- green bell pepper
- garlic
- ketchup
- Worcestershire sauce
- brown sugar
- mustard
- Salt and pepper
- biscuit dough
- shredded cheddar cheese
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Sauté onions and bell peppers over medium heat until soft.
- Add garlic and ground beef. Cook until beef is browned.
- Mix in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer briefly.
- Spread beef mixture in a baking dish. Top with biscuit dough.
- Sprinkle cheese over biscuits. Bake until golden brown.
Why This Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe Deserves a Spot at Your Table
There you have it – the Sloppy Joe Casserole that’s not just easy to make but incredibly delicious. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s sure to become a household favorite. If you’ve tried this recipe, we’d love to hear from you! Share your feedback, comment below, or spread the joy by sharing this recipe with friends and family. Enjoy every flavorful bite of this comforting culinary creation!
