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Let’s be honest, when comfort food is calling, nothing hits the spot like this Sloppy Joe Casserole. It’s the cozy, cheesy mashup of childhood favorites we didn’t know we needed. We’re talking bold, tangy beef tucked under a soft cornbread crust, with melted cheese in every bite. If your weeknight dinners have felt a little…meh…this one’s about to shake things up.

What I love about this sloppy joe casserole recipe is how it brings all the nostalgic flavor of a classic sloppy joe sandwich, without the mess. It’s quick to throw together, made with simple ingredients you probably already have, and it feeds a hungry crowd with zero complaints. Whether you’re wrangling picky eaters or just craving a laid-back dinner with real flavor, this one is a total win.

Why You’ll Love This Sloppy Joe Casserole

This sloppy joe casserole dish took me right back to my childhood kitchen, the smell of beef sizzling, that sweet-and-savory sauce, and Mom layering it into a baking dish like it was some kind of magic. But now? I get to be the one making the magic.

  • So easy to make – Just a few pantry staples, a skillet, and a baking dish. That’s it.
  • Family-friendly – It’s mild, cheesy, and hearty. Even picky eaters dig in without hesitation.
  • One-pan wonder – Less mess, fewer dishes, all the flavor.
  • Total comfort food – Warm, cheesy, and satisfying with every bite.
  • Great for leftovers – Tastes just as good reheated, maybe even better.
Sloppy Joe Casserole - EVRYFOODIE
Sloppy Joe Casserole EVRYFOODIE

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s talk about what’s going into this glorious dish:

  • Ground beef – Lean ground beef keeps this hearty without being greasy. Swap for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles if you’d like.
  • Sloppy Joe sauce – You can use canned for ease, but homemade adds more control over sweetness and spice.
  • Canned biscuits – These puff up beautifully and soak in all that saucy flavor. Crescent dough or cornbread mix work great, too!
  • Shredded cheese – Sharp cheddar melts like a dream and brings that craveable cheesy finish. Pepper Jack adds a little kick if you’re into that.
  • Diced onion – Adds just the right amount of savory depth. Don’t skip it, it really rounds out the flavor.

Variations & Substitutions

Need to tweak it? Here’s how to make it work for your crew:

  • Vegetarian version – Use lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based ground meat.
  • Low-carb – Swap the biscuit topping for cauliflower mash or shredded zucchini bake.
  • Extra protein – Mix in cooked beans or top with a few slices of turkey bacon.
  • Spicy version – Add hot sauce, jalapeños, or use spicy BBQ sauce in place of sloppy joe sauce.
  • Dairy-free – Skip the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free alternative. There are some great meltable options out there!

STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While that’s heating up, spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray so nothing sticks later.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain off the grease.

Sloppy Joe Casserole - EVRYFOODIE

Step 3: Add the Sauce

Stir in your sloppy joe sauce (store-bought or homemade, your call!) and let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes so the flavors can mingle.

Step 4: Layer it Up

Pour the beef mixture into your baking dish. Flatten it out evenly with a spatula.

Step 5: Biscuit Topping

Place the biscuit pieces on top, no need to overthink it. Just spread them out as evenly as you can.

Sloppy Joe Casserole - EVRYFOODIE

Step 6: Cheese It

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the biscuits. This gets golden and bubbly as it bakes, so good.

Step 7: Bake

Pop it in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the biscuits are golden and cooked through.

A Few Helpful Tips

  • Don’t overmix the dough – If you’re using a biscuit mix, keep it light and fluffy.
  • Keep an eye on the bake – Every oven’s a little different. Start checking at 25 minutes.
  • Let it rest – Give it 5 minutes after baking before serving. The sauce thickens and it’s easier to slice.
  • Double up – Feeding a crowd? This recipe scales up beautifully.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Sloppy Joe Casserole is already a meal on its own, but here’s how to round it out:

  • Simple side salad – Something crisp to balance out the richness.
  • Roasted broccoli or green beans – Adds a veggie boost.
  • Pickles or coleslaw – That sweet tang is the perfect contrast.
  • Extra sauce on the side – For the ones who like it a little saucier.

Storage, Reheating, and Freezing Tips

  • Fridge – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer – Freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
  • Reheat – Warm in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave. Add a splash of water if it looks dry.

FAQ

Absolutely! It’s leaner and works great in this recipe.

Sharp cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or a shredded blend work just as well.

Yes! Assemble everything except the biscuit topping. Add that just before baking.

The biscuits should be golden on top and cooked through in the middle. A toothpick should come out clean if you poke one.

Enjoying This Sloppy Joe Casserole

This recipe is exactly the kind of meal I make when it’s been a long day and I just want dinner that feels like a hug. It’s warm, simple, and fills the kitchen with that savory smell that makes everyone ask, “What’s for dinner?” Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this casserole delivers comfort with zero fuss.

If You Try It, We’d Love to Hear About It

Don’t forget to snap a pic and tag us @evryfoodie on your favorite social media!
We’d love to see your delicious creation.

Tried this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a rating and a comment below! We’d love to hear how it turned out for you. If you made any tweaks or added your own spin, let us know how it went, we’re all about seeing how y’all make it your own!

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Sloppy Joe Casserole: With Buttery Biscuits on Top!

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Description

Let’s be honest, when comfort food is calling, nothing hits the spot like this Sloppy Joe Casserole. It’s the cozy, cheesy mashup of childhood favorites we didn’t know we needed. We’re talking bold, tangy beef tucked under a soft cornbread crust, with melted cheese in every bite. If your weeknight dinners have felt a little…meh…this one’s about to shake things up.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup petite diced yellow onion

3/4 cup petite diced green bell pepper

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 pound ground beef (85/15)

8 oz. can tomato sauce

1/2 cup ketchup

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon yellow mustard

4 ounces Colby jack cheese, shredded

16.3 ounce can of refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (8 biscuits)

1 egg

Kosher salt

fresh cracked pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grab a large oven-safe sauté pan or skillet.
  2. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and green pepper, along with a couple generous pinches of salt and pepper. Cook for about 5–6 minutes, stirring often, until the veggies are soft and starting to caramelize a bit.
  3. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook for another minute, just until everything is super fragrant and well combined.
  4. Push the veggies to the sides of the pan and create a little space in the center. Add the ground beef, turn the heat up to medium-high, and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once it’s fully cooked, mix it all together with the veggies.
  5. Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire, mustard, and a few more big pinches of salt and pepper. Stir everything together and let it gently simmer over low heat for about 8–10 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly.
  6. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the sloppy joe mixture. Place the biscuits evenly on top. In a small bowl, beat an egg with a splash of water and brush the tops of the biscuits for that beautiful golden finish.
  7. Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the biscuits are nice and golden on top. Then loosely cover with foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the biscuits are cooked through and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

 

Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving so everything can settle in. Then dig in and enjoy!

Equipment

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stove
  • Cuisine: American

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Jennifer West Senior Recipe Editor
As a Senior Recipe Editor, Jennifer West shares flavorful and easy meal recipes with a creative twist,. Perfect for busy families and everyday home cooks.
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