If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting meal that’s quick to throw together, this Sloppy Joe Casserole is exactly what you need! It combines all the tangy, savory flavors of classic Sloppy Joes with a cheesy, biscuit-topped twist. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners, this recipe is kid-friendly, filling, and way less messy than the traditional sandwich version. Let me walk you through how to make it step by step!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Sloppy Joe Casserole is a crowd-pleaser for so many reasons! It’s packed with familiar flavors but feels like a fresh take on a classic. The golden-brown biscuit topping soaks up the saucy meat mixture below, creating a cozy, carb-loaded comfort dish. Plus, it’s versatile—you can tweak the spices or add veggies to make it your own. Best of all, it’s ready in under an hour with minimal prep work. Even picky eaters will ask for seconds!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (8 count)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Prep Guide
Dice your veggies first: Chop the onion and bell pepper into small, even pieces so they cook quickly. Mince the garlic finely to avoid bitter chunks. If your biscuits are stuck together in the can, separate them gently to keep their shape.
Cook smarter: Use lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to minimize grease. If using higher-fat beef, drain the excess fat after browning. Shred the cheese yourself for better melting, or save time with pre-shredded cheese.
Equipment & Tools
- Large skillet or frying pan
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Mixing spoon
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your casserole dish with cooking spray or a dab of butter.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the veggies soften.
Step 3: Stir in the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Pour the meat mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top. Arrange the biscuits in a single layer over the cheese, pressing them down slightly.
Step 5: Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden and cooked through. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Key Details
Total Time: 45 mins (Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins)
🍽️ Servings: 6 people
⚙️ Equipment: Skillet, 9×13-inch casserole dish, mixing spoon
Serving Suggestions
Pair this casserole with a simple green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans. For a fun twist, top individual servings with pickles or a dollop of sour cream. It’s also great for potlucks—just double the recipe and bake in a larger dish!
Pro Tips
For crispier biscuits: Brush the tops with melted butter before baking. If the biscuits brown too quickly, tent the dish loosely with foil.
Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole (without baking) up to a day in advance. Store covered in the fridge, then bake as directed—just add 2–3 extra minutes to the cook time.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes. For best results, sprinkle a splash of water over the casserole before reheating to keep it from drying out.
Troubleshooting
Too watery? Simmer the meat mixture longer to evaporate excess liquid. If using frozen veggies, thaw and drain them first.
Biscuits not cooked through? Space them slightly apart to allow heat circulation. If they’re pale, bake an extra 3–5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles work well. Adjust cooking time as needed.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free biscuit dough and check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free (some brands contain malt vinegar).
What if I don’t have biscuit dough?
Swap in frozen dinner rolls, thawed and flattened, or even crescent roll dough pressed into a single layer.
Sloppy Joe Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter option
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 can 16 oz refrigerated biscuit dough (8 count)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your casserole dish with cooking spray or a dab of butter.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the veggies soften.
- Stir in the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to thicken. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Pour the meat mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top. Arrange the biscuits in a single layer over the cheese, pressing them down slightly.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden and cooked through. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
