Go Back
- 1 pound ground beef (or plant-based substitute) - 1 medium onion, diced - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce - 1/4 cup ketchup - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon mustard - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup corn (frozen or canned) - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 1 can (biscuits or crescent rolls) - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish The main ingredients make this casserole hearty and flavorful. Ground beef gives a rich taste, but you can use a plant-based option if you prefer. Fresh veggies like onion and bell pepper add crunch and color. Garlic enhances the dish with its strong aroma. Canned tomato sauce and ketchup bring sweetness and moisture. Brown sugar balances flavors, while Worcestershire sauce adds depth. Corn adds sweetness and texture. Finally, cheddar cheese makes everything gooey and delicious. - Additional spices or seasonings - Variations on cheese and toppings You can personalize your casserole with optional ingredients. Add spices like paprika or chili powder for a kick. You might also sprinkle in some Italian herbs for a different twist. Consider using different types of cheese, like mozzarella or pepper jack, for unique flavors. Toppings, like crispy bacon or jalapeños, can make it even better. - Gluten-free options - Vegetarian alternatives - Low-carb suggestions For gluten-free options, use gluten-free biscuits or rolls. If you want a vegetarian dish, substitute the meat with lentils or mushrooms. For a low-carb choice, try using cauliflower rice instead of the rolls. These swaps let everyone enjoy this meal, no matter their dietary needs. 1. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. 2. Next, take a large skillet and place it on medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook until it turns brown. Drain any extra fat from the skillet. 3. Now, add 1 medium diced onion, 1 diced bell pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté these for about 4-5 minutes. You want the veggies to soften and smell great. 1. Stir in 1 can of tomato sauce, 1/4 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon of mustard. 2. Add salt and pepper to taste. Don't forget to include 1 cup of corn. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend well. 3. After simmering, transfer the meat mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish. Make sure it’s spread evenly. 1. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the meat mixture. 2. Take your biscuits or crescent rolls and lay them in a single layer on top of the cheese. Cover as much of the casserole as you can. This dough will become golden and delicious. 3. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Look for the dough to turn a golden brown. 4. Once done, remove it from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and return it for another 5 minutes. This melts the cheese perfectly. 5. Let it cool a bit before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a lovely look. Enjoy your warm, tasty casserole! How to avoid a soggy casserole To keep your Sloppy Joe casserole from being soggy, drain the fat from the beef. Use a lean ground beef, or a plant-based option. When cooking, mix the sauce well, but do not add too much liquid. Also, let the meat mixture cool slightly before adding the dough. This helps the dough cook better. Choosing the best ground beef For the best flavor, I recommend using 80/20 ground beef. This mix has enough fat to keep the meat juicy but not too much to make it greasy. If you prefer a healthier option, try ground turkey or a plant-based meat. Both will work well in this recipe. Ideal side dishes Serve your casserole with a simple salad. A green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs nicely. You can also serve it with garlic bread or corn on the cob. These add a nice touch and balance the meal. Creative garnishes Top your Sloppy Joe casserole with fresh parsley for color and flavor. You might also add sliced green onions or jalapeños for a kick. A dollop of sour cream can add creaminess too. Get creative with your garnishes to make each plate special. Best reheating methods The best way to reheat your casserole is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until hot. Microwave vs. oven You can use the microwave, but it might dry out the casserole. If you choose this method, cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. The oven is better for keeping the texture right. {{image_2}} You can switch things up with different flavors. For a BBQ Sloppy Joe Casserole, add BBQ sauce instead of ketchup. The smoky taste makes it unique. Toss in some chopped pickles or crispy onions for extra crunch. For a Mexican-style Sloppy Joe Casserole, use taco seasoning instead of Worcestershire sauce. You can add black beans and corn for more texture. Top it with shredded taco cheese and fresh cilantro. This twist brings a lively flavor. You don’t have to stick to just ground beef. Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter dish. Plant-based options work great too. These choices change the taste and make it healthier. You can also choose different veggies. Swap bell peppers for zucchini or add diced tomatoes. This lets you customize the casserole to your family's tastes. If you need to serve more people, double the recipe. Use a larger dish to fit it all. You can also make smaller portions for kids. Just reduce the amount of meat and cheese. This way, everyone gets their fill without waste. To keep your Sloppy Joe Casserole fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure they seal tightly to avoid air. This helps prevent sogginess. You can store leftovers in the fridge or freezer. Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to three days. If you know you won't eat it soon, freeze it instead. Freezing: Leftovers freeze nicely. Just make sure the casserole cools first. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It lasts up to three months in the freezer. Fridge: In the fridge, Sloppy Joe Casserole is good for three days. This is the best way to keep it fresh if you plan to eat it soon. Freezing Recommendations: If you freeze it, it can last three months. Just remember to label the container with the date. This way, you know when to use it. When you reheat your casserole, do it slowly. This helps keep it moist. The oven is the best method. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to lock in moisture. Heat for about 20 minutes or until hot. Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts. Stir in between to heat evenly. Ensuring Food Safety: Always check the temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety. If you have leftovers, make sure to store and reheat them properly to avoid foodborne illness. Can I make Sloppy Joe Casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead. Cook the meat and veggies. Mix in the sauces. Place everything in the casserole dish. Cover and store it in the fridge. Bake it when you are ready. This cuts down on prep time for a busy day. What can I use instead of ground beef? You can use turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Plant-based crumbles work well, too. Lentils or black beans can also add protein. Choose what you like best or what you have on hand. How do I know when the casserole is done? The casserole is ready when the dough is golden brown. You should see the cheese melted on top. A toothpick inserted into the dough should come out clean. Make sure the filling is bubbly, too. Can I freeze the casserole before baking? Yes, you can freeze it. Assemble the casserole without baking it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in an airtight container. When ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking. - For more delicious ideas, check out my BBQ Sloppy Joe Casserole recipe [here](#). - I recommend using a good cast iron skillet for even cooking. - A sturdy casserole dish makes layering easier. To make an amazing Sloppy Joe casserole, remember the key steps and ingredients. Start with your ground beef or plant-based option and mix in fresh veggies and sauces. Don't forget to layer cheese and dough before baking. You can customize flavors, adjust serving sizes, and keep leftovers fresh. In closing, this dish is easy to adapt and fun to create. Try new ingredients or variations to make it your own. Enjoy your cooking adventure with these tips!

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Sloppy Joe Casserole recipe! Packed with savory ground beef, veggies, and topped with gooey cheddar cheese, it's a family favorite that's easy to whip up in just 45 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, this dish will satisfy everyone's cravings. Click through to explore the full recipe and make mealtime delicious and fun!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound ground beef (or plant-based substitute)

1 medium onion, diced

1 bell pepper, diced (any color)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

1/4 cup ketchup

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon mustard

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup corn (frozen or canned)

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 can (biscuits or crescent rolls)

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

    In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.

      Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened (about 4-5 minutes).

        Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, corn, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

          Transfer the meat mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish.

            Evenly sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture.

              Take the biscuits or crescent rolls and place them in a single layer on top of the cheese, covering as much of the casserole as possible.

                Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.

                  Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and return to the oven for another 5 minutes, until the cheese has melted.

                    Let it cool slightly before garnishing with fresh parsley, then serve warm.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6