If you’re craving a warm, satisfying dinner that the whole family will love, this Sloppy Joe Casserole is your go-to solution. Combining all the flavors of a classic sloppy joe recipe with the simplicity of a one-pan dinner, this dish transforms a childhood favorite into a hearty, biscuit-topped casserole that’s easy enough for any night of the week.
Whether you’re looking for a weeknight family meal, something kid-friendly, or simply an easy sloppy joe bake to add to your recipe box, this cheesy, savory ground beef casserole is guaranteed to hit the spot.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup chopped green bell pepper (optional)
- 1 can (15 oz) sloppy joe sauce (or homemade)
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury Grands)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the ground beef, onions, and bell peppers. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Add Sloppy Joe Sauce
Stir in the sloppy joe sauce and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the sloppy joe mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the meat.
Step 5: Add Biscuits
Separate the biscuit dough and cut each biscuit in half. Arrange the halves over the top of the meat and cheese mixture, covering most of the surface.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the ultimate cheesy sloppy joe dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Sloppy Joe Casserole:
- Combines the nostalgia of a classic sloppy joe recipe with the comfort of a ground beef casserole
- Ready in under 40 minutes – perfect for a weeknight family meal
- A true kid-friendly recipe that even picky eaters love
- Cheesy, hearty, and filled with bold flavors
- Only one pan needed – a simple one-pan dinner
- The biscuit-topped casserole makes for a satisfying and filling meal
Tips for the Best Casserole:
- Use lean ground beef for less grease
- Try homemade sloppy joe sauce for added flavor
- Add frozen corn or black beans for extra texture
- Bake biscuits separately if you prefer them extra crispy
- Sprinkle extra cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking
- Let it rest before serving – this helps the casserole set
- For spicy lovers, mix in diced jalapeños
- Add a dash of Worcestershire for deeper flavor
- Swap beef for ground turkey for a leaner option
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat in the oven for best texture
- Add chopped mushrooms for a veggie boost
- Top with crispy fried onions for crunch
- Mix in a little cream cheese for a creamier filling
- Serve with a side salad to lighten the meal
- Try mini biscuit dough for smaller servings
- Freeze before baking for an easy prep-ahead dinner
- Add barbecue sauce for a smoky twist
- Use garlic butter on biscuits before baking
- Make it Tex-Mex with taco seasoning and pepper jack cheese
Delicious Variations
Looking for new takes on the classic? Try these creative swaps and additions:
- Tater Tot Topping – Swap biscuits for crispy tater tots.
- Tex-Mex Style – Add taco seasoning, black beans, and use cornbread topping.
- BBQ Twist – Mix BBQ sauce into the beef instead of traditional Sloppy Joe sauce.
- Mac and Cheese Layer – Add a layer of mac and cheese under the topping.
- Chili Sloppy Joe – Add chili powder and beans to make it heartier.
- Pulled Chicken Version – Use shredded chicken with a BBQ-style sauce.
- Breakfast Style – Use sausage, eggs, and biscuit topping.
- Buffalo Version – Add Buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles.
- Hawaiian Style – Mix in pineapple tidbits and use teriyaki glaze.
- Cheesesteak-Inspired – Add mushrooms and provolone.
- Pizza Style – Add pepperoni, Italian seasoning, and mozzarella.
- Texan Cornbread Bake – Use jalapeño-cheddar cornbread with a spicy filling.
- Sloppy Joe Pie – Use a pie crust base and mashed potatoes on top.
- Sweet Potato Topping – Use mashed sweet potatoes instead of bread.
- Loaded Style – Top with sour cream, green onions, and bacon bits.
- Keto Version – Omit the topping and serve over cauliflower mash.
- Low Carb – Serve the filling in a spaghetti squash boat.
- Muffin Tin Sloppy Joes – Bake in muffin tins using biscuit dough for single servings.
- Meatless Version – Use lentils or plant-based crumbles.
- Holiday Twist – Mix in cranberry sauce for a sweet-savory combo.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Prep it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Can I freeze Sloppy Joe casserole? Absolutely. Freeze before or after baking.
- Do I have to use canned sauce? No — you can make homemade sauce easily.
- How do I know it’s done baking? The topping should be golden and cooked through.
- Can I use crescent roll dough? Yes, it makes a buttery alternative to biscuits.
- How long does it last in the fridge? 3–4 days in an airtight container.
- How do I reheat it? Oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions.
- What sides go well with this? Green salad, roasted veggies, or coleslaw.
- Can I use ground chicken or turkey? Definitely — they’re great lean options.
- Can I make it dairy-free? Yes — use dairy-free cheese and skip the butter.
- Can I double the recipe? Absolutely. Use two pans or a deeper casserole dish.
- Is this kid-friendly? Yes, most kids love it — especially with cheesy topping.
- What if I don’t like onions? Just leave them out or use onion powder instead.
- Can I use a slow cooker? You can make the filling in it, but bake separately.
- Do I have to brown the meat first? Yes, for food safety and best flavor.
- Is it spicy? Not unless you add hot sauce or jalapeños.
- What cheese works best? Cheddar, Colby Jack, or mozzarella.
- Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sauce? Yes, just cook them down into a thick sauce.
- Can I use frozen biscuits? Yes, thaw them before placing on top.
- How do I prevent soggy bread topping? Let the meat mixture cool slightly before adding the topping.