Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

This Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole recipe brings together the best parts of sloppy joes — juicy ground beef, a tangy, sweet sauce, and comforting carbohydrates — in an easy-to-make casserole form. Instead of serving the traditional messy sandwich, this dish layers all those flavors into a cheesy, baked casserole that is perfect for feeding a crowd or storing leftovers for later.

Sloppy Joes have been a family favorite for decades, often loved for their simple preparation and bold flavors. The casserole version offers an even more convenient way to enjoy the dish, with everything baked in one dish, which makes cleanup a breeze.

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
2. Add Vegetables: Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and diced green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
4. Prepare the Sloppy Joe Sauce: Add tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Stir well to combine and let it simmer on low heat for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

1. Boil the Egg Noodles: While the sloppy joe filling is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (about 7-8 minutes). Drain the noodles and set them aside.

Step 3: Make the Casserole Base

1. Mix the Casserole Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, sour cream, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the noodles are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
2. Layer the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread half of the noodle mixture in the bottom of the prepared dish.
3. Add the Sloppy Joe Filling: Spread the sloppy joe mixture evenly over the layer of noodles.
4. Top with Noodles and Cheese: Spread the remaining half of the noodle mixture on top of the sloppy joe filling. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
2. Serve: Once the casserole is done baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Tips for Success

1. Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for 85% lean ground beef or leaner to reduce the amount of grease, making the dish less heavy and more balanced in flavor. If using higher-fat beef, be sure to drain the excess fat after browning.
2. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add more vegetables to the sloppy joe mixture like finely chopped carrots, celery, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.
3. Cheese Options: While cheddar cheese is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a sharp white cheddar for a different flavor profile.
4. Boiling Noodles Al Dente: Make sure your egg noodles are cooked just until al dente, as they will continue to soften in the casserole while baking.
5. Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great make-ahead option for busy nights.

Recipe Variations

1. Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole:

Instead of using egg noodles, top the sloppy joe mixture with a layer of tater tots. Bake according to the instructions, and you’ll have a crispy, comforting twist on the original recipe.

2. Mexican Sloppy Joe Casserole:

Add some taco seasoning to the beef mixture and stir in a can of black beans or corn for a Mexican-inspired twist. Top with a blend of cheddar and pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.

3. Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole:

Replace the noodles with canned biscuit dough. Lay the biscuits on top of the sloppy joe mixture and bake until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.

4. Low-Carb Version:

For a low-carb or keto-friendly option, swap the egg noodles for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. The flavors will still shine through, and the dish will be lighter.

Serving Suggestions

Sloppy Joe Casserole is a hearty dish on its own, but you can pair it with a few side dishes to round out the meal:

1. Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
2. Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of warm garlic bread for an extra comforting meal.
3. Vegetable Sides: Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots complement the casserole well.
4. Pickles: Offer dill pickles on the side for a refreshing and tangy contrast to the casserole’s savory flavors.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerating Leftovers:

• Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

• This casserole can also be frozen. After assembling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• To bake from frozen, remove the plastic wrap and bake covered with foil for about 45-50 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until heated through.

Reheating:

• Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute gluten-free pasta for the egg noodles and ensure the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce you use are gluten-free.

2. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! You can add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots to the sloppy joe mixture. This is a great way to boost the vegetable content of the dish.

3. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a vegetarian version.

4. What can I use instead of egg noodles?

You can use other types of pasta like penne, rotini, or macaroni. For a lower-carb option, you can use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Conclusion

This Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe is a delicious, comforting twist on a classic family favorite. By combining all the elements of a sloppy joe sandwich into a cheesy, baked casserole, you’re getting a hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or potlucks. With its rich flavors, quick preparation, and endless customization options, this casserole is sure to become a regular addition to your dinner rotation.

Yield: 6

Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

Print

This Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole recipe brings together the best parts of sloppy joes — juicy ground beef, a tangy, sweet sauce, and comforting carbohydrates — in an easy-to-make casserole form. Instead of serving the traditional messy sandwich, this dish layers all those flavors into a cheesy, baked casserole that is perfect for feeding a crowd or storing leftovers for later.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) sloppy joe sauce
• 1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels (drained) or frozen corn
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cooking spray (for the baking dish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
   
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, diced onion, and bell pepper until the beef is browned and the vegetables are soft (about 7-10 minutes). Drain off any excess grease.
   
3. Add Seasonings and Sauce:
   Stir in the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the sloppy joe sauce and corn, mixing everything together until heated through.
   
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   Pour the sloppy joe mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
   Unroll the crescent roll dough and place it on top of the cheese, pinching the seams together to form a single layer.
   
5. Bake:
   Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crescent roll dough is golden brown and cooked through.
   
6. Serve:
   Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Slice into portions and enjoy!

Notes

Add Extra Veggies: You can add more veggies like diced carrots or zucchini for a healthier twist.

Spice it Up: For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture.

Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it when ready to serve.