Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

When you think of comfort food, Sloppy Joes probably come to mind. This classic, messy, and savory sandwich has been a family favorite for generations. But what if you could take those delicious flavors and turn them into an easy-to-make casserole?

Enter the Sloppy Joe Casserole—a twist on the classic that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or a comforting weekend meal. This dish combines hearty ground beef, tangy sauce, and tender pasta or biscuits, all baked into one bubbling, cheesy masterpiece.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
3. Add the Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and mustard. Mix everything together until well combined.
4. Simmer: Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta: While the meat sauce simmers, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain the Pasta: Drain the cooked pasta and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the cooked pasta at the bottom. Pour the Sloppy Joe meat sauce over the pasta, spreading it evenly.
2. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the meat sauce.

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.
2. Optional Biscuit Topping: If you’re using biscuit dough, arrange the biscuits on top of the cheese before baking. Bake until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish: For added flavor and color, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the casserole before serving.
2. Serve Hot: Scoop out generous portions and enjoy this hearty dish with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables.

Tips for the Best Sloppy Joe Casserole

Use Fresh Ingredients

While canned sauces are convenient, using fresh garlic, onion, and bell peppers adds a layer of freshness and brightness to your casserole.

Add Extra Vegetables

Feel free to throw in extra veggies like corn, diced tomatoes, or even spinach to add more nutrition to the dish. This casserole is incredibly versatile and easy to customize.

Use a Variety of Cheeses

While cheddar is a classic choice, you can mix in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice. The cheese layer should be ooey-gooey and delicious, so don’t be afraid to be generous.

Let the Casserole Rest

After baking, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly and make it easier to serve.

Variations on Sloppy Joe Casserole

Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole

Instead of using pasta, top your casserole with refrigerated biscuit dough. The biscuits will bake up golden and flaky, making this variation feel like a cross between Sloppy Joes and a pot pie.

Low-Carb Sloppy Joe Casserole

For a low-carb option, skip the pasta and serve the Sloppy Joe mixture over cauliflower rice or use low-carb tortillas to scoop up the filling.

Vegan Sloppy Joe Casserole

Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute like Beyond Meat or lentils. Use vegan cheese and omit the Worcestershire sauce (or use a vegan version) for a completely vegan dish.

Spicy Sloppy Joe Casserole

Turn up the heat by adding jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or even a splash of hot sauce to the meat sauce. You can also use pepper jack cheese for an extra spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

With a Side Salad

Since the casserole is rich and hearty, a light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect way to balance the meal. Consider a simple salad of mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes.

Cornbread

Sloppy Joes and cornbread are a match made in heaven. Serve a slice of warm, buttered cornbread on the side for a southern-inspired twist.

Pickles

For a zesty contrast, serve dill pickles or pickled jalapeños alongside your casserole. The acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat sauce, adding a refreshing element to the dish.

Roasted Vegetables

For a wholesome, nutritious side, roast up some seasonal vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts. The crisp-tender veggies will pair perfectly with the cheesy, savory casserole.

FAQs

Can I make Sloppy Joe Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Can I freeze Sloppy Joe Casserole?

Absolutely! This casserole freezes beautifully. Once fully assembled but before baking, cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 350°F until heated through and bubbly.

What can I substitute for ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat are great substitutes for ground beef in this recipe. These options will still deliver a hearty, satisfying casserole.

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes! While elbow macaroni and rotini work well, feel free to use whatever pasta you have on hand, such as penne, rigatoni, or even shell pasta.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm up the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Yield: 8

Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

Print

When you think of comfort food, Sloppy Joes probably come to mind. This classic, messy, and savory sandwich has been a family favorite for generations. But what if you could take those delicious flavors and turn them into an easy-to-make casserole? Enter the Sloppy Joe Casserole—a twist on the classic that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or a comforting weekend meal. This dish combines hearty ground beef, tangy sauce, and tender pasta or biscuits, all baked into one bubbling, cheesy masterpiece.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 1 small green bell pepper (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can (15 oz) sloppy joe sauce (such as Manwich)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 cups frozen tater tots (or enough to cover the casserole)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for browning beef)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat (if using). Add the ground beef, diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add Sloppy Joe Sauce Stir in the sloppy joe sauce with the cooked beef mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Casserole Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Arrange the frozen tater tots in an even layer over the cheese.
5. Bake Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden and crispy.
6. Add More Cheese Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy as a hearty meal with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

Notes

Add-ins: You can mix in corn, black beans, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.

Toppings: Garnish with chopped green onions or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.

Leftovers: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze individual portions for quick meals later.