The Coziest Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners

Comfort food takes an unexpected twist with this hearty sloppy joe casserole that promises to satisfy deep hunger pangs.

Layers of savory meat and cheesy goodness create a delightful meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

Packed with classic flavors, each bite delivers a nostalgic punch that reminds you of childhood favorites.

Melted cheese blankets seasoned ground beef in a way that makes every forkful irresistible.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this dish comes together without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.

Minimal ingredients and simple preparation mean you can have a crowd-pleasing meal on the table in under an hour.

Prepare to experience a delicious spin on a beloved classic that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Sloppy Joe Casserole Classic Comfort Food

• Craft Comfort Meal: Transforms classic sloppy joe flavors into a hearty casserole that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
• Simplify Dinner Prep: Combines one-pan meat cooking with straightforward baking, reducing kitchen cleanup and making weeknight cooking a breeze.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with kid-pleasing ingredients like ground beef, cheese, and a slightly sweet sauce that appeals to all ages, making mealtime enjoyable for everyone.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows quick substitutions like ground turkey, different peppers, or additional spices to match family preferences and pantry ingredients.

Ingredients to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole

• Ground Beef: A lean protein that forms the hearty foundation of this casserole.
• Onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth to the meat mixture.
• Green Bell Pepper: Provides a fresh crunch and subtle vegetable flavor.

• Brown Sugar: Brings a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a complex, tangy umami taste to the meat mixture.
• Dry Mustard: Contributes a sharp and zesty undertone to the sauce.
• Garlic Salt: Enhances the overall seasoning of the dish.
• Tomato Sauce, Ketchup: Create a rich, classic sloppy joe base with a vibrant red color.

• All-Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt: Form the dry base for the casserole topping.
• Milk, Melted Butter, Egg: Combine to create a smooth and tender batter.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a creamy, sharp flavor and golden-brown topping to the casserole.

How to Prepare Sloppy Joe Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Brown the Meat and Veggies

• Ground beef
• Onion
• Green bell pepper

Toss the ground beef into a sizzling skillet and brown it up.

Dump in the chopped onion and bell pepper, letting everything dance together until the veggies soften and become tender.

Step 3: Create the Saucy Magic

• Brown sugar
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dry mustard
• Garlic salt
• Tomato sauce
• Ketchup

Sprinkle in the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and garlic salt.

Stir in the tomato sauce and ketchup, creating a tangy sauce that’ll make your taste buds jump with joy. Let it simmer and get all cozy.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cheesy Topping

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Milk
• Melted butter
• Egg
• Shredded cheddar cheese

In a mixing bowl, blend the flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the milk, melted butter, and egg.

Mix until smooth. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese for an extra punch of deliciousness.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Slide the meat mixture into a 13×9 inch baking dish. Spread the cheesy topping evenly across the surface, covering every inch of meaty goodness.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown top that screams “eat me!” Let it cool slightly before diving in and enjoying your masterpiece.

Tips to Perfect Sloppy Joe Casserole

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of this classic comfort dish.
• Try different cheese varieties like pepper jack or mozzarella for unique flavor profiles that complement the sloppy joe base.
• Chop vegetables finely to ensure even distribution and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• For a gluten-free alternative, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Consider adding a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to give the casserole an extra kick of heat for spice lovers.

Variations to Change Up Sloppy Joe Casserole

• Vegetarian Sloppy Joe Casserole: Replace ground beef with crumbled plant-based meat or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce to make the dish celiac-friendly.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute the flour-based topping with a crispy cheese and almond flour crust, reducing overall carbohydrate content while maintaining rich flavor.
• Mexican-Inspired Variation: Add taco seasoning to the meat mixture, top with pepper jack cheese, and garnish with fresh jalapeños for a spicy southwestern spin.

Pairing Suggestions for Sloppy Joe Casserole

• Complement the rich, tangy Sloppy Joe flavors with a hoppy IPA or amber ale that cuts through the meaty, sweet sauce and matches its robust profile.
• Create a refreshing side that balances the hearty casserole's warmth with a cool, crunchy texture and light vinegar-based dressing.
• Toss mixed greens with fresh herbs like parsley and chives, adding a bright, light element that contrasts the casserole's dense, savory character.
• Introduce sharp, acidic pickle slices on the side to cleanse the palate and provide a zingy counterpoint to the rich, meaty dish.

Storage Advice for Sloppy Joe Casserole

• Transfer leftover casserole into an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the container flat to maintain the casserole's structure.
• Wrap the cooled casserole in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the package with the date to track freshness.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent dryness.

FAQs

• What makes the meat mixture so flavorful?

The combination of brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and garlic salt creates a complex, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor profile that elevates the traditional ground beef base.

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken work perfectly as substitutes for beef, offering a leaner alternative while maintaining the dish’s delicious taste.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, the cheesy topping and mild seasoning make this Sloppy Joe Casserole a hit with children, and it’s an easy way to sneak in vegetables like bell peppers.

Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty sloppy joe casserole combines classic comfort with easy weeknight dining. Cheesy layers and zesty ground beef create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) lean ground beef
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 large white onion (finely diced)
• 1 large green bell pepper (finely diced)
• 1 can (15 oz or 425 g) tomato sauce
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter (melted)
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) ketchup
• 2 tbsps brown sugar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1.5 tsps baking powder
• 2 tsps dry mustard
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 1/2 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a 13×9 inch baking dish with light greasing.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef until no pink remains, approximately 6-7 minutes.
3. Add diced onions and green bell peppers to the beef, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and tender, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Stir in brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and garlic salt, mixing thoroughly with the meat mixture.
5. Pour tomato sauce and ketchup into the skillet, blending until ingredients are evenly distributed and sauce simmers gently.
6. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt for the casserole topping.
7. Gradually incorporate milk, melted butter, and egg into the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
8. Gently fold shredded cheddar cheese into the topping mixture, ensuring even distribution.
9. Spread the prepared meat mixture evenly across the baking dish.
10. Carefully pour the cheese topping over the meat, creating a uniform layer.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until topping turns golden brown and edges become slightly crispy.
12. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-7 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Notes

• Customize meat alternatives by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for different dietary preferences.
• Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium ketchup and eliminating garlic salt, replacing with fresh minced garlic and a pinch of salt.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensuring other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Enhance vegetable nutrition by adding extra diced vegetables like carrots or zucchini to the meat mixture for increased fiber and vitamins.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg