Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sloppy Joe Casserole takes the nostalgic flavors of classic Sloppy Joes and transforms them into a hearty, oven-baked meal. With seasoned ground beef, tangy tomato-based sauce, and a golden biscuit or cheesy topping, it’s a family-friendly dinner that’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef
onion
green bell pepper
garlic
ketchup
tomato paste
Worcestershire sauce
brown sugar
yellow mustard
salt
black pepper
refrigerated biscuit dough or shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
butter (optional for brushing biscuits)

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

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

Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until softened.

Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Transfer the meat mixture to a greased baking dish.

Top with biscuit dough pieces or sprinkle evenly with shredded cheddar cheese.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden and cooked through or the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6-8 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles instead of beef.
Add corn, black beans, or jalapeños for extra texture and flavor.
Top with tater tots or cornbread batter instead of biscuits.
Sprinkle cooked bacon or green onions on top before serving.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
This casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if cold.

Can I use homemade biscuit dough?
Absolutely, homemade works great and adds a personal touch.

Is this casserole spicy?
Not unless you add spicy ingredients like jalapeños or hot sauce.

Can I add cheese to the filling?
Yes, stirring in shredded cheese to the meat mixture adds richness.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free biscuit mix or topping and check your condiments for gluten.

What sides go well with this casserole?
Try a green salad, coleslaw, or steamed veggies.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger baking dish and extend the baking time slightly.

Do I have to use a casserole dish?
A deep oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven can work in a pinch.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, skip the cheese topping and use dairy-free biscuits if needed.

How do I know when the biscuits are done?
They should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch.

Conclusion

Sloppy Joe Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mash-up—easy to make, loaded with flavor, and customizable to suit your taste. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or satisfying your family on a busy night. Give it a try and watch it become a regular on your dinner menu.