Mom’s Sloppy Joe Casserole: A hearty, cheesy twist on a family favorite that’s baked to perfection!
You know those messy, saucy Sloppy Joes that left you grinning as a kid? Well, this Mom’s Sloppy Joe Casserole takes that classic comfort food and gives it a cozy, baked makeover. Picture hearty ground beef smothered in tangy sauce, topped with gooey cheese and golden, buttery biscuits. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner when you need something warm, nostalgic, and kid-approved—without the sloppy cleanup.
And here’s the fun part: this casserole is endlessly customizable! Whether you swap out the biscuit topping for crispy tater tots or go full-on garlic bread mode, this dish will keep the whole family coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (16-ounce) can refrigerated biscuits (or use homemade biscuit dough)
Supplies Needed
- Large skillet
- 9×13 baking dish
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- Oven
Instructions
Cook the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in the onion and green bell pepper and cook until softened and the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce
Stir in garlic, tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is deliciously saucy.
Assemble the Casserole
Pour the Sloppy Joe filling into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Place the biscuits on top of the cheese, spacing them out slightly so they have room to rise.
Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
Serve and Enjoy
Scoop out generous portions of warm, cheesy casserole and enjoy the ultimate Sloppy Joe comfort food—minus the mess!
Storage Tips
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
Freezing: Freeze the Sloppy Joe filling (without biscuits) for up to 3 months. Top with fresh biscuits when reheating.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
Topping Swap: For a fun twist, replace the biscuits with frozen tater tots or slices of garlic bread. Bake as directed until golden.
Cheese It Up: Mix in mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a melty, flavorful topping.
Veggie Boost: Sneak in shredded carrots or zucchini for extra nutrition—the kids will never know!
Variations
Sloppy Joe Tot Bake: Top with a layer of frozen tater tots instead of biscuits. Sprinkle with extra cheese for the last 5 minutes of baking.
Garlic Bread Casserole: Swap out biscuits for slices of garlic bread and toast them until golden.
Spicy Sloppy Joe Casserole: Add 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder or diced jalapeños for a little kick.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the Sloppy Joe filling and assemble the casserole without the biscuits. Cover and refrigerate, then add the biscuits and bake when ready.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works great and makes the dish a little lighter.
What if my biscuits aren’t cooking through?
If the biscuits need more time, cover the casserole with foil and bake for an extra 5 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Mom’s Sloppy Joe Casserole brings all the fun of messy sandwiches in a cozy, family-friendly bake that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you go for buttery biscuits, crispy tater tots, or gooey garlic bread, this dish will leave everyone at the table smiling. Let me know in the comments how you made it your own—did the kids love it as much as I think they will?
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Mom’s Sloppy Joe Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 16-ounce can refrigerated biscuits
Instructions
- Brown ground beef with onions; drain excess grease.
- Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and mustard. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Pour into a 9x13 baking dish, top with cheese, and place biscuits on top.
- Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown.