Irresistible Sloppy Joe Casserole – Comfort Food Delight

There’s something utterly delightful about a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, and that’s exactly what sloppy joe casserole delivers. Imagine the luscious blend of seasoned ground beef mingling with sweet, tangy sauce, all nestled in a reliable layer of cheesy goodness. The aromas wafting from the oven are practically begging you to dive in, and trust me, one bite will send you spiraling into pure bliss.

As I recall my first encounter with this dish, it was during a family gathering where my cousin decided to show off her culinary skills. Spoiler alert: she nailed it! We all sat around the table, eyes wide with anticipation, eagerly awaiting the glorious moment we could dig in. Sloppy joe casserole has since become our go-to comfort food for any occasion—whether it’s game night or just a regular Tuesday.

I remember the first time I made this recipe for my friends; their delighted faces were priceless as they devoured every last bite.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: I usually opt for lean ground beef to keep it hearty yet not overly greasy.

• Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth; sauté until translucent for best results.

• Green Bell Pepper: Adds crunch and color; choose firm peppers for maximum freshness.

• Ketchup: The star ingredient that brings sweetness; look for organic options if possible.

• Mustard: A dash of yellow mustard enhances flavor; don’t skimp on this!

• Cheddar Cheese: Use shredded cheese for easy melting; sharp varieties add an extra flavor kick.

• Tortilla Chips or Bread Crumbs: For topping; both provide delightful crunch when baked.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large casserole dish with cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks during baking.

Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced onions and green bell peppers until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This step fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas!

Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until no longer pink. Break it apart with a spatula while cooking—nobody likes clumps of meat in their casserole.

Add Flavorful Sauces: Stir in ketchup and mustard once the beef is cooked through. Let everything simmer for about 5 minutes so those flavors can meld beautifully.

Layer It Up!: Spoon half of the meat mixture into your greased casserole dish. Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese and then top with remaining meat mixture followed by more cheese.

Bake to Perfection!: Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. The aroma will have everyone flocking to the kitchen!

Each step is designed not only to bring out fantastic flavors but also to create an experience that’s enjoyable from start to finish. The satisfaction of pulling a bubbling, cheesy casserole out of the oven is second to none!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef with onions and garlic. Then, mix in the sauce before layering with biscuits for an even cook.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Toss in some veggies like bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot throughout.

There was that one time I made this for a family gathering, and it vanished within minutes! Everyone kept asking for seconds, proving that comfort food really does bring people together.

FAQ

Can I make sloppy joe casserole ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it a day earlier and refrigerate before baking when ready to serve.

What can I substitute for ground beef?

Ground turkey or lentils work well as healthier alternatives in this casserole.

How do I make this dish spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture before layering with biscuits.

Print

Sloppy Joe Casserole

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Sloppy Joe Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining seasoned ground beef, a tangy sauce, and a cheesy topping into a warm, satisfying dish. This delightful casserole bakes to perfection, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas that invite everyone to the table. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, this crowd-pleaser is easy to customize based on your pantry staples. One bite will transport you back to cherished family gatherings and cozy evenings at home.

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp yellow mustard
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup tortilla chips or bread crumbs

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large casserole dish.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onion and bell pepper until soft.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned; drain excess fat.
4. Stir in ketchup and mustard; simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Layer half of the meat mixture in the casserole dish, top with half of the cheese, add remaining meat mixture, and finish with more cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

• Author: DANIEL LAWSON
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg