Sloppy Joe Casserole: A Comfort Food Dream Come True

There’s something magical about the way a Sloppy Joe transforms from a messy sandwich into a hearty, bubbling casserole. Picture this: a rich, savory-sweet meat mixture loaded with peppers and onions, crowned with a fluffy, cheesy biscuit topping that bakes up golden and crisp. The first time I made this dish, my kitchen smelled like a cozy diner—warm, inviting, and utterly irresistible.

This recipe was born out of necessity (and a little laziness). I wanted all the nostalgic flavors of a classic Sloppy Joe but without the drippy mess. The result? A fork-friendly, family-approved casserole that’s now a weeknight staple.

Why You’ll Love This Sloppy Joe Casserole

• Comfort in every bite – The perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors wrapped in a cheesy biscuit blanket.

• Feeds a crowd – Ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or game-day gatherings.

• Picky-eater approved – Even the most skeptical eaters (looking at you, veggie-avoiders) will devour this.

• One-pan wonder – Cook the meat and bake it all in the same skillet for easy cleanup.

• Leftovers taste even better – The flavors meld beautifully overnight.

The Unexpected Fan

My brother-in-law, a self-proclaimed “meat and potatoes only” guy, took one bite and said, “Okay, you got me—this is amazing.” The hidden veggies (shh, don’t tell him) and the fluffy biscuit topping won him over. Now, he requests it every time he visits.

What Makes It Special

• Double-pepper punch – Red and green bell peppers add sweetness and crunch.

• Worcestershire sauce – Deepens the umami flavor.

• Cheesy biscuit topping – Melty cheddar bakes into a golden, buttery crust.

• Just the right sweetness – Brown sugar balances the tangy tomato sauce and ketchup.

• Optional heat – Red pepper flakes add a subtle kick (leave them out for milder palates).

Making It Happen

Start by whisking together the biscuit topping—flour, baking powder, salt, melted butter, milk, and egg—then fold in shredded cheddar for extra richness. Set this aside while you brown ground beef with diced onions and bell peppers in a large, oven-safe skillet.

Once the meat is cooked, drain any excess fat, then stir in brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, tomato sauce, and ketchup. Let it simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors meld.

If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer the saucy meat mixture to a 9×13 baking dish. Dollop the biscuit batter over the top, spreading it gently (it doesn’t have to be perfect—rustic is good!).

Pop it into a 400°F oven for 25–30 minutes until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbly. The aroma alone will have everyone hovering around the kitchen!

You Must Know

✔ Don’t overmix the biscuit topping – A few lumps are fine; overworking it makes it tough.
✔ Drain excess fat – Too much grease can make the casserole soggy.
✔ Use freshly shredded cheese – Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can affect meltiness.
✔ Let it rest 5 minutes before serving – This helps the layers set for cleaner slices.

Serving Ideas

• Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts for balance.

• Drink pairing – A cold lager, sweet iced tea, or sparkling lemonade cuts through the richness.

• Garnish with fresh parsley or extra shredded cheese for a pretty finish.

Make It Different

• Turkey or chicken – Swap ground beef for leaner meat.

• Vegetarian twist – Use plant-based crumbles and veggie broth instead of Worcestershire.

• Spicy kick – Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture.

• Gluten-free – Use a 1:1 GF flour blend for the biscuit topping.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

• Reheat – Warm in the oven at 350°F for best texture (microwaving can make the biscuit soggy).

Casserole Success Tips

• Preheat your skillet – Helps with even browning.

• Freshly dice veggies – Pre-cut peppers can be dry.

• Check doneness early – Ovens vary; start checking at 20 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use store-bought biscuit dough instead?
A: Yes! Swap the homemade topping for a tube of refrigerated biscuits (cut into quarters).

Q: Is there a way to make this less sweet?
A: Reduce the brown sugar to 1 tablespoon or omit it entirely.

Q: Can I prep this ahead?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed, adding 5–10 extra minutes if cold.

Q: What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
A: No problem—transfer the meat mixture to a 9×13 baking dish before adding the biscuit topping.

Q: Can I add beans?
A: Sure! Stir in a drained can of kidney beans for extra heartiness.

Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dinner
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Yield: 6 servings

For the Biscuit Topping

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 3 tablespoons butter, melted

• 1 cup milk

• 1 egg

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

For the Meat Mixture

• 1.5 pounds ground beef

• 1 cup white onion, diced

• 1 cup red bell pepper, diced

• 1 cup green bell pepper, diced

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 2 teaspoons dry mustard

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 cup ketchup

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, melted butter, milk, and egg. Fold in cheese. Set aside.

3. In a 12-inch oven-safe skillet, brown beef with onion and bell peppers over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.

4. Stir in brown sugar, Worcestershire, dry mustard, salt, red pepper flakes, tomato sauce, and ketchup. Simmer 5 minutes.

5. If not using an oven-safe skillet, transfer meat to a 9×13 baking dish.

6. Dollop biscuit batter over the meat mixture, spreading gently.

7. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• For a thicker filling, simmer the meat mixture an extra 5 minutes.

• Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different cheese flavor.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large oven-safe skillet or 9×13 baking dish

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk

Allergy Info

Contains: Dairy, gluten, eggs

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 520 | Carbs: 45g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 26g