If you grew up loving the nostalgic taste of sloppy joes but are craving something with a cozy, indulgent twist, you are absolutely going to adore this Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole Recipe. Imagine all the hearty, tangy goodness of classic sloppy joe filling nestled into buttery biscuit bites, baked together into one savory, melty, comforting casserole. This dish combines simple pantry staples into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you need a little warm hug from your dinner plate. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a favorite in your recipe rotation, and it’s just waiting to become a go-to comfort food that brings everyone back to the table with big smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are easy to find but vital in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures for this casserole. Each one plays a unique role, from juicy, seasoned ground beef to fluffy, golden biscuits, and sharp cheddar that brings everything together with its melty richness.
- Ground beef, 1 lb: The protein-packed base gives this casserole its satisfying heartiness and rich flavor.
- Ketchup, 3/4 cup: Adds that sweet tomatoey zing essential for classic sloppy joes.
- Water, 1/4 cup: Helps create a saucier mixture that coats the biscuits perfectly.
- Brown sugar, 3 teaspoons: A hint of sweetness to balance out the tangy and savory elements.
- Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons: Brings a deep, umami kick that elevates the meat mixture.
- Mustard, 2 teaspoons: Adds a subtle tang to brighten the flavor.
- Garlic powder, 1 teaspoon: Infuses the filling with warm, aromatic earthiness.
- Onion powder, 1 teaspoon: A gentle onion flavor layered in without overpowering.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- Biscuits, 12 oz, quartered: The fluffy, buttery biscuits soak up the sloppy joe sauce, adding irresistible texture.
- Cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded: Melts over the top to create a gooey, flavorful finish that everyone loves.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s perfectly ready for baking later. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s completely browned and no pink remains. Drain off any excess fat to keep the casserole from getting greasy while preserving the rich meat flavor.
Step 3: Create the Sloppy Joe Sauce
Add ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt right into the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine and let it simmer gently for about five minutes, allowing all those glorious flavors to meld into a thick, saucy filling.
Step 4: Mix with Biscuit Pieces
Take the skillet off the heat. Transfer the sloppy joe mixture to a medium bowl and toss in the biscuit quarters. Make sure every biscuit piece is well coated with the savory sauce so each bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the biscuit and meat mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese liberally over the top, making sure no savory goodness is left uncovered.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 28 to 30 minutes, or until the biscuit pieces are golden brown and the cheese on top is beautifully melted and slightly bubbling. The smell will practically pull everyone to the table!
Step 7: Serve Warm
Once out of the oven, let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving so the flavors can settle and it’s easier to dish out. Then dig in and enjoy the delightful combination of sloppy joe zest and biscuit softness.
How to Serve Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While the casserole stands perfectly delicious on its own, adding a few fresh garnishes can brighten up each plate. Try a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions to add a pop of color and a fresh note that contrasts nicely with the rich casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette or some steamed green beans for a little crunch and vibrant color. Creamy coleslaw is another fantastic side that complements the savory-sweet flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for single portions or spoon it over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes to turn it into a hearty comfort food feast. You might also try topping it with sliced pickles or a few dashes of hot sauce to personalize your serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors marry even more, making for a tasty next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish, covering tightly with foil and a plastic layer. It will keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use the microwave for a quicker option, but reheating in the oven helps retain that lovely biscuit texture and melty cheese appeal.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar cheese is classic, you can experiment with mozzarella for a milder melt or pepper jack for a little extra kick. Just choose a cheese that melts well to keep that gooey top.
Are there vegetarian options for this casserole?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or even cooked lentils to keep the hearty texture without meat. Adjust seasonings as needed for the best flavor balance.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Certainly. Use gluten-free biscuits and verify that all other ingredients are gluten-free to adapt this dish to suit gluten sensitivities or allergies without losing any deliciousness.
Is this casserole suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely! It’s a fantastic meal prep option because it stores and reheats well, making lunches or dinners quick and comforting throughout the week.
What can I serve instead of biscuits?
If biscuits aren’t your favorite, try cubed bread rolls or even cooked pasta for a different texture and a creative twist, though be mindful the flavor and feel will shift slightly from the classic biscuit version.
Final Thoughts
This Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole Recipe is a warm, nostalgic twist on a beloved classic that’s sure to become a staple in your home. With its easy prep, comforting flavors, and crowd-pleasing nature, it’s one of those dishes you’ll find yourself excited to serve again and again. Go on, give it a try and watch as it brings joy and full bellies to your family and friends!
Print
Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for family dinners. Ground beef is cooked with a tangy, flavorful Sloppy Joe sauce, then combined with biscuit pieces and topped with melted cheddar cheese for a hearty casserole that’s baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 teaspoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Casserole
- 12 oz biscuits, cut into quarters
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by spraying it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef thoroughly until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Prepare Sloppy Joe Mixture: Add ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to the cooked beef in the skillet. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors and thicken slightly.
- Combine with Biscuits: Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the Sloppy Joe mixture to a medium mixing bowl. Add the quartered biscuits and toss gently until they are well coated with the meat mixture.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the biscuit and meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 28-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the casserole warm for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of hot sauce or diced green peppers to the Sloppy Joe mixture.
- Use refrigerated biscuit dough for convenience, or homemade biscuit dough if preferred.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- To make it a bit healthier, use lean ground beef or ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese.
