The Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines the beloved flavors of a classic Sloppy Joe sandwich with the flaky, buttery goodness of biscuits. It’s the perfect fusion of two comfort foods, offering a delightful meal that satisfies the whole family.

This dish is a family favorite due to its simplicity and crowd-pleasing appeal. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, where you need something quick but satisfying, or for gatherings where you want to serve a meal that everyone will enjoy. One of its greatest strengths is how easy it is to prepare — the ingredients are affordable, and most of the preparation can be done in just one pan.

Beyond its ease, the Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole is incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various ingredients, adjusting it to your family’s taste or dietary preferences. It can easily accommodate variations such as using ground turkey or even vegetarian alternatives for the beef. This adaptability makes it a go-to dish for cooks looking to mix things up.

What makes this casserole stand out is the unique combination of textures — the savory meat filling paired with soft, golden-brown biscuits creates a balance that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re new to casseroles or a seasoned cook, the Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole is a dish you’ll keep coming back to.

History of the Sloppy Joe

The origins of the Sloppy Joe sandwich can be traced back to the 1930s in the United States, where it emerged as a budget-friendly meal. It is believed to have been first created in a small café in Sioux City, Iowa, by a cook named Joe, who decided to mix tomato sauce into ground beef and serve it on a bun, hence the name “Sloppy Joe.”

Over the decades, the Sloppy Joe became a staple of American cuisine, especially in school cafeterias and at family dinners. Its convenience and rich, tangy flavor made it a favorite. The concept of transforming the Sloppy Joe into a casserole form likely came about as casseroles gained popularity in American households. By combining the sloppy meat filling with biscuits, home cooks found a way to make the dish more substantial, feeding a crowd easily with a one-pan meal.

Today, it remains a nostalgic comfort food, evolving with new takes like this Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole.

Why Biscuit Casseroles Are Popular

Biscuit casseroles have long been a favorite in homes because of their hearty, filling nature and the ease of preparation. Essentially, a biscuit casserole is a dish where biscuit dough is baked atop or within a casserole, adding a layer of warmth and texture. This concept works beautifully in the Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole, where the biscuits serve as a flaky, buttery topping that complements the rich, savory meat mixture.

The soft, golden-brown biscuits provide an enjoyable contrast to the meaty filling underneath, creating an irresistible combination of textures and flavors. Whether you use canned biscuits or make them from scratch, they lend a certain homey quality to the dish, transforming it into something special and comforting.

Canned biscuits are a convenient option, making the preparation even quicker for those short on time. However, for those who prefer homemade, they offer an opportunity to add a personal touch to the dish.

Another reason why biscuit casseroles are so popular is that they’re often one-pan meals, meaning less cleanup and more convenience. They’re a reliable choice when you need a meal that’s both easy and satisfying.

Ingredients Needed for Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole

The ingredients for Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole are simple, making it an accessible recipe for both beginners and experienced home cooks. The basic ingredients include:

Ground beef (or a protein alternative like ground turkey or plant-based meat substitutes)
Canned biscuits (or homemade biscuit dough if preferred)

Sloppy Joe sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Shredded cheese (typically cheddar, but other cheeses like mozzarella can be used)
Onion, garlic, and optional seasonings like paprika or chili powder for extra flavor

For dietary preferences, this casserole is easy to modify. You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or a vegetarian option like crumbled tofu or plant-based meat. Additionally, for those looking to reduce calories, low-fat cheese or gluten-free biscuit options can be substituted.

If you prefer a homemade touch, making your own Sloppy Joe sauce is a great option. Ingredients like tomato paste, ketchup, mustard, vinegar, and brown sugar can be combined to create a tangy, rich sauce.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole

Making Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole is straightforward, but it helps to follow a few simple steps to ensure the dish turns out perfectly.

Cook the Ground Beef: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, cook 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it browns. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder for added flavor. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to avoid a greasy casserole.
Prepare the Sloppy Joe Sauce: Stir in 1 cup of Sloppy Joe sauce (store-bought or homemade). If making your own sauce, combine tomato paste, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and a few spices like mustard and chili powder. Simmer the sauce with the beef for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Layer the Casserole: Transfer the beef mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle 1 to 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef for a rich, gooey texture. For extra cheesiness, use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella.

Add the Biscuits: Take your canned biscuits or homemade biscuit dough and place them on top of the meat and cheese layer. Space the biscuits evenly to allow them to rise and bake properly. If using homemade biscuits, make sure they’re rolled out to the right thickness, about ½ inch.
Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through. To check if the biscuits are done, insert a toothpick into the center — it should come out clean. If the biscuits are browning too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil for the remaining cooking time.
Final Touches: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set. This prevents the biscuits from becoming soggy and makes it easier to slice into neat portions.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with the right sides elevates the experience.

Salads: A crisp, refreshing salad like a simple green salad or a coleslaw adds balance to the rich, savory casserole.
Vegetables: Serve steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or carrots to add some color and nutrition to the plate.

Fries: For a fun, indulgent pairing, sweet potato fries or curly fries complement the tangy, meaty flavors of the casserole.

For beverages, you can’t go wrong with classic choices like lemonade or soft drinks. If serving to adults, a glass of red wine or a cold lager can make a great pairing.

Garnishing ideas can add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal. Consider topping the casserole with chopped onions, pickled jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream for extra zest.

Common Variations of Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole

One of the reasons Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole is so popular is its versatility. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Different Proteins: Instead of ground beef, try using ground chicken or turkey for a leaner version. For a vegetarian or vegan option, replace the meat with crumbled tofu or a plant-based alternative like soy crumbles. The seasonings and sauce will remain the same, ensuring the dish retains its signature flavor.
Veggie-Packed Version: To add more nutrition and flavor, mix in vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, corn, or zucchini with the beef mixture. These veggies not only add color but also complement the savory filling. If you’re going for a veggie-heavy version, you can reduce the amount of meat or omit it entirely.

Cheese Variations: While cheddar is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses. Mozzarella offers a mild, gooey texture, while pepper jack adds a spicy kick. For a more decadent flavor, try adding a few slices of American cheese for extra creaminess.
Low-Carb or Gluten-Free Versions: If you’re avoiding carbs or gluten, you can replace the biscuits with a low-carb alternative like almond flour biscuits. Some brands also offer gluten-free biscuit dough, or you can make your own.
Spicy Version: To bring up the heat, add hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. You can also include sliced jalapeños or habaneros for a spicy surprise.

How to Store and Reheat Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole

Storing and reheating Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole is simple, making it a great dish for meal prep or leftovers.

Refrigerator: If you plan to eat the casserole within a few days, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To preserve the texture of the biscuits, cover the casserole with foil or plastic wrap.
Freezer: For longer storage, the casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating: When reheating from the fridge, place a portion of the casserole in a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, or until hot. If reheating the entire casserole, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Cover it with foil to prevent the biscuits from over-browning.

To avoid soggy biscuits, reheat uncovered for the last few minutes to let the biscuits crisp up.

FAQs About Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole

Can I make Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add the biscuits just before baking to ensure they bake fresh.

Can I use homemade biscuits instead of canned? Absolutely! Homemade biscuits can elevate the dish, just make sure they’re the right thickness (about ½ inch) so they cook through in the same time as the casserole.

What’s the best way to make this dish gluten-free? Use gluten-free biscuits and ensure your Sloppy Joe sauce is gluten-free. You can also make homemade biscuits using almond flour or other gluten-free alternatives.

How do I make the sauce from scratch? To make your own Sloppy Joe sauce, combine tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, vinegar, and brown sugar with a bit of seasoning. Simmer it until thick and tangy.

Can this casserole be made vegetarian or vegan? Yes! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative, tofu, or lentils. Use vegan cheese and ensure your biscuits are also vegan-friendly.

How can I prevent the biscuits from becoming soggy? To avoid soggy biscuits, ensure the meat mixture isn’t too liquidy. Drain excess grease and simmer the sauce until it thickens before layering the biscuits.

What should I do if I want to double the recipe? Use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time slightly (add about 5-10 minutes). Ensure the biscuits are evenly spread so they cook thoroughly.

Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole

Author: Munil

Print Recipe

Description

This Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole is a fun and delicious twist on the classic Sloppy Joe sandwich. It combines rich, savory ground beef in tangy Sloppy Joe sauce with a layer of fluffy, golden-brown biscuits. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this one-pan dish is simple to prepare, feeds a crowd, and is endlessly customizable. Serve it with your favorite sides like a crisp salad or veggies for a complete meal that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
Cook Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink, then drain any excess fat.
Prepare Sloppy Joe Mixture: To the skillet, add ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
Combine with Biscuits: Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the meat mixture to a medium bowl. Toss the quartered biscuits with the meat mixture until well combined.
Assemble Casserole: Transfer the biscuit and meat mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 28-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm.

Notes

Customizations: Feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative for a healthier or vegetarian version. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn for a veggie-packed twist.
Homemade vs. Canned Biscuits: While canned biscuits are convenient, homemade biscuits add an extra layer of flavor and texture. If you’re using homemade dough, be sure to roll it out to about ½ inch thickness so it bakes evenly with the casserole.
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the Sloppy Joe filling up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, simply add the biscuit topping and pop it in the oven.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, reheat in the oven to keep the biscuits crisp.
Cheese Options: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can experiment with mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses to suit your taste.