Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole. Just saying it out loud brings a sense of nostalgia, doesn’t it? This is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening or a crowd-pleaser for a casual family dinner. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a hearty recipe to impress your loved ones, this one checks all the boxes. Let me take you through how to make this cozy, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying casserole that combines the flavors of classic Sloppy Joes with the buttery goodness of biscuits.
If your week has been anything like mine—full of errands, emails, and endless to-do lists—this recipe will be a lifesaver. It’s simple, uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, and comes together in under an hour. Plus, it’s versatile! You can switch up the cheese, toss in some veggies, or even spice things up with jalapeños if you’re feeling adventurous. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s start with the basics.
What You’ll Need
Here’s the beauty of this dish: the ingredients are simple and straightforward. Here’s your shopping list:
- 1 lb ground beef – The heart of the recipe, delivering that savory, classic Sloppy Joe flavor.
- 3/4 cup ketchup – A pantry staple that brings a tangy sweetness.
- 1/4 cup water – To help blend the flavors.
- 3 tsp brown sugar – Just the right touch of sweetness to balance the savory.
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce – The secret to that deep, umami flavor.
- 2 tsp mustard – A little zing to brighten the dish.
- 1 tsp garlic powder & 1 tsp onion powder – Pantry spices that add depth without complicating the process.
- 1/4 tsp salt – To enhance all the flavors.
- 12 oz biscuits – Pre-made and cut into quarters; these will bake into golden-brown perfection.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded – Because no casserole is complete without a cheesy topping.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Trust me, you’ll want to do this step now—there’s nothing worse than realizing you forgot to grease the dish when you’re elbow-deep in biscuit dough!
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Grab a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add your ground beef and cook it until it’s beautifully browned and fully cooked through. This step takes about 7–10 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat—it helps the dish stay hearty without being greasy.
Step 3: Whip Up the Sloppy Joe Mixture
Here comes the fun part: flavor building. To your skillet of browned beef, add ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This gives all those delicious flavors time to meld into that classic, tangy Sloppy Joe taste. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing by this point—brace yourself for curious family members wandering in to “taste-test.”
Step 4: Mix in the Biscuits
Once your Sloppy Joe mixture is ready, remove the skillet from the heat and transfer everything to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Gently toss the quartered biscuit pieces with the meat mixture until they’re evenly coated. This step is key because every bite of biscuit should soak up that saucy goodness.
Assembling, Baking, and Making It Yours
Alright, friends, we’re ready for the exciting part: putting it all together and turning those simple ingredients into a bubbling, golden masterpiece. If the first half of this recipe was about setting the stage, this is where the magic happens. Let’s dive into the final steps of our Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole and talk about ways to customize it to make it truly yours.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Now that your biscuits are perfectly coated in that rich, tangy meat mixture, it’s time to assemble. Pour the biscuit and beef combo into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out as evenly as possible. Don’t worry if the biscuits aren’t perfectly arranged—this casserole is all about rustic charm. The biscuits will puff up as they bake, creating pockets of pillowy goodness.
And now for the pièce de résistance: cheese! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the top of the biscuit and meat mixture. That melty, bubbly layer of cheese will act as a glorious golden crown for your casserole. If you’re a cheese lover (who isn’t?), feel free to add an extra handful or even mix in some mozzarella or pepper jack for a twist.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 28–30 minutes. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to ensure the biscuits turn a perfect golden brown and the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. If you’re unsure whether it’s ready, insert a toothpick into one of the biscuits; it should come out clean when done.
The smell wafting through your kitchen at this point is nothing short of heavenly. This is the part where I like to tidy up a bit because, let’s be honest, it’s hard to resist diving into this dish the moment it comes out of the oven.
Step 7: Let It Rest (If You Can)
Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it rest for about 5–10 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to settle and makes it easier to serve without falling apart. Plus, it helps keep you from burning your tongue on molten cheese—been there, done that!
Tips, Tricks, and Variations
This casserole is already amazing as-is, but if you’re feeling creative or have some extra ingredients lying around, here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Add Veggies: Sneak in some finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a handful of spinach. Mix them into the meat mixture before baking for a hearty, veggie-packed meal.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, toss in some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. Smoked paprika is another great way to add a subtle kick.
- Make It Smoky: Swap the cheddar for smoked Gouda or add a pinch of liquid smoke to the meat mixture.
- Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: Want to lighten things up? Ground turkey or chicken works beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure to season generously to bring out the flavor.
- BBQ Twist: Replace the ketchup with your favorite BBQ sauce for a tangy, smoky variation that’s just as comforting.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, here are a few easy pairing ideas:
- Side Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides the perfect contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole.
- Veggies on the Side: Serve it with roasted green beans, steamed broccoli, or even corn on the cob for a pop of color and nutrition.
- Pickles or Coleslaw: These bring a bright, tangy crunch that pairs beautifully with the rich Sloppy Joe flavors.
Leftovers (If There Are Any)
This casserole reheats like a dream, so don’t worry if you have leftovers—although you might not! Simply cover the dish tightly with foil and store it in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or microwave individual servings for a quick meal.
If you’re planning to make this ahead for a busy weeknight, assemble the casserole without baking, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s straight out of the fridge.
FAQ and Conclusion
By now, your kitchen smells amazing, and the casserole is golden, bubbly, and irresistible. Before we wrap things up, let’s dive into some common questions to help you master this recipe every time. Whether you’re wondering about substitutions, storage, or ways to make this dish ahead of time, I’ve got you covered!
FAQ Section
1. Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite biscuit recipe, feel free to use it. Just cut the dough into small pieces (about the size of a store-bought biscuit quarter) and proceed as directed. Keep an eye on the baking time since homemade biscuits may take a little longer to cook.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before putting it in the oven. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
This casserole freezes beautifully! Once it has cooled completely, transfer individual portions to airtight containers or wrap the whole dish tightly in foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm it in the oven or microwave.
4. Can I use a different type of meat?
Of course! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning slightly, as leaner meats may need a bit more flavor.
5. How do I prevent the biscuits from becoming soggy?
The key is to evenly coat the biscuits in the meat mixture and avoid overcrowding them in the baking dish. This ensures they bake up light and fluffy while absorbing all that delicious flavor.
6. What other cheeses can I use?
Cheddar is classic, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a smoky Gouda. A mix of cheeses works wonderfully too if you want to add depth to the flavor.
7. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free biscuit dough (store-bought or homemade) and double-check that all your other ingredients, like ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion: A Comfort Food Classic
There you have it, folks—a dish that’s as easy to make as it is to love. Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole takes the nostalgia of a childhood favorite and transforms it into a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner, feeding a hungry crowd, or just craving something hearty and satisfying, this recipe delivers every time.
I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Did you add any fun twists, like extra veggies or a spicy kick? Maybe you swapped the cheddar for a fancy cheese blend? Share your experience in the comments below—I’m always looking for new ideas to try. And don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on social media so I can see your delicious creations!
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Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Description
This hearty and delicious Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole is a twist on a classic comfort food! Juicy ground beef in a tangy Sloppy Joe sauce is paired with fluffy biscuits and melty cheddar cheese for a meal the whole family will love. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 tsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 12 oz biscuits (store-bought, cut into quarters)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2️⃣ Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3️⃣ Make the Sloppy Joe Mixture: Add ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to the skillet with the beef. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4️⃣ Mix in Biscuits: Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the meat mixture to a medium bowl. Gently toss the biscuit quarters with the meat mixture until evenly coated.
5️⃣ Assemble the Casserole: Spread the biscuit and meat mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
6️⃣ Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 28-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
7️⃣ Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this cozy dish on its own or with a side salad for a complete meal!
Notes
- Customizable Toppings: Add diced green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or extra cheese on top before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
- Biscuits: Be sure to cut the biscuits into even-sized pieces to ensure they cook through evenly.
- Shortcut: Use pre-made Sloppy Joe sauce instead of the homemade mixture for an even quicker prep time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
