Name: Sloppy Joe Casserole : The Ultimate Comfort Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; ½ medium yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup tomato sauce; ½ cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon); Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or penne) or 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough; 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed for sautéing)

If you’re looking for a hearty, family-friendly dinner that’s easy to throw together and guaranteed to please, this Sloppy Joe Casserole is exactly what you need. It’s warm, saucy, cheesy, and full of bold flavor—all the nostalgic taste of a classic sloppy joe, baked into a satisfying casserole format that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prepping ahead.

This easy dinner combines seasoned ground beef, a rich tomato-based sauce, gooey cheese, and soft biscuits or pasta for a one-dish meal that delivers serious comfort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want something cozy and satisfying, this is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

What Is Sloppy Joe Casserole?

Sloppy Joe Casserole is a baked twist on the traditional sloppy joe sandwich. Instead of piling the saucy ground beef mixture onto buns, it’s layered into a casserole dish with either biscuits, pasta, or tater tots—then baked until bubbly and golden.

It’s a budget-friendly, no-fuss meal that’s ideal for feeding hungry families. The casserole format allows for easy portioning, convenient leftovers, and a little creativity when it comes to toppings and layers. It takes everything you love about a classic sloppy joe and makes it even more filling and freezer-friendly.

Why You’ll Love This Family-Friendly Casserole Recipe

There are so many reasons to love this cheesy, saucy dish. Here’s why this casserole deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation:

Quick and easy – Ready in under an hour with minimal prep
Uses pantry staples – Ground beef, canned tomatoes, cheese, and pasta or biscuits
Great for picky eaters – Familiar flavors that both kids and adults enjoy
Flexible – Customize with different toppings or mix-ins
Perfect for leftovers – Tastes just as good reheated the next day

This dish turns a childhood favorite into a family-style comfort food classic that’s just as fun to eat as it is to make.

Ingredients for Sloppy Joe Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to make a big, satisfying pan of Sloppy Joe Casserole:

1 pound ground beef
½ medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce
½ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or penne) or 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed for sautéing)

This list makes about 6 servings and can easily be doubled for larger families or meal prep.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Making this casserole is simple and doesn’t require any fancy equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

9×13-inch baking dish
Large skillet
Mixing spoon or spatula
Knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Colander (if using pasta)

It’s a one-skillet and one-dish kind of recipe—the kind that’s easy to make and even easier to clean up.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease if needed, and stir in the minced garlic. Cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce
Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 3: Add Pasta or Prepare Biscuits
If using pasta, stir the cooked pasta directly into the beef mixture. If using biscuit dough, prepare it according to package directions or cut the raw dough into quarters for baking with the casserole.

Step 4: Layer and Add Cheese
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If using biscuits, arrange them evenly over the top. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the entire surface.

Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and biscuits are golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Flavor and Texture

Use 80/20 ground beef – It gives the best balance of flavor and moisture without being greasy
Add a splash of beef broth if the mixture looks too thick before baking
For extra flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes
Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties
Don’t overbake – The goal is bubbly cheese and warm filling, not dry meat

These little details can turn a good casserole into a great one.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making This Casserole

Avoid these common pitfalls to make sure your Sloppy Joe Casserole turns out perfect every time:

Too much liquid – If your sauce is too runny, it may make the casserole soggy
Skipping seasoning – Taste your sauce before baking and adjust salt and pepper
Undercooked biscuits – Make sure the biscuits are golden and fully baked
Overcooked pasta – Slightly undercook your pasta before baking so it doesn’t go mushy
Not greasing the pan – It helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier

Paying attention to these details ensures a casserole that’s moist, flavorful, and just the right texture.

Tasty Variations and Ingredient Swaps

This dish is incredibly flexible—here are some tasty ways to change it up:

Add veggies – Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or corn work great
Use ground turkey or chicken – A lighter twist that’s just as tasty
Make it spicy – Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese
Try tater tots instead of biscuits or pasta for a crunchy top
Use BBQ sauce in place of ketchup for a smokier flavor
Add a layer of pickles on top after baking for classic sloppy joe flair

These easy swaps keep things exciting and customizable to your family’s taste.

Serving Suggestions and Sides That Pair Well

Serve your Sloppy Joe Casserole with simple, refreshing sides to balance the richness:

Coleslaw or chopped salad
Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
Corn on the cob
Pickles or cucumber salad
Garlic bread or cornbread muffins

You can also top individual servings with extra cheese, sour cream, or green onions for a little added flair.

How to Store, Reheat, and Freeze Leftovers

This casserole is just as good the next day, making it a fantastic meal-prep option.

To store:
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

To reheat:
Microwave individual servings or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven until hot.

To freeze:
Let the baked casserole cool completely, wrap tightly with plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

This recipe is ideal for batch cooking—just double the ingredients and freeze one for later.

Best Non-Alcoholic Drink Pairings for This Hearty Meal

Complement the bold, saucy flavor of this dish with a refreshing drink:

Sparkling lemonade
Iced tea (sweet or unsweetened)
Root beer or ginger ale
Cold apple cider
Fruit-infused water (cucumber or citrus)

These beverages help cut through the richness and round out the meal nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sloppy Joe Casserole

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Can I make it without cheese?
Absolutely. The casserole will still be flavorful and moist without cheese on top.

What’s the best pasta to use?
Short pasta like elbow macaroni or rotini works best. Cook it al dente before adding.

Can I use homemade sloppy joe sauce?
Yes. If you have a go-to sloppy joe mix, feel free to use it in place of the sauce ingredients.

Can I double this recipe?
Definitely. Use a larger baking dish or split between two pans for parties or meal prep.

Final Thoughts + Call to Action

If you’re looking for the ultimate family dinner that’s easy, affordable, and full of nostalgic flavor, this Sloppy Joe Casserole is it. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table and keeps them coming back for seconds. With endless variations and minimal prep, it’s the perfect comfort food for any day of the week.