If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that combines all the best parts of a classic sloppy joe with fluffy biscuits and gooey cheese, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole Recipe. It’s the perfect dish to bring everyone to the table with smiles and full bellies. This casserole takes simple pantry staples and transforms them into a bubbling, savory masterpiece where tender ground beef, tangy ketchup, and warm spices mingle beautifully with buttery biscuit pieces, all topped off with melty cheddar cheese. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll quickly become a go-to in your rotation for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients, each playing an essential role in delivering both flavor and texture. The ground beef brings hearty richness, while the biscuit pieces add a soft, fluffy contrast. The special blend of spices and seasonings enhances the savory profile, and the cheddar cheese on top adds that irresistible melty finish.
- 1 lb ground beef: Choose a lean or regular grind depending on your taste and desired fat content for juiciness.
- 3/4 cup ketchup: Provides tangy sweetness and a saucy base for the Sloppy Joe filling.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps thin the sauce slightly so it coats the meat and biscuits perfectly without being too thick.
- 3 teaspoons brown sugar: Adds a subtle caramel note balancing the acidity of the ketchup.
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: Brings depth and a slight umami punch to the meat mixture.
- 2 teaspoons mustard: Cuts through the sweetness with a gentle sharpness, rounding out the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a warm, aromatic punch to the filling.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances savory notes without overwhelming the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors, enhancing the natural taste of each ingredient.
- 12 oz biscuits, cut into quarters: Soft biscuit pieces absorb the sauce and contribute a tender, fluffy texture.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: Melted over the top for that golden, bubbly finish everyone loves.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. Lightly spray it with cooking spray to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick and comes out in perfect slices. This sets the stage for everything else to come together smoothly.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink and starts to brown nicely. This step unlocks all those rich meaty flavors that make sloppy joes so irresistible. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from being greasy.
Step 3: Add the Sauce and Seasonings
Now, pour in the ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir everything together well and let it simmer for about five minutes. This simmering step melds the flavors perfectly, creating that iconic sloppy joe tangy, sweet, and savory flavor that we crave.
Step 4: Combine Meat and Biscuits
Once the sauce has slightly thickened, remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the meat mixture to a medium bowl. Toss in the quartered biscuits and gently fold everything together until every bite of biscuit is coated in that flavorful sloppy joe mixture. This is where the magic happens—those biscuit pieces soak up all the juiciness, making each spoonful a delight.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer this luscious meat and biscuit blend to your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it bakes uniformly, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top. That cheesy layer will melt and turn golden brown as it bakes, adding both flavor and a beautiful finish.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Pop the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 28 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the biscuits have turned a gorgeous golden hue and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, tempting you to dive right in.
Step 7: Serve While Warm
After baking, remove your casserole from the oven and let it cool just slightly before serving. The aroma alone will have everyone eager to taste this savory, comforting meal. Serve warm for the best, most comforting experience.
How to Serve Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the presentation and flavor, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top just before serving. A dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of tangy pickles on the side works beautifully to cut through the richness and add a refreshing contrast.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, roasted veggies, or even classic coleslaw. The freshness and crunch balance out the casserole’s hearty softness and richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to switch things up? Serve the Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch, or layer it in a deep-dish skillet for a rustic, shareable centerpiece. You can even add a drizzle of barbecue sauce or a sprinkle of jalapeños on top for an extra kick of flavor and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole Recipe should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it a fantastic option for delicious next-day meals.
Freezing
If you want to make this casserole ahead of time or save leftovers for longer, you can freeze it. Place the casserole in a freezer-safe dish or cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly. Cover with foil to retain moisture and prevent the cheese from over-browning while reheating.
FAQs
Can I use refrigerated biscuit dough for this recipe?
Absolutely! Refrigerated biscuits work perfectly here, saving you time while providing that tender, fluffy texture. Just be sure to cut them into quarters as instructed so they blend well with the meat.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives or cooked lentils for a vegetarian-friendly version. Just follow the same cooking and seasoning steps for flavorful results.
Can I add vegetables to the Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole Recipe?
Definitely! Finely diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms would be delicious additions. Just sauté them with the ground beef to soften before adding the sauce ingredients.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar cheese offers a classic sharpness and excellent meltability that complements this casserole well. However, feel free to experiment with pepper jack for a spicy twist or a mild mozzarella for gooey comfort.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes. Simply swap the regular biscuits for your favorite gluten-free biscuit brand and ensure all other ingredients, including sauces, are gluten-free certified. The rest of the recipe follows the same delicious process!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole Recipe enough for anyone looking to whip up a meal bursting with cozy comfort and big flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a real crowd-pleaser that brings together all the best parts of sloppy joes with the soft, buttery goodness of biscuits, topped with a luscious layer of cheese. Grab your skillet and baking dish — this recipe is waiting to become one of your absolute favorites!
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, easy-to-make dish that combines the classic flavors of sloppy joes with flaky biscuit pieces baked to golden perfection and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this hearty casserole offers a delicious twist on an American favorite with a convenient one-dish bake.
Ingredients
Meat 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 and Prepare Dish: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is fully browned and no longer pink, then carefully drain off any excess fat to reduce grease.
- Make Sloppy Joe Sauce: To the cooked beef in the skillet, add ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Combine Meat and Biscuits: Remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the meat mixture to a medium bowl and add the quartered biscuits. Toss everything together until the biscuit pieces are evenly coated with the meat sauce.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the biscuit and meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top to cover the surface.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 28-30 minutes, or until the biscuit pieces are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier version, consider adding a pinch of chili powder or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
- Use refrigerated biscuits for convenience, or homemade biscuit dough for a fresher biscuit texture.
- If you prefer, substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
