If you love the comforting flavors of a classic sloppy joe but crave something a little heartier and more indulgent, this Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to meal. Imagine tender, savory ground beef simmered in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce mixed generously with fluffy biscuit pieces, baked to golden perfection and topped with melty cheddar cheese. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing casserole that brings all those nostalgic tastes together in one cozy dish that’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you need a bit of delicious comfort food magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole Recipe is delightfully simple, thanks to familiar ingredients that work together to create that perfect balance of rich, tangy, and cheesy flavors. Each component plays an essential role, from the savory ground beef to the soft biscuits that soak up all the goodness, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor and satisfying textures.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty base providing richness and protein that makes this dish so fulfilling.
- 3/4 cup ketchup: Adds sweetness and that classic sloppy joe tang that pulls all the flavors together.
- 1/4 cup water: Lightens the sauce slightly, helping it soak into the biscuits without being too thick.
- 3 teaspoons brown sugar: Introduces a warm sweetness that balances the savory and tangy elements.
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: Brings depth and a subtle umami kick to the sauce.
- 2 teaspoons mustard: Adds a gentle sharpness that brightens the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a savory undertone that enriches the meat’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the sauce with mild sweetness and aroma.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Elevates all the flavors without overpowering.
- 12 oz biscuits, cut into quarters: The fluffy, buttery bits that soak up the savory sauce and provide irresistible texture.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts atop the casserole to create a gooey, golden crust that’s pure comfort food bliss.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to get it nice and ready for baking. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick and comes out cleanly once it’s cooked.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Place your skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook it thoroughly, stirring occasionally until it’s no longer pink. This step is key because perfectly cooked beef forms the savory foundation of your casserole. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Simmer the Classic Sloppy Joe Sauce
Now, stir in the ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt directly into the skillet with the cooked beef. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about five minutes so that the flavors meld and the sauce thickens just right.
Step 4: Combine Meat and Biscuit Pieces
Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer your delicious meat mixture into a medium bowl. Toss in the biscuit quarters, making sure each piece is coated well with that tangy, savory sauce. This step guarantees every bite will be flavorful and moist.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the biscuit and meat mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Once it’s all nestled in, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top. That cheesy layer is what transforms this dish into an irresistible casserole.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 28 to 30 minutes. You’ll want to watch for the biscuits to turn a beautiful golden brown and for the cheddar to melt into bubbly perfection. This baking stage is where the magic really happens as the flavors deepen and the textures meld beautifully.
Step 7: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once your Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole Recipe is baked to perfection, take it out and let it cool just enough to serve. This dish tastes best warm, where the cheese is gooey, and the biscuits are soft yet slightly crisp on the edges. Perfect comfort food to savor!
How to Serve Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnishes can elevate your casserole experience. Fresh chopped parsley or green onions scattered on top lend a pop of color and fresh flavor that lightens up the rich, cheesy dish wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to balance out the richness. A side of coleslaw also makes a terrific crunchy, tangy contrast, creating a well-rounded meal everyone will appreciate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in ramekins or small baking dishes. You can also sprinkle some extra cheese mixed with a dash of smoked paprika on top before baking for a smoky flavor and vibrant appearance. Presentation matters, and this dish is a great canvas for creative touches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to deepen, making your next meal just as tasty. When storing, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to keep moisture locked in.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. For best results, prepare and assemble the casserole, then cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until hot and bubbly.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and warm it in 1-minute increments until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes to preserve that fresh-baked texture.
FAQs
Can I use canned biscuits instead of homemade?
Absolutely! Using store-bought canned biscuits is a convenient shortcut that works perfectly in the Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole Recipe. Just quarter them as instructed, and they’ll soak up the sauce beautifully while baking.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this dish?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils. Adjust the seasoning slightly, and you’ll still enjoy that delicious sloppy joe flavor mixed with the comforting biscuits.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Just swap the regular biscuits for your favorite gluten-free biscuit brand. Make sure other ingredients like Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free as well, and you’ll have a tasty gluten-free version of the casserole.
What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic for this recipe due to its sharpness and meltability, but feel free to experiment with sharp white cheddar, Colby Jack, or even a smoky cheese for added complexity.
How spicy is the casserole?
This casserole leans towards mild and savory with a touch of tangy sweetness. However, if you enjoy a little heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for some extra kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so wonderfully comforting about this Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole Recipe that makes it a staple for any home cook looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal. Its ease, flavor, and satisfying combination of textures make it perfect to have on repeat. I truly hope you try this recipe soon and create cozy memories around the dinner table with it.
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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 that combines savory ground beef sloppy joe filling with flaky biscuit pieces and melted cheddar cheese. Baked to golden perfection, this casserole makes a hearty meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Sloppy Joe Mixture
- 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 Pan: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Make Sloppy Joe Sauce: Add ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir well and let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Combine with Biscuits: Remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the meat mixture into a medium bowl and toss together with the quartered biscuits until they are evenly coated.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the biscuit and meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top to create a cheesy layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 28-30 minutes. The biscuits should become golden brown and the cheese melted and bubbly.
- Serve Warm: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving warm for the best comfort food experience.
Notes
- Using refrigerated biscuits cuts down preparation time and adds flaky texture.
- Drain excess fat thoroughly to avoid greasiness in the casserole.
- Feel free to use sharp cheddar for a stronger cheese flavor.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and reheated for convenience.
- For a twist, add chopped bell peppers or onions to the meat mixture while cooking.
