Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole

There’s something magical about combining two classic comfort foods into one irresistible dish. As someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, I’ve always been drawn to recipes that bring together familiar flavors in unexpected ways. That’s exactly what this Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole does—it takes the tangy, savory goodness of Sloppy Joes and pairs it with the fluffy, buttery comfort of biscuits. The result? A hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

When I first tried this recipe, I knew it was a keeper. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and delivers a flavor that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Plus, it’s versatile enough to tweak based on your preferences or what you have in your pantry. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special and how you can make it at home.

What You Need To Make This Recipe

Ground beef: The star of the show, ground beef provides a rich, meaty base for the Sloppy Joe mixture. I recommend using an 80/20 blend for the best flavor and texture, but leaner options work too if you prefer.

Onion: A finely chopped onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the Sloppy Joe filling. Yellow or white onions work best here, but you can also use red onions for a slightly sharper flavor.

Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings a punch of savory aroma and flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can be used as a substitute, but fresh is always better.

Sloppy Joe sauce: This is the key to achieving that signature tangy, slightly sweet flavor. You can use store-bought sauce for convenience or make your own with ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.

Biscuits: Flaky, buttery biscuits form the topping of the casserole. You can use refrigerated biscuit dough for ease, or if you’re feeling ambitious, homemade biscuits will take this dish to the next level.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Cheese adds a gooey, melty layer of deliciousness. Sharp cheddar works wonderfully, but feel free to experiment with other varieties like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a kick.

Green bell pepper: Diced green bell pepper adds a fresh, slightly crunchy texture and a pop of color to the filling. You can also use red or yellow bell peppers for a sweeter flavor.

Olive oil: A little olive oil is used to sauté the onions, garlic, and peppers, ensuring they’re perfectly softened and flavorful.

Salt and pepper: These basic seasonings are essential for enhancing all the flavors in the dish.

Ingredients List

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 cup Sloppy Joe sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the casserole bakes evenly and the biscuits turn golden brown.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced green bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

Step 4: Add the Sloppy Joe Sauce

Stir in the Sloppy Joe sauce and season with salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the Sloppy Joe mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Step 6: Add the Biscuit Topping

Separate the biscuit dough into individual biscuits and place them on top of the cheese layer. You can arrange them in rows or slightly overlap them for full coverage.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop out portions and enjoy this comforting, flavorful dish!

Tips for Making This Recipe

Customize the filling: Add mushrooms, jalapeños, or even a dash of hot sauce to the Sloppy Joe mixture for extra flavor.
Use homemade biscuits: If you have the time, homemade biscuits will elevate the dish and make it even more special.
Double the recipe: This casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd, so feel free to double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish.
Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving.
Add a side salad: Serve the casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative and works well in this recipe.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

What can I use instead of Sloppy Joe sauce?
If you don’t have Sloppy Joe sauce, you can make your own by combining ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and a splash of vinegar.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Definitely! Try mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

This Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole is a delightful twist on two beloved classics. It’s easy, comforting, and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!