Sloppy Joe Casserole

6 servings
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole is a quick, family-friendly dinner! Baked sesame seed bun topping with a cheesy ground beef filling from scratch!

Hearty Casseroles are classic comforting dishes perfect for an easy dinner. Fun, tasty recipes like this twist on Sloppy Joes and my Big Mac Casserole are proof classic dishes don’t have to be boring!

Side view of baked casserole in dish with slice removed

Sabrina’s Sloppy Joe Casserole

My Sloppy Joe Casserole transforms a beloved sandwich into a delicious and filling meal. This easy-to-make dish uses simple and budget-friendly ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and a flavorful tomato sauce is better than any store-bought mix. The filling is topped with bread dough and sesame seeds for the same taste and texture as hamburger buns. Oh and of course I added a layer of melty cheese because why not? This whole tasty casserole comes together in less than an hour so it’s still a quick, easy meal!

Recipe Card

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole is a quick family-friendly dinner! Baked sesame seed bun topping with a cheesy ground beef filling from scratch!
Yield 6 servings
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Author Sabrina Snyder

Ingredients
 

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef , 85/15
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large yellow onion , chopped
  • 1 large green bell pepper , chopped
  • 1 clove garlic , minced
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 8 ounces tomato sauce
  • 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon course ground black pepper
  • 12 slices cheese
  • 1 can French bread dough (Pillsbury or store brand)
  • 1 large egg , beaten
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Add the ground beef to a large skillet on medium-high heat and brown until cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
  • Drain the fat, lower heat to medium and add the butter, onions and bell pepper to the pan.
  • Cook vegetables with the beef until onions and green bell peppers are translucent, about 6-8 minutes.
  • Add the garlic, mustard, tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, salt, black pepper to the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Add the ground beef mixture into a 9×13 baking dish.
  • Top with sliced cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
  • Unroll the French bread dough over the cheese slices
  • Mix the egg well with water then brush the top of the dough with the egg mixture and top with sesame seeds.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 699kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 47g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 200mg | Sodium: 1157mg | Potassium: 808mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 1144IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 466mg | Iron: 4mg

About this Recipe

Sloppy Joe Casserole is so easy to make. The prep time is about 15 minutes, including chopping veggies and browning the beef. From start to finish, this quick dinner recipe is ready to eat in less than an hour. You can prep it ahead of time and freeze it for a fast weeknight dinner, ready to bake whenever you don’t feel like cooking.

Chef’s Note:

The big prep time shortcut here is using canned dough for the topping instead of using my homemade French Bread Dough. A good quality canned bread dough saves time without sacrificing flavor, plus it’s easier to use since it’s already in a sheet. Save the homemade dough for dinner parties and stick with the canned stuff for this recipe!

Ingredients

  • Ground Beef: Ground beef provides a hearty, protein-packed foundation. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • Yellow Onion and Green Bell Pepper: These vegetables add a touch of sweetness and earthy aromatic flavor to filling.
  • Tomato Sauce and Ketchup: These ingredients create a rich, tangy sauce that enhances the casserole’s flavor.
  • Yellow Mustard and Brown Sugar: These contribute to the distinctive flavor of Sloppy Joe sauce, balancing tanginess and sweetness.

French Bread Dough: This give the casserole a delicious “bun” topping. I added sesame seeds so it’s even more like a hamburger bun.

How to Make

  1. Cook:

    Over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef in a large skillet until browned and cooked through about 5-6 minutes. Drain the fat and lower the heat to medium.Sloppy Joe mixture cooking in a skillet

  2. Add:

    Add butter, onions, and bell pepper to the pan. Cook until the onions and green bell peppers are translucent, about 6-8 minutes. Add garlic, mustard, tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.

  3. Transfer:

    Transfer the ground beef mixture to a 9×13 baking dish. Sliced cheese should be evenly distributed over the beef mixture. Unroll the French bread dough and place it over the cheese slices.Assembled casserole in dish before and after baking

  4. Preheat:

    Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Mix the beaten egg with water and brush the top of the dough with the egg mixture. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.Casserole in a white bowl with a fork

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare Sloppy Joe Casserole in advance. Assemble the casserole as directed, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. If the casserole is cold from the refrigerator, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. If you wish, you can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Bake from frozen for 45-55 minutes or thawed for 30 minutes.

Nutritional Facts

Nutrition Facts
Sloppy Joe Casserole
Amount Per Serving
Calories 699 Calories from Fat 423
% Daily Value*
Fat 47g72%
Saturated Fat 22g138%
Trans Fat 2g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 16g
Cholesterol 200mg67%
Sodium 1157mg50%
Potassium 808mg23%
Carbohydrates 25g8%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 19g21%
Protein 44g88%
Vitamin A 1144IU23%
Vitamin C 28mg34%
Calcium 466mg47%
Iron 4mg22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

How to Store

  • Serve: This is best served warm and fresh from the oven. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours and cooled before storing.
  • Store: Once cool, wrap the pan tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating for up to 4 days. Reheat the casserole in the oven, covered in foil so the bread doesn’t burn, on low heat until hot. 
  • Freeze: Cool the casserole completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, remove the plastic wrap, recover with foil, and heat in the oven for 30-45 minutes until hot.

How to Serve

This Sloppy Joes Casserole is a filling dinner that kids of all ages will love! The mild tomato sauce is still packed with flavor while staying kid-friendly. Serve Sloppy Joe Casserole with easy veggie sides like Sauteed Green Beans or Roasted Broccoli. Mix a cup of Sauteed Mushrooms into your beef filling to make it a bit more hearty and to sneak extra veggies in if you have picky eaters!

Frequent Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe. However, you will want to cook it in 1-2 tablespoons of oil so it isn’t dry since there isn’t much fat.

What type of cheese should I use?

You can use any type of cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, Colby-Jack, or Monterey Jack. Just make sure it melts well.

Can I freeze Sloppy Joe Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze this casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Absolutely! For extra nutrition and flavor, feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the ground beef mixture, such as corn, peas, or diced carrots.

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Variations

  • Vegetarian: Substitute a plant-based ground meat alternative, like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger, for the ground beef.
  • Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free dough or a gluten-free biscuit mix for the topping, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
  • Spicy: Add jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture for a spicy kick.
  • Tex-Mex: Incorporate taco seasoning, black beans, and corn into the ground beef mixture, and top the casserole with crushed tortilla chips instead of French bread dough.
  • BBQ: Replace the ketchup with your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky, tangy twist on the classic Sloppy Joe flavor.
  • Meat: You can use ground meat instead of ground beef, like ground turkey or chicken. If you use leaner meat, brown it in 2 tablespoons of olive oil so it isn’t too fatty.
  • Topping: You can use canned biscuit dough, puff pastry, crescent dough sheets, or homemade Cornbread Batter instead of the French bread dough. Bake until golden brown, and the pastry is cooked through.
  • Cheese: Swap out the American cheese with any sliced or shredded cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, provolone slices, or pepper jack cheese. If you use slices of cheese, make sure they are thin slices.
  • Tater Tots: Frozen tater tots are another topping you can use instead of French bread dough. Prepare Sloppy Joe’s filling like normal, then top with a 32-ounce bag of frozen tater tots. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes for a Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole.

More Delicious Ground Beef Casseroles

Side view of baked casserole in pan with slice removed

Photos used in a previous version of this post.

Sloppy Joe Casserole collage
Sloppy Joe Casserole serving on spatula
Sloppy Joe Casserole Pin 1

About the Author: Sabrina Snyder

Sabrina is a professionally trained Private Chef of over 10 years with ServSafe Manager certification in food safety. She creates all the recipes here on Dinner, then Dessert, fueled in no small part by her love for bacon.

Sabrina Snyder is a professionally trained personal and private chef of over 10 years who is the creator and developer of all the recipes on Dinner, then Dessert.

She is also the author of the cookbook Dinner, then Dessert – Satisfying Meals Using Only 3, 5 or 7 Ingredients, published by Harper Collins.

She started Dinner, then Dessert as a business in her office as a lunch service for her coworkers who admired her lunches before going to culinary school and becoming a full time personal chef and private chef.

As a personal chef Sabrina would cook for families one day a week and cook their entire week of dinners. All grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning was done along with instructions on reheating. As a private chef she cooked for private parties and cooked in family homes in the evenings for families on a nightly basis after working as a personal chef during the day.

Sabrina has been certified as a ServSafe Manager since 2007 and was a longstanding member of the USPCA Personal Chef Association including being on the board of the Washington DC Chapter of Chefs in the US Personal Chef Association when they won Chapter of the year.

As a member of the community of food website creators Sabrina Snyder has spoken at many conferences regarding her experiences as a food writer including the Indulge Food Conference, Everything Food Conference, Haven Food Conference and IACP Annual Food Professionals Conference.

Sabrina lives with her family in sunny California.

Dinner, then Dessert, Inc. owns the copyright on all images and text and does not allow for its original recipes and pictures to be reproduced anywhere other than at this site unless authorization is given. Read my disclosure and copyright policy. This post may contain affiliate links.

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Comments

    1. Cheese: Swap out the American cheese with any sliced or shredded cheese like cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, provolone slices, or pepper jack cheese. If you use slices of cheese, make sure they are thin slices.

  1. And here I thought I had seen it all when it comes to comfort food! Where has this been?! Must try soon…

  2. This recipe sounds amazing. I LOVE SLOPPY Joes.

    I have one request, and I hope that you will be able to do this in the future. You always have great suggestions/additions to your recipes. Could you PLEASE include those in maybe a note at the bottom of the recipe.