Sloppy Joe Casserole

If you’re looking for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare, Sloppy Joe Casserole is the perfect dish. Combining seasoned ground beef with cheesy goodness and fluffy biscuit topping, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. It’s a great way to enjoy the classic sloppy joe flavors in a convenient, baked form.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cooked extra lean ground beef
• 1 cup diced onions
• 1 can of sloppy joe sauce (Manwich) 398ml
• ⅔ cup light shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 can (7.5 oz) Pillsbury biscuits (In the 4-value pack, you can use bigger biscuits and weigh out or increase points)
• 1.5 tbsp melted reduced-calorie margarine
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, diced
• 1 tsp dried oregano

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef Mixture:
   • Cook the ground beef and diced onions in a pan until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
2. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9-inch square baking dish with non-stick spray.
3. Simmer the Meat:
   • Add the sloppy joe sauce to the cooked meat and onions. Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Pour the meat mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
5. Prepare the Biscuits:
   • Place 9 of the 10 biscuit dough pieces on top of the meat mixture. You will have 1 extra biscuit.
6. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 14 minutes. While baking, melt the margarine and mix in diced garlic and oregano.
7. Add Garlic Butter:
   • Just before the biscuits are done, remove the dish from the oven and drizzle the garlic butter mixture over the biscuits using a small spoon.
8. Finish Baking:
   • Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

• Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut into portions.
• Garnish: Top each serving with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or additional shredded cheese for extra flavor and a fresh look.
• Pair with Sides: Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the meal. You can also pair it with a simple coleslaw or a side of pickles.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Sloppy Joe Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. For individual servings, you can use the microwave; heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until warmed.
• Thawing: If frozen, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Following these tips will help you enjoy your Sloppy Joe Casserole at its best, whether you’re serving it fresh or reheating leftovers!

Variations:

1. Cheesy Sloppy Joe Casserole

Ingredients:

• Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the meat mixture along with the mozzarella cheese on top.

Instructions:

• Stir the shredded cheddar into the meat mixture before adding it to the baking dish. This will give the casserole an extra cheesy flavor.

2. Southwestern Sloppy Joe Casserole

Ingredients:

• Add 1 cup of black beans and 1 cup of corn to the meat mixture.
• Season with 1 teaspoon of chili powder and 1/2 teaspoon of cumin.

Instructions:

• Mix the black beans, corn, and spices into the meat mixture for a southwestern twist.

3. Buffalo Sloppy Joe Casserole

Ingredients:

• Stir in 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce into the sloppy joe sauce.

Instructions:

• Add the buffalo sauce to the meat mixture for a spicy, tangy kick.

4. Vegetarian Sloppy Joe Casserole

Ingredients:

• Substitute the ground beef with 1 cup of lentils or your favorite plant-based meat substitute.

Instructions:

• Cook the lentils or plant-based meat according to package instructions and mix with the sloppy joe sauce for a vegetarian option.

5. BBQ Sloppy Joe Casserole

Ingredients:

• Replace the sloppy joe sauce with 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce.

Instructions:

• Use BBQ sauce instead of sloppy joe sauce for a smoky, sweet flavor.

6. Mushroom Sloppy Joe Casserole

Ingredients:

• Add 1 cup of finely chopped mushrooms to the meat mixture.

Instructions:

• Sauté the mushrooms with the onions and beef for added texture and a rich, umami flavor.

7. Italian Sloppy Joe Casserole

Ingredients:

• Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon of dried basil to the meat mixture.

Instructions:

• Mix in Parmesan cheese and basil for an Italian-inspired flavor.

8. Spicy Sloppy Joe Casserole

Ingredients:

• Add 1 diced jalapeño or 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.

Instructions:

• Incorporate the jalapeño or red pepper flakes for extra heat.

9. Breakfast Sloppy Joe Casserole

Ingredients:

• Mix in 1 cup of cooked, crumbled breakfast sausage or bacon with the ground beef.

Instructions:

• Combine the cooked sausage or bacon with the beef for a breakfast twist.

10. Sweet and Sour Sloppy Joe Casserole

Ingredients:

• Add 1/4 cup of pineapple chunks and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to the meat mixture.

Instructions:

• Stir in pineapple and soy sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor profile.

These variations of Sloppy Joe Casserole offer a range of flavors and twists to suit different tastes and preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, cheesy, or even vegetarian, these ideas will help you customize this classic dish to your liking. Enjoy experimenting with these variations to find your new favorite version of Sloppy Joe Casserole!

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative. Just ensure it is cooked thoroughly before adding it to the casserole.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when you’re ready to serve.

3. How do I freeze Sloppy Joe Casserole?

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

4. How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. For quicker reheating, use the microwave; heat individual portions on high for 2-3 minutes.

5. Can I use homemade biscuits instead of store-bought?

Yes, you can use homemade biscuit dough. Just ensure it’s rolled out to a similar thickness as store-bought biscuits.

6. What if I don’t have a 9-inch square dish?

You can use other baking dishes or even a casserole dish. Adjust the baking time if using a different-sized dish; thicker casseroles may need more time, while thinner ones will cook faster.

7. How can I make this casserole spicier?

Add hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture to increase the heat level according to your taste.

8. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the mozzarella cheese with other varieties such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites.

9. How do I ensure the biscuit topping cooks evenly?

Make sure the biscuits are evenly spaced on top of the meat mixture. If they are too close together, they might not cook through properly.

10. Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Yes, you can mix in vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas to the meat mixture for added nutrition and flavor.

These FAQs address common questions about Sloppy Joe Casserole and offer practical solutions for making this dish even better. Whether you’re prepping ahead of time, customizing the flavors, or storing leftovers, these tips will help you get the most out of this delicious, hearty casserole.

Sloppy Joe Casserole offers a delicious twist on the classic sloppy joe sandwich. With its savory ground beef, gooey cheese, and golden biscuit topping, this dish is both hearty and satisfying. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Enjoy the comfort and flavor of this easy-to-make casserole and make sure to save this recipe for future meals!