Description
This Sloppy Joe Casserole combines the classic flavors of sloppy joes with the comforting ease of a casserole. Ground beef cooked with onions, bell peppers, garlic, and a tangy tomato-based sauce is topped with shredded Colby Jack cheese and fluffy buttermilk biscuits, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a family dinner, this meal is hearty, flavorful, and simple to prepare in under an hour.
Ingredients
Meat & Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup petite diced yellow onion
- 3/4 cup petite diced green bell pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15)
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 8 oz. can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Topping
- 4 ounces Colby jack cheese, shredded
- 16.3 ounce can of refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (8 biscuits)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion, green bell pepper, along with a couple large pinches of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently for about 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste into the vegetables. Cook for about 60 seconds, stirring frequently to release the flavors.
- Brown the Beef: Push the veggies to the sides of the pan creating a well in the center. Add the ground beef and increase the heat to medium-high. Brown the beef thoroughly, crumbling it as it cooks, until fully cooked and well combined with the vegetables.
- Make the Sauce: Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, and season again with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Mixture: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer gently for 8-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Assemble the Casserole: Evenly sprinkle shredded Colby jack cheese over the sloppy joe mixture in the pan. Arrange the refrigerated buttermilk biscuits on top of the cheese layer.
- Apply Egg Wash: Beat the egg with a splash of water and brush the tops of the biscuits with this egg wash for a glossy, golden finish.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the biscuits are dark golden brown. To prevent over-browning, cover loosely with foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are cooked through and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let it set. Enjoy your hearty Sloppy Joe Casserole!
Notes
- Using refrigerated biscuits saves time and adds a flaky, buttery topping, but homemade biscuits can be substituted for a more rustic touch.
- Adjust the sweetness and tang by modifying the amount of brown sugar and mustard to match your taste preferences.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sloppy joe sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture retention.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American