Did you know the sloppy joe sandwich started in Sioux Falls, Iowa? A cook named Joe created the “loose meat sandwich” in the early 1900s. Now, it’s a tasty Sloppy Joe Casserole, loved by many.
This recipe mixes ground beef in a tangy tomato sauce with cheesy goodness. It’s a comforting dish perfect for any day. It’s easy to make and always a hit.
What is a Sloppy Joe Casserole?
A sloppy joe casserole is a comforting dish. It combines the flavors of a sloppy joe sandwich with the ease of a casserole. It has a savory ground beef filling in a tangy tomato sauce, topped with cheese or crispy tater tots.
This dish is great for busy weeknights. It’s a satisfying, family-friendly dinner that’s easy to make. It turns the beloved sloppy joe flavors into a simple, crowd-pleasing meal.
Key Components of a Sloppy Joe Casserole
- Savory ground beef filling: The base of the casserole is a flavorful ground beef mixture. It’s simmered in a tomato-based sauce with seasonings like Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar.
- Tangy tomato sauce: The sloppy joe filling uses a mix of tomato sauce, ketchup, and other ingredients. This creates a delicious, tangy sauce.
- Cheesy or crispy topping: The casserole is topped with a cheesy crust, like shredded cheddar or Velveeta. Or, it has a layer of crispy tater tots for extra texture and flavor.
This meal combines the comforting flavors of a sloppy joe with the convenience of a casserole. It’s a family-friendly dinner that’s easy to prepare and enjoyable to eat.
Reasons to Love This Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
The Sloppy Joe Casserole is a hit with families. It’s great for busy weeknights because it’s easy to make. It’s full of flavor and serves as a complete meal.
This casserole is super convenient. The ground beef mix is ready in 20 minutes. It’s also very filling, thanks to about 1 pound of ground beef.
- The recipe uses 2 cups of Colby Jack cheese. It’s split between layers for a cheesy crust or crispy tater tot topping.
- Each serving has about 489 calories. It’s a nutritious and comforting meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
This Sloppy Joe Casserole is a must-try for families. It’s easy to make and full of flavor. The savory ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and cheesy or crispy topping make it a hit.
Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe You’ll Love
If you’re craving the classic flavors of sloppy joes, this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe is a must-try. It combines savory ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and a comforting casserole format. This homemade sloppy joe casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or a family-friendly weeknight meal.
Made with lean ground beef, onions, bell peppers, and flavorful seasonings, the sloppy joe casserole filling is simmered to perfection. It’s topped with a cheesy crust or crispy tater tots for extra texture and flavor. Prep time is just 30-45 minutes, and baking takes 25-30 minutes, making it a hassle-free dinner.
This Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The mix of savory, tangy, and comforting flavors is a true winner. Serve it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
This sloppy joe casserole recipe is simple, easy to make, and tastes amazing. It’s a classic sloppy joe in a convenient casserole format. Get ready to enjoy the flavors of a classic sloppy joe in a family-friendly dish.
Ingredients for Sloppy Joe Casserole
Starting with the right ingredients is key to making a great Sloppy Joe Casserole. This recipe combines savory and tangy flavors for a comforting dish. Each part, from the lean ground beef to the tangy tomato sauce, is important for the classic Sloppy Joe taste.
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb. lean ground beef (85% lean)
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15.5 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- Ingredients for cheesy crust or tater tots (optional)
These ingredients mix to create a flavorful dish that everyone will love. You can top it with a cheesy crust or crispy tater tots. This easy recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole
Making a tasty sloppy joe casserole is simple. Just follow a few easy steps, and you’ll have a comforting dish ready in no time. Let’s explore how to make this easy recipe.
- Begin by browning 1 pound of lean ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break the beef into small pieces as it cooks until it’s fully browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- After the beef is browned, add diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook the vegetables until they’re soft, about 3-5 minutes.
- Then, mix in the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and garlic salt. Stir well to blend all the flavors.
- Next, pour in the tomato sauce and ketchup. Let the filling simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring now and then, until the flavors mix well.
- While the filling cooks, get your topping ready. You can make a cheesy crust or use crispy tater tots.
- When the filling is done, put it in a baking dish. Top it with your chosen topping. For a cheesy crust, spread it over. For tater tots, arrange them in a single layer.
- Finally, bake the casserole in a preheated 400°F oven for 25-30 minutes. It’s done when the topping is golden and the filling is bubbly.
And that’s it! You now have a delicious and easy sloppy joe casserole perfect for family dinner or a potluck. Enjoy!
Serving and Storing Sloppy Joe Casserole
This Sloppy Joe Casserole is best served hot. The cheese should be melted, and the topping crispy. It’s a hearty dish that goes well with a simple salad or steamed veggies.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, place it in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. This way, it tastes just as good as the first time.
For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Let it cool, then put it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking at 350°F until hot.
This Sloppy Joe Casserole is a crowd-pleaser. Its comforting flavors and easy prep make it a favorite to make again and again.
Variations and Substitutions
This Sloppy Joe Casserole recipe is very flexible. You can change the ground beef to ground turkey or chicken for a leaner dish. You can also use different bell peppers like red, yellow, or orange to add color and taste.
Adding more veggies is easy. Try mushrooms, corn, or shredded zucchini in the filling. You can also mix up the cheese on top. Use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend for a different flavor.
Customize the sauce to your liking. Adjust the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, or spices. For a low-carb version, skip the biscuit topping. Use a cauliflower or zucchini crust instead.
FAQ
What is a Sloppy Joe Casserole?
A Sloppy Joe Casserole is a comforting dish. It combines sloppy joe flavors with a casserole’s ease. It has a savory ground beef filling in tangy tomato sauce, topped with cheese or tater tots.
What are the key ingredients in a Sloppy Joe Casserole?
The main ingredients are lean ground beef, diced onions, and green bell peppers. You also need tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Don’t forget dry mustard, garlic salt, and a cheesy or tater tot topping.
How do you make a Sloppy Joe Casserole?
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet. Add diced onions and bell peppers and cook until they’re tender. Then, mix in brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and garlic salt.
Next, add tomato sauce and ketchup. Let it simmer while you prepare the topping. You can use a cheesy crust or crispy tater tots. Pour the meat mixture into a baking dish, top with your choice, and bake until golden.
How do you serve and store Sloppy Joe Casserole?
Serve it hot, with melted cheese and crispy topping. It’s a hearty dish that goes well with a salad or steamed veggies. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To reheat, bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warm.
Can you customize or substitute ingredients in Sloppy Joe Casserole?
Yes, you can customize this recipe. Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken. Use different bell peppers and add veggies like mushrooms or corn. Try different cheeses on top.
Adjust the sauce by changing the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, or seasonings. For a low-carb version, skip the biscuit topping and use a cauliflower or zucchini crust.