Sloppy Joe Casserole

Sloppy Joe Casserole solves my weeknight dinner problem when I need something quick that everyone will eat. The ground beef gets tangy from ketchup and mustard, then topped with Bisquick batter and cheddar that bakes into a fluffy, golden crust. It turns all that messy sloppy joe goodness into one easy casserole. One pan, zero complaints.

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I make this crowd-friendly casserole for weeknight family dinners, potlucks, game day parties, and meal prep for the week because kids love the familiar sloppy joe taste. It’s perfect as fall comfort food or a warm, hearty winter meal for busy nights and casual gatherings. Leftovers stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.

How to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole with Step-By-Step Instructions

Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.

I’ll walk you through each step so your casserole turns out perfectly golden and bubbly.

Preheat and Prep the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly spray a casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. I use a 9×13-inch ceramic baking dish because it heats evenly and looks elegant on the dining table.

Cook the Ground Beef and Onions

In a cast-iron skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, then add the diced onion, and cook until softened. Breaking up the beef with a wooden spatula helps it cook evenly. Drain any excess fat so your casserole doesn’t get greasy.

Add the Ketchup and Mustard

Stir in the ketchup and yellow mustard, then let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly and the flavors will meld together, giving you that classic tangy sloppy joe taste.

Mix the Biscuit Batter

In a batter bowl, combine the Bisquick mix and milk until smooth to form the biscuit batter. Don’t overmix it. Just stir until the dry ingredients are incorporated and you have a thick, pourable batter. Overmixing can make the biscuit topping tough instead of fluffy and tender.

Assemble the Casserole

Spread the beef mixture in an even layer in your prepared baking dish using a silicone spatula. Pour the biscuit batter over the top, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. The batter will spread out as it bakes, creating a fluffy topping that covers the beef.

Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges. You’ll know it’s done when the biscuit layer looks set and the cheese has melted into all the nooks and crannies.

Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole cool slightly for about 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Cutting into it too soon will make it a little messy, but waiting just a bit helps everything set up nicely, so give it time, and you’ll thank me later.

Once nicely set, get your dinner plate, and enjoy!

If you’re taking the casserole to a potluck or family gathering, let it cool completely before covering it tightly with aluminum foil, and then with a kitchen towel. For longer trips, place the covered dish in an insulated casserole carrier to keep it warm.

How to Store Leftovers

Let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven until heated through.

For longer storage, wrap cooled portions tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or use freezer-safe containers. The casserole will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What to Serve With Sloppy Joe Casserole

I usually serve the casserole with a simple green salad tossed with ranch dressing and some crunchy veggies like green peppers, carrots, or cucumbers. Roasted broccoli or steamed green beans work well on the side, and they balance out the richness of the beef and cheese.

For a heartier meal, add a side of crispy tater tots or sweet potato fries. You could also serve it with coleslaw, corn on the cob, or baked beans. If you want something lighter, sliced tomatoes and cucumber sticks with a little salt and pepper make a fresh, easy pairing.

More Easy Casserole Recipes for You to Try at Home

If you love this recipe, here are more comforting casseroles you’ll want to try.

• Amish Breakfast Casserole
• French Onion Casserole
• Cabbage Casserole
• Twice-Baked Potato Casserole
• Eggs Benedict Casserole