Get ready to fall in love with a new weeknight favorite! The Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole takes everything you adore about classic sloppy joes—savory meat, tangy sauce, melty cheese—and transforms it into a warm, bubbly, utterly irresistible bake. Golden biscuit bites puff up through the flavorful filling, capturing all that saucy goodness in each mouthwatering forkful. If you’re needing a fuss-free dinner that leaves everyone happy and full, this is the recipe to put on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This casserole relies on a short list of humble ingredients, each one doing its part to create a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal. From fluffy biscuit dough to the sweetly spiced sloppy joe sauce, here’s what you’ll need and why each item matters:
- Ground beef: The hearty base that gives the casserole its classic, comforting flavor. Feel free to use lean or regular, depending on your preference.
- Chopped onion: Adds aromatic sweetness and a little bit of texture to the meat mixture—a simple step that lifts the whole dish.
- Sloppy joe sauce: The tangy, rich star of the show! Using a canned sauce keeps things speedy without skimping on flavor.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough (quartered): These little pockets of dough puff up in the oven, creating delicious bites that soak up the sloppy joe goodness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: A bubbly, melty topping that brings everything together and adds a golden finish.
- Olive oil: Just a splash helps soften the onions and keeps the beef from sticking as it browns.
- Garlic powder: For a gentle kick of flavor that rounds out the savory filling.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the meat and highlighting every other flavor in the casserole.
- Chopped parsley (optional): If you like a hint of fresh color and a touch of herbal brightness to finish things off, don’t skip the sprinkle of parsley!
How to Make Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
First things first: set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot by the time your casserole is ready to slide in. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, and go ahead and pop open your biscuit dough—this recipe moves fast!
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Brown the Beef
Drizzle olive oil into a skillet and set it over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, letting it cook until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. Add your ground beef, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and cook until browned. Be sure to break it up as it cooks so you end up with crumbles that’ll tuck perfectly in between all those biscuits.
Step 3: Simmer with Sloppy Joe Sauce
Once the beef is browned, drain any extra grease (nobody wants a greasy casserole). Pour in your canned sloppy joe sauce and stir to coat everything in that tangy, tomato-rich flavor. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, just enough for the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Layer Biscuit Dough and Meat Mixture
Lay out your quartered biscuit pieces evenly across the bottom of your greased baking dish. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture right over the top, and gently stir to coat the biscuit dough pieces. This step is pure magic—every piece of dough catches some saucy beef!
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes. You’re looking for puffy, golden biscuits and a blanket of melted, bubbling cheese. Let it cool for a few minutes before you dig in so the savory juices settle just right.
How to Serve Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole
Garnishes
A shower of freshly chopped parsley is the simplest way to brighten up each serving of Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole. It adds a fresh pop of color and just a hint of herbal lift. If you’re feeling bold, a few sliced green onions or even a dollop of sour cream give each bite a little something extra.
Side Dishes
Since this casserole is satisfyingly rich, balance it out with a crisp salad or steamed green veggies like broccoli. Creamy coleslaw or classic potato salad also pair perfectly, offering a cool counterpart to the casserole’s cheesy warmth.
Creative Ways to Present
You can scoop this bubbly, golden casserole directly onto plates or serve it family-style right from the baking dish. For a playful twist, spoon portions into sturdy lettuce cups for a hand-held version, or serve over a mound of mashed potatoes for extra comfort food points!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making each reheated bite even cozier than the last!
Freezing
To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat portions in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and bubbly—about 15 to 20 minutes. A quick zap in the microwave works in a pinch, but baking helps revive the fluffiness of the biscuits and keeps that melty cheese dreamy.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey (or even plant-based meat) works just as well in this Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole. The texture and flavors will stay just as satisfying, and it’s a great way to lighten things up.
Is it okay to use a homemade sloppy joe sauce instead of canned?
Definitely. If you have a go-to homemade sloppy joe sauce, use it here! The casserole will take on an even more personal touch, and you can control the spice and sweetness to suit your family.
How do I know when the biscuits are fully cooked?
Look for the biscuit pieces to puff up and turn a deep golden brown around the edges. If you’re unsure, poke a piece in the center—if it feels fluffy and not doughy, you’re good to go!
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Of course! Finely diced bell peppers, corn, or even baby spinach can be folded into the beef mixture for extra color, nutrition, and flavor. Just sauté with the onion so they soften up before baking.
What’s the best way to double the Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole for a crowd?
Simply double all the ingredients and divide between two baking dishes. Bake both on the center rack, switching positions halfway through for even baking. Perfect for potlucks or family gatherings!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about gathering around a bubbling, cheesy casserole that makes any meal feel special. The Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole is easy, playful, and packed with flavor—guaranteed to put smiles on every face at the table. Give it a try and let this dish become your new go-to comfort classic!
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Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole is a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Combining the flavors of sloppy joes with the ease of a casserole, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 1 (15-ounce) can sloppy joe sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Casserole:
- 1 (16.3-ounce) can refrigerated biscuit dough (cut into quarters)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until browned, then drain excess grease.
- Add Sauce: Stir in the sloppy joe sauce, simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Prepare Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread biscuit dough pieces on the bottom. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture over the biscuits and gently stir to coat. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until biscuits are puffed and golden, and cheese is bubbly.
- Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat.
- For extra flavor, mix in diced bell peppers or a dash of hot sauce with the meat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous scoop
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 940 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
