Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole

This sloppy joe biscuit casserole transforms a beloved but messy American classic into a convenient, family-friendly dinner that delivers all the flavors without requiring extra napkins. The combination of savory beef, tangy sauce, and fluffy biscuits creates a comforting meal that both kids and adults will appreciate.

I first made this casserole during a particularly chaotic week when I needed something my picky eaters would actually finish. The empty dish and requests for seconds told me everything I needed to know this recipe was going into our regular rotation.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: creates the hearty base look for 85/15 lean to fat ratio for best flavor
• Ketchup: provides that classic tangy sloppy joe foundation
• Brown sugar: balances the acidity with just the right touch of sweetness
• Worcestershire sauce: adds depth and umami notes
• Mustard: gives a subtle zip that enhances the overall flavor profile
• Garlic and onion powder: offer convenience while delivering essential flavors
• Refrigerated biscuits: transform into a fluffy golden crust use the flaky variety
• Cheddar cheese: creates an irresistible melty topping sharp or mild works beautifully

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the oven:

Heat your oven to 350°F and prepare your 9x13 baking dish with a thorough coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking. This step ensures easy serving later.

Brown the meat:

Cook ground beef over medium heat in a skillet until completely browned with no pink remaining. Be sure to break up any large chunks with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole.

Create the sauce:

Add ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to the skillet with the drained meat. Stir until everything is well combined and allow it to simmer for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together and the sauce thicken slightly.

Combine with biscuits:

Transfer the meat mixture to a medium bowl, then add the quartered biscuits. Gently toss everything together until each biscuit piece is coated with the saucy meat mixture. This ensures flavor in every bite.

Assemble the casserole:

Pour the entire biscuit and meat mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheese across the top, creating a layer that will melt into a delicious golden crust.

Bake to perfection:

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 28 30 minutes. Look for the biscuits to puff up and turn a beautiful golden brown, and the cheese to be completely melted and beginning to bubble around the edges.

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This casserole reminds me of school lunch days but with a homemade upgrade that makes all the difference. The brown sugar in the sauce is my secret weapon it adds just enough sweetness to balance the tangy components without making the dish too sweet.

Make Ahead Options

The meat mixture can be prepared up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply warm the mixture slightly, combine with fresh biscuit pieces, top with cheese, and bake as directed. This makes weeknight dinner prep even faster and is perfect for meal planning.

Customize Your Casserole

Feel free to make this recipe your own by adding diced bell peppers or onions to the meat mixture for extra vegetables and flavor. For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also experiment with different cheese varieties such as pepper jack for heat or a Mexican blend for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to create a balanced meal. For a truly nostalgic experience, serve with pickle spears on the side. If serving to guests, a dollop of sour cream on top of each portion adds a cool, creamy contrast to the savory casserole.

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Storing Leftovers

Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they have time to meld together. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 2 minutes or until heated through. For best results when reheating larger portions, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, about 15 20 minutes.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives to suit your preferences.

→ Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, prepare and bake the casserole, then let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly and freezing for up to 2 months.

→ How can I add more vegetables?

Consider adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or shredded carrots to the beef mixture during cooking for extra nutrients and flavor.

→ What type of biscuits work best?

Refrigerated canned biscuits work well for this recipe, but you can also use homemade dough if preferred.

→ How do I prevent soggy biscuits?

Ensure the meat mixture isn't too liquidy by simmering it until slightly thickened before mixing with the biscuit pieces.