Easy Cheesy Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole: Your New 30-Minute Weeknight Favorite!
Get ready to fall in love with this incredibly quick and easy Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole! This dish is the epitome of comfort food, blending savory ground beef simmered in a classic sloppy joe sauce with fluffy, golden biscuits and gooey melted cheese. It’s a cheesy, saucy, and satisfying weeknight dinner that cooks up in just 30 minutes, making it an instant family favorite that you’ll revisit for years to come.
Are you feeling stuck in a rut with your weekly dinner rotation? Do you crave something new and exciting but lack the time, budget, or energy to experiment with complicated, exotic ingredients? We’ve all been there! That’s precisely why I’m thrilled to share this effortlessly customizable Sloppy Joe Casserole with Biscuits. It’s designed to shake up your meal plan without adding any stress, offering a delicious twist on a beloved classic.
The Perfect Busy Weeknight Dinner Solution
This Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole is a lifesaver on those hectic weeknights. Crafted with just a handful of ordinary, budget-friendly ingredients, this innovative twist on an old classic is a fantastic way to introduce variety to your table without a trip to a specialty store. It captures all the nostalgic flavors of homemade sloppy joes, just like Mama used to make, but with an exciting, comforting casserole format that transforms dinner from mundane to memorable. Many people affectionately refer to biscuit casseroles as “bubble bakes” – a truly kid-friendly name that perfectly suits this family-pleasing meal! Its quick prep and bake time mean less stress in the kitchen and more quality time with your loved ones.
Explore More Fun Ground Beef Casseroles and Recipes:
If you love the versatility of ground beef as much as we do, you’re in luck! Ground beef is a staple in many quick and satisfying meals. Here are some other fantastic recipes that transform this everyday ingredient into something extraordinary:
- Hamburger Hashbrown Casserole
- Runza Casserole
- Juicy Burgers (Midwestern Loose Meat Sandwich)
- Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes
The Magic of Canned Biscuit Dough
One of the most wonderfully versatile and valuable ingredients to have in any home kitchen today is canned biscuit dough. It’s a true pantry hero! These biscuits are light, wonderfully fluffy, and once you pop open the can, all traditional biscuit rules go right out the window. They transform effortlessly, absorbing the rich, savory flavors of the sloppy joe mixture while baking into a soft, golden topping. In this recipe, I use the biscuits much like I do when making monkey bread, where they get coated in sweet goodness. Turns out, biscuit dough can be coated in far more than just cinnamon and brown sugar – their neutral flavor makes them perfect for absorbing savory sauces and creating a tender, bread-like component in any casserole!
What Do I Need to Make This Delicious Sloppy Joe Casserole?
You’ll be delighted by how few ingredients are required to bring this fantastic sloppy joe biscuit bake to life. Most of these are likely already in your pantry or easily found at any grocery store, ensuring a fuss-free cooking experience. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (we recommend lean ground beef for less grease)
- 1 can sloppy joe sauce or Manwich sauce (15 ounces)
- ½ cup chopped dill pickle slices (essential for that classic sloppy joe tang!)
- 1 can refrigerated biscuits (16 ounces, any brand of regular or flaky biscuits will work)
- 8 ounces shredded Colby Jack cheese or sharp cheddar cheese (for ultimate cheesiness)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Your Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole
Step 1: Preheat Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures your oven is ready for baking as soon as your casserole is assembled.
Step 2: Brown Ground Beef. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat into small, even crumbles as it cooks. Once the beef is fully cooked and no pink remains, drain off any excess grease thoroughly. This step is crucial for preventing a greasy casserole. Return the browned beef to the pan.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Pickles. To the cooked ground beef, add the entire can of sloppy joe sauce (or Manwich) and the ½ cup of chopped dill pickles. Stir everything together until the beef is thoroughly coated in the sauce. This mixture forms the flavorful base of your casserole.
Step 4: Incorporate Biscuits and Cheese. Open your can of refrigerated biscuits and cut each biscuit into 6 bite-sized pieces. Drop these biscuit pieces directly into the meat mixture in the pan, along with 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Gently stir everything together, making sure the biscuit pieces are evenly coated and separated. This creates a delightful “bubble bake” effect where the biscuits soak up the savory sauce and puff up during baking.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking. Lightly spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup. Evenly spread the beef and biscuit mixture into the prepared pan. Finally, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. This will create a beautiful, cheesy crust.
Step 6: Bake and Serve. Bake the casserole in your preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 28-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are beautifully golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The casserole should be heated through. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it stand for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly. Serve hot with your favorite sloppy joe toppings, such as a drizzle of ketchup, mustard, or even a sprinkle of fresh chopped green onions for added freshness.
Easy Recipe Variations and Substitutions to Make it Your Own
This Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole is incredibly forgiving and easy to adapt to your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
- Add a Zesty Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat and tang, try substituting pickled jalapeños for the dill pickles. For an extra spicy kick, swap the Colby Jack cheese for shredded pepper jack cheese.
- Sneak in Veggies: Boost the nutrition and flavor by adding ½ cup of diced onion and ½ cup of diced bell pepper (green, red, or yellow) to the ground beef as it browns. Sauté them until softened before adding the sloppy joe sauce. You could also try diced carrots or corn for added texture and sweetness.
- Lighten it Up: For a lighter version, use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of ground beef. The cooking method remains the same, but the flavor will be slightly milder.
- BBQ Biscuit Bake: Craving a different flavor profile? Instead of sloppy joe sauce, use an equal amount of your favorite barbecue sauce (sweet, smoky, or tangy) for a delicious BBQ Biscuit Bake. This variation is equally appealing and just as easy!
- Cheese Variations: While Colby Jack and cheddar are classics, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend for a different cheesy experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some common questions about making and enjoying your Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole:
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the sloppy joe mixture (steps 1-3) up to 8 hours in advance. Once combined, allow it to cool, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the biscuit pieces and cheese, transfer to the baking dish, and proceed with baking as directed. If baking from cold, you might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cook time.
- How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave until warmed through, or cover the casserole dish with foil and reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven until hot.
- Can this casserole be frozen?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! To freeze a baked casserole, allow it to cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven (covered with foil) at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, approximately 20-30 minutes, or longer if needed.
- What are good side dishes to serve with this casserole?
This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides. Consider a fresh green salad, steamed green beans, roasted corn on the cob, coleslaw, or even a side of mashed potatoes for an extra comforting meal.
- What kind of biscuits should I use?
Any standard canned refrigerated biscuits will work! Flaky layers or buttermilk biscuits are both excellent choices. Just be sure to cut them into small, even pieces so they cook consistently and absorb the sauce well.
Chef’s Tips for the Best Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole
- Drain the Grease: Don’t skip draining the grease from your ground beef. This prevents a watery, oily casserole and ensures the sloppy joe sauce clings perfectly to the meat.
- Even Biscuit Distribution: When stirring in the biscuit pieces, try to separate any that stick together. This helps them cook evenly and become delightfully fluffy.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes of baking. You want the biscuits to be golden brown, but not burnt or overly hard. The internal temperature should be hot and bubbly.
- Customize Your Cheese: While Colby Jack is recommended for its melty qualities and mild flavor, feel free to use your favorite cheese. Sharp cheddar adds a bolder flavor, while mozzarella offers a stringier, milder melt.
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Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole
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Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 can sloppy joe sauce (15 ounces)
- ½ cup chopped dill pickle slices
- 1 can refrigerated biscuits (16 ounces)
- 8 ounces shredded colby jack cheese
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 C).
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In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart until no pink remains. Drain any excess grease thoroughly and return to the pan.
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Add the sloppy joe sauce and chopped dill pickles to the beef mixture. Stir to combine.
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Cut the refrigerated biscuits into 6 pieces each. Drop these biscuit pieces into the meat mixture along with 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Stir gently to combine, ensuring biscuits are well coated and separated.
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Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Spread the beef and biscuit mixture evenly into the pan. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.
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Bake at 350 degrees F (175 C) for 28-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Serve hot.
Notes
Easy Recipe Variations and Substitutions
If you like things on the zesty side, try substituting pickled jalapeños for the dill pickles! And shredded pepper jack cheese instead of Colby Jack cheese for an extra kick.
If you like veggies, try adding 1/2 cup diced onion and 1/2 cup green bell pepper to the ground beef as it browns to add more flavor and nutrition. Sauté until softened.
Use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter alternative.
Substitute your favorite barbecue sauce instead of sloppy joe sauce for a delicious BBQ biscuit bake.
Prepare Ahead of Time:
You can do the prep work up to 8 hours ahead of time by completing steps 1-3 (browning beef and mixing with sauce/pickles). Allow the mixture to cool completely, then cover your baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. When ready to cook, proceed with adding the biscuits and cheese and bake as directed.
Alternately, you can make and freeze the entire casserole ahead of time. Simply bake as directed, cool completely, and cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, place it in the fridge to thaw overnight, then reheat in the microwave or a covered oven until heated through.
Storing Leftovers:
Store leftovers in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months in the freezer. For shorter storage, place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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