Here’s a delicious and easy Sloppy Joe Casserole recipe — all the flavors of classic Sloppy Joes baked into a hearty casserole! 🍔🥘
Sloppy Joe Casserole
Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Ingredients:
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef
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1 onion, finely chopped
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1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
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2–3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup ketchup
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
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½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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3–4 cups bread cubes (day-old or toasted works best)
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½ cup pickles or sliced jalapeños (optional)
Instructions:
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Cook the beef mixture:
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In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
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Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
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Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Prepare the casserole:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half the bread cubes.
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Spread half of the Sloppy Joe mixture over the bread.
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Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
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Repeat with remaining bread, beef mixture, and cheese.
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Bake:
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Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake another 5–10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve:
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Top with pickles or jalapeños if desired.
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Serve hot — perfect with a side salad or steamed veggies.
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Tips & Variations:
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🍞 Bread alternative: Use dinner rolls, cornbread, or hamburger buns cut into cubes for a twist.
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🧀 Cheese variations: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a mix for extra flavor.
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🌶️ Spicy version: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
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🥫 Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and bake the next day.
I can also give a slow-cooker version of this casserole that makes it even easier for busy weeknights. Do you want that?