Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole

I first made this Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole on a chilly weeknight when I was craving something hearty, comforting, and easy enough to whip up after a long day. What started as a simple idea turned into one of those cozy family favorites that brings everyone running to the table. Imagine rich, saucy ground beef, tender vegetables, and fluffy biscuits baked to golden perfection under a melty blanket of cheddar cheese — that’s what this dish delivers. It’s warm, satisfying, and packed with classic Sloppy Joe flavor in every bite. The best part? You can make it all in about 35 minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a potluck, or a weekend dinner, this casserole is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, Savory Comfort in One Dish

There’s something magical about the combination of saucy ground beef and fluffy biscuits baked together in one cozy dish. The savory Sloppy Joe mixture seeps into the biscuit dough as it bakes, creating layers of rich flavor and comforting texture. Every bite is warm, cheesy, and satisfyingly hearty — like a hug on a plate.

Simple Ingredients You Probably Already Have

No fancy shopping list here! This recipe leans on pantry staples and fridge basics — ground beef, onions, bell peppers, tomato sauce, ketchup, and biscuit dough. You likely have most of them on hand already, making it a stress-free option when you need dinner on the table fast.

Straightforward Prep for Busy Nights

From stovetop to oven, this dish is the definition of simple cooking. A single skillet and a baking dish are all you need — minimal prep, easy cleanup, and dinner ready in about 35 minutes. Perfect for weeknights when you want homemade comfort without the hassle.

Flexible & Customizable for Your Family

One of the best parts about Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole is how easy it is to make it your own. You can switch up the meat — try turkey or chicken for a lighter version — or toss in veggies like corn, mushrooms, or diced tomatoes. Want it extra cheesy? Go ahead and double the cheese. It’s your comfort food canvas.

Ingredients

Full List of Ingredients

This recipe keeps things simple while still delivering incredible flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:

• 1 pound ground beef – The hearty, savory base of the casserole that gives it satisfying substance.

• 1 small onion, chopped – Adds gentle sweetness and depth to balance the rich sauce.

• 1 small bell pepper, diced – Brings a pop of color, freshness, and a touch of crunch.

• 1 cup tomato sauce – Forms the saucy backbone that coats every piece of beef and biscuit.

• ½ cup ketchup – Adds sweetness and tang, echoing the classic Sloppy Joe flavor we all love.

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Infuses a deep, savory umami note that enhances every bite.

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Provides warmth and that subtle garlicky flavor without overpowering.

• 1 teaspoon chili powder – Offers mild spice and smokiness, balancing the sweetness of the sauce.

• ½ teaspoon salt – Elevates all the flavors and brings everything together.

• ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds gentle heat and rounds out the seasoning.

• 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough – The crowning glory! These bake up golden and fluffy, soaking up the sauce underneath.

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – Melts into a gooey, golden topping that makes this casserole irresistible.

Each ingredient plays its part in making this dish taste like something you spent hours on — even though it comes together in no time.

How to Make Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole

There’s nothing complicated about this recipe — it’s the kind of meal that feels homey from start to finish. You’ll brown some beef, stir in a few simple seasonings, top it with buttery biscuit pieces and plenty of melted cheese, then let the oven work its magic. Dinner doesn’t get more comforting (or easier!) than this.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. A little grease helps prevent sticking and ensures those golden biscuit bottoms bake up beautifully.

2️⃣ Brown the Beef and Veggies
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, chopped onion, and diced bell pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender — about 6–8 minutes.

💡 Tip: Drain any excess grease before moving on; this keeps the biscuits from absorbing too much oil and becoming soggy.

3️⃣ Build the Sauce
Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything melds into a thick, fragrant, slightly tangy sauce.

4️⃣ Layer in the Baking Dish
Remove from heat and spoon the sloppy joe mixture evenly into the prepared dish. Spread it into an even layer so the biscuits bake uniformly on top.

5️⃣ Add the Biscuit Topping
Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough and cut each biscuit into quarters. Scatter the pieces evenly over the meat mixture.

💡 Tip: Try to keep the pieces in a single layer — if they overlap too much, they may bake unevenly.

6️⃣ Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the biscuit pieces. This creates that irresistible bubbly, golden top layer that everyone fights for at the table.

7️⃣ Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the biscuits are puffed and golden brown and the cheese is melted and slightly crisp at the edges.

💡 Tip: If you notice the biscuits browning too quickly before the center is cooked, tent a piece of foil loosely over the dish for the last 5 minutes of baking.

8️⃣ Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This short wait allows the sauce to settle and makes scooping easier — and safer!

🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: ~35 minutes

What to Serve with This Recipe

A dish as hearty and savory as Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole pairs beautifully with lighter, refreshing sides and a sweet finish.

Suggested Pairings

Pick one from each group — veggies, drinks, and dessert — and you’ve got yourself a complete, balanced, and totally satisfying meal:

🥗 Veggie Sides

• Crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette (adds freshness)

• Roasted or steamed green beans or broccoli for something simple and wholesome

• Classic coleslaw or lightly dressed cabbage slaw for cool crunch

🍞 Bread & Extras

• Simple garlic bread or fluffy dinner rolls for soaking up extra sauce

🥤 Drinks

• Iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing balance

• A cold glass of milk for a kid-friendly pairing

🍨 Desserts

• Vanilla ice cream for a creamy, cooling contrast

• Warm fruit cobbler (peach or apple) for an old-fashioned touch

✨ Tip: Pair a light side with this rich casserole to keep your meal comforting without feeling heavy.

Variations and Substitutions

Whether you’re watching calories, avoiding gluten, or just want to mix things up, this casserole is flexible enough to fit your needs.

Lighter / Lower-Fat Option

Swap the ground beef for lean ground turkey or chicken, use low-fat cheese, and opt for reduced-fat or whole-wheat biscuit dough. You’ll still get all that cozy Sloppy Joe flavor with a lighter finish that doesn’t skimp on comfort.

Extra Cheesy or Veggie-Packed

Double down on the cheese with Colby-Jack or pepper jack for extra melt and flavor. Toss in diced mushrooms, corn, or chopped tomatoes to sneak in extra veggies. For a little heat, stir in jalapeños — it gives the casserole a playful kick.

Gluten-Free or Biscuit Alternative

Use gluten-free biscuit dough (many brands make great ones now!) or top your casserole with mashed cauliflower, tater tots, or even biscuit-style dumplings. It’s a great way to adapt for gluten-free guests while keeping that satisfying baked-topping vibe.

Storage Instructions

No one ever complains about Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole leftovers — and for good reason. This dish reheats beautifully and keeps its comforting flavor even a few days later. Whether you’re saving some for tomorrow’s lunch or planning ahead for a busy weeknight, here’s how to store it properly so it stays just as delicious as when it came out of the oven.

Room Temperature Storage

Like most hot casseroles, this dish shouldn’t sit out for more than 2 hours at room temperature. After serving, allow it to cool slightly, then transfer leftovers promptly to the fridge or freezer to keep everything safe and fresh.

Refrigeration Tips

Once cooled (within about 30 minutes of baking), place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven at 350 °F (175 °C) until warmed through, or use the microwave in short bursts.

💡 Tip: Cover with foil when reheating in the oven to keep the biscuits soft and prevent drying out.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze, bake the casserole as directed, then let it cool completely. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2–3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350 °F until hot.

💡 Make-ahead tip: Assemble the meat mixture up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, then add biscuits and cheese just before baking for that freshly baked texture.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Cooking should be joyful, not stressful — and these tried-and-true tips will help your Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole turn out perfectly every single time:

• Use 80/20 ground beef (or leaner if preferred) but drain well to prevent a greasy casserole.

• Chop onion and bell pepper finely so they cook evenly and blend smoothly into the sauce.

• Simmer the sauce briefly — just enough for flavors to meld but without overcooking the veggies.

• Cut biscuits into quarters for even baking and perfect bite-sized pieces.

• Arrange biscuit pieces in a single layer so they bake up fluffy and golden all around.

• For even browning, bake on the middle rack and rotate the dish halfway through.

• Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving — this gives the sauce time to settle and makes serving cleaner.

• If biscuits brown too fast, tent loosely with foil during the last few minutes of baking.

• Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a small dab of butter before serving for a polished finish.

• Don’t skip the cheese layer — it helps the topping bind and adds that irresistible gooey melt.

• And if you’re new to casseroles: this recipe is the perfect place to start. Everything goes in one dish, it’s forgiving, and guaranteed to earn compliments from everyone at the table.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole, you might also enjoy these savory family favorites on Creative Cookery:

• Loaded Potato Meatloaf Casserole

• Poor Man Husband Casserole

FAQs

Here are some of the most common questions readers ask about making Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole — answered simply and clearly:

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Both are great substitutes. Add a touch more salt or Worcestershire sauce to bring back that deep, savory flavor.

What if I only have baking-mix or homemade biscuits?

Go for it! Just cut your biscuit dough into pieces and keep an eye on baking time to make sure they cook through evenly.

Can I assemble this ahead of time and bake later?

Yes — prepare the meat mixture and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready, top with biscuits and cheese, then bake as directed.

How do I know when the biscuits are done?

They’ll be golden brown on top and puffed. Insert a toothpick into one — if it comes out clean or with soft crumbs, you’re good to go.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Definitely! Bake, cool, cover, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven until piping hot.

Can I add extra vegetables?
Of course! Try mushrooms, corn, spinach, or extra bell pepper for more texture and nutrition.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes — kids love it! The saucy beef and cheesy biscuit topping make it a family favorite. For younger eaters, reduce the chili powder for a milder taste.

What if my biscuits brown too quickly?

Just tent the dish with foil for the final few minutes or lower the temperature slightly to help them bake evenly.

Conclusion

Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole is one of those rare recipes that checks all the boxes — quick, comforting, and completely crowd-pleasing. With its saucy, savory filling and fluffy biscuit topping, it brings the warmth of a homemade meal to your table without any fuss. It’s easy enough for weeknights yet special enough for family gatherings.

Give it a try this week — your kitchen will smell amazing, and your family will thank you. 💛
Don’t forget to pin this recipe, share it with friends, and let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Here’s to cozy, stress-free cooking that feels like home.

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