Description
Comfort meets convenience in this hearty Sloppy Joe Casserole, blending classic sandwich flavors with baked goodness. Cheesy, meaty layers promise a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground turkey
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 can (15 ounces) sloppy joe sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Topping Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (16 ounces) refrigerated biscuits
- 1 bag frozen tater tots
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley
- Green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking vessel by thoroughly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish and heating the oven to a precise 375F (190C), ensuring an optimal cooking environment for the upcoming casserole.
- Transform ground beef into a savory foundation by sautéing it with diced onions and bell peppers in a large skillet, allowing the meat to caramelize and vegetables to soften while releasing their aromatic essence.
- Drain any accumulated fat from the meat mixture, then introduce minced garlic, creating a fragrant base that will elevate the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- Infuse the meat with robust flavor by incorporating sloppy joe sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper, letting the ingredients meld together through a gentle simmer that concentrates their individual characteristics.
- Transfer the seasoned meat mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer that will serve as the hearty foundation of the casserole.
- Blanket the meat with a generous layer of shredded cheese, ensuring complete coverage that will create a melted, gooey texture during baking.
- Artfully arrange biscuits or frozen tater tots across the cheese layer, creating a decorative and delicious topping that will provide a crispy contrast to the rich underlying mixture.
- Slide the assembled casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake until the topping turns a golden brown and achieves a perfectly crisp exterior, typically requiring 25-30 minutes of careful cooking.
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for a brief 5 minutes, enabling the ingredients to settle and flavors to harmonize.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions, adding a vibrant touch of color and a hint of fresh herbaceous flavor before serving the warm, comforting dish.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, vegetarian-friendly version that’s just as delicious and satisfying.
- Customize the heat level by adjusting chili powder or adding hot sauce for spice lovers who want an extra kick.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time to make this a quick weeknight meal, chopping vegetables and measuring spices in advance saves precious cooking minutes.
- Elevate nutrition by sneaking in extra diced vegetables like zucchini or carrots into the beef mixture without compromising the classic comfort food flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg