If you’re craving classic comfort food with a delicious twist, this Sloppy Joe Casserole with Buttery Biscuit Topping is exactly what you need.

It’s everything you love about the iconic sloppy joe sandwich—savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and just the right amount of sweetness—baked into a warm, bubbly casserole and topped with golden, flaky biscuits.

Yes, it’s as good as it sounds.

This sloppy joe casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy Sunday dinners, or meal prepping for the week ahead. It’s a hit with kids and adults alike, and it comes together quickly with simple pantry ingredients.

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❤️ Why You’ll Love This Sloppy Joe Casserole

There’s something magical about transforming a nostalgic sandwich into a cozy, oven-baked dish the whole family can dig into.

This sloppy joe casserole takes all the classic flavors you remember—savory ground beef, tangy-sweet sauce, and hearty texture—and upgrades them with a golden, buttery biscuit topping that bakes right on top.

Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner solution or a hearty dish to share at a potluck, this recipe checks every box:

✅ One-Pan Wonder

Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning less mess and minimal cleanup. Plus, fewer dishes = more time to relax after dinner!

✅ Quick & Easy

Made with simple pantry staples, this sloppy joe casserole can be on the table in under 30 minutes.

It’s a lifesaver on busy nights when you need something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

✅ Family-Friendly

Kids and adults alike love this dish! The savory beef filling combined with soft, buttery biscuits is comfort food at its best.

It’s also easy to adapt for picky eaters—leave out the onions or peppers if needed, and it still turns out delicious.

✅ Freezer-Friendly

Make a double batch and freeze one for later!

You can freeze just the sloppy joe base or the entire baked casserole for an easy grab-and-bake dinner.

✅ Budget-Conscious

Ground beef, a few canned items, and store-bought biscuits keep this dish budget-friendly without sacrificing flavor.

It’s a great way to stretch ingredients and feed a crowd.

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this sloppy joe casserole with biscuit topping.

Most of these items are pantry or fridge staples, making this an easy go-to recipe when you’re short on time or grocery trips.

For the Sloppy Joe Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef – The heart of the dish. Use lean ground beef for less grease, or swap with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter option.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped – Adds depth and sweetness to the filling.
• 1 green bell pepper, diced – Brings a pop of color and a slight crunch. Red or yellow peppers work great too.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic adds rich, savory flavor to your sloppy joe casserole.
• ¾ cup ketchup – This forms the base of the sauce, providing sweetness and tang.
• 1 tbsp tomato paste – Adds richness and thickens the sauce.
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – Brings that irresistible umami depth.
• 1 tbsp brown sugar – Balances the acidity and adds a touch of caramelized sweetness.
• ½ tsp salt + ½ tsp black pepper – To taste, bringing all the flavors together.

For the Buttery Biscuit Topping:

• 1 can refrigerated biscuits – These bake up golden and fluffy on top of the casserole. Feel free to use homemade biscuit dough if you prefer.
• 2 tbsp melted butter – Brushed on the biscuits before baking for that irresistible golden, buttery finish.
• Optional toppings:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese – Sprinkle on top of the filling before adding biscuits for a cheesy twist.
  • Chopped parsley or chives – For a fresh garnish after baking.

Ingredient Substitution Ideas:

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or meatless crumbles for a lighter version.
• Use BBQ sauce in place of ketchup for a smoky flavor variation.
• Add in veggies like corn, mushrooms, or zucchini for an extra nutritional boost.

🍳 How to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole with Buttery Biscuit Topping

Making this sloppy joe casserole is quick, simple, and totally beginner-friendly.

Whether you’re feeding a family of four or doubling the recipe for leftovers, this step-by-step guide ensures a delicious casserole every time.

Step 1: Preheat & Brown the Beef

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

While the oven warms up, heat a large oven-safe skillet (like a cast iron or deep sauté pan) over medium heat.

Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

This usually takes about 5–7 minutes.

Pro Tip: If there’s excess grease, drain it off before continuing.

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Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Once the beef is browned, stir in the chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic.

Cook for another 3–4 minutes until the veggies are soft and fragrant.

This layer of flavor is what makes your sloppy joe casserole extra savory and satisfying.

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Step 3: Build the Sloppy Joe Sauce

Add the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper to the skillet.

Stir everything together until well combined.

Let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken.

You should end up with a rich, sweet-savory sloppy joe mixture that smells absolutely irresistible.

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Step 4: Add the Biscuit Topping

If you’re using refrigerated biscuits, open the can and slightly flatten each biscuit (this helps them cook evenly and cover more surface area).

Place them over the meat mixture in a single layer.

Brush the tops with melted butter for that classic golden finish.

Want to take it up a notch?

Sprinkle a handful of shredded cheddar cheese over the meat before adding the biscuits for a cheesy surprise inside!

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Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.

The filling should be hot and bubbly underneath.

Let the sloppy joe casserole cool for a few minutes before serving—this helps everything set a bit and makes it easier to scoop out.

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Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives if desired, and serve warm.

This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or even classic coleslaw for a complete meal.

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🍽️ Tips for the Best Sloppy Joe Casserole

Want to take your sloppy joe casserole from good to unforgettable?

These expert tips will help you get it right every time:

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✅ Use an Oven-Safe Skillet

Cooking everything in one oven-safe skillet not only saves dishes but also enhances flavor by letting the sauce and meat simmer together.

If you don’t have one, cook the filling in a regular pan and transfer it to a greased 9×13 baking dish before adding the biscuit topping.

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✅ Taste and Adjust the Sauce

Everyone’s taste is different! Want it tangier?

Add a splash of vinegar.

Prefer it sweeter?

A bit more brown sugar does the trick. Always taste your sloppy joe filling before baking and adjust as needed.

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✅ Customize the Topping

Canned biscuits are quick and easy, but you can also use homemade biscuit dough, crescent rolls, or even puff pastry for a more elevated touch.

Just be sure to adjust baking times based on the topping you choose.

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✅ Add Cheese for an Extra Layer

Who doesn’t love a cheesy casserole?

Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top of the sloppy joe mixture before placing the biscuits.

The result? A gooey, melty, flavor-packed bite.

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✅ Make It Your Own

Don’t be afraid to experiment!

You can easily turn this into a Tex-Mex version by adding taco seasoning and topping with jalapeños.

Or sneak in extra nutrition with chopped spinach, corn, or shredded carrots.

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✅ Let It Rest

Once baked, let the sloppy joe casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

This helps the sauce settle and prevents burning your mouth on that molten biscuit topping!

🥶 How to Store and Reheat Sloppy Joe Casserole

One of the best parts about this sloppy joe casserole is how well it holds up for leftovers.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or storing leftovers from dinner, here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious:

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How to Store Leftovers

• Refrigerator: Let the casserole cool completely before covering it tightly with foil or transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Want to save it for later? This sloppy joe casserole freezes beautifully! You can freeze the cooked casserole (preferably without the biscuit topping, which can get soggy), or freeze just the meat filling.
  • To freeze the full dish: Let it cool completely, wrap the casserole dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • To freeze just the filling: Place the cooled meat mixture in a freezer-safe bag or container, label, and freeze for later use.

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How to Reheat

• Microwave: For individual portions, microwave on high for 1–2 minutes, or until heated through. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep the biscuit from drying out.
• Oven: For larger portions or the whole casserole, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes, or until hot throughout. Cover with foil to prevent the biscuit topping from over-browning.
• From Frozen: If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. If baking straight from frozen, add extra time (about 15–20 minutes) and keep covered with foil until the center is fully heated.

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Pro Tip:

To keep the biscuits from getting too soggy, reheat them separately in a toaster oven or air fryer for a few minutes before serving.

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👩‍🍳 Can I Make This Sloppy Joe Casserole Ahead of Time?

Absolutely!

This sloppy joe casserole is a fantastic make-ahead meal that makes dinnertime a breeze—especially on busy weekdays or when hosting guests.

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Option 1: Make the Filling Ahead

Prepare the sloppy joe meat mixture as directed, then let it cool and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.

When you’re ready to bake, pour the filling into a casserole dish or oven-safe skillet, top with biscuits, and bake as usual.

This saves you a good 20 minutes of prep time on the day of serving!

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Option 2: Assemble and Refrigerate

You can fully assemble the casserole (filling + biscuits) and store it, covered, in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

This is perfect for those nights when you want to just pop something into the oven and relax.

Important: If you’re baking from chilled, add an extra 5–10 minutes to the cook time to ensure the biscuits bake through.

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Option 3: Freeze for Later

To freeze, make the meat mixture and freeze it separately or fully assemble the casserole and freeze before baking (preferably without the biscuit topping).

Add the biscuits fresh before baking for best results.

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Make-Ahead Serving Tip:

Double the recipe and store one for later.

This sloppy joe casserole is a freezer-friendly, family-approved lifesaver when you need something hearty on the table fast.

🧑‍🍳 Variations & Creative Twists on Sloppy Joe Casserole

One of the best things about a sloppy joe casserole is how versatile it is.

Once you’ve nailed the base recipe, it’s easy to put your own spin on it!

Here are a few fun and flavorful variations to try the next time you make it:

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1. Tex-Mex Sloppy Joe Casserole

Spice things up with a Tex-Mex twist!

Add a packet of taco seasoning to the beef mixture, swap ketchup for salsa, and mix in black beans and corn.

Top with jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for a little kick.

2. Cheesy Sloppy Joe Bake

For the cheese lovers: stir shredded cheddar or mozzarella directly into the sloppy joe mixture before baking.

You can also sprinkle extra cheese between the filling and the biscuit topping for a melty layer that takes it over the top.

3. Low-Carb / Keto Version

Skip the biscuit topping and instead spoon the sloppy joe mixture over roasted cauliflower or zucchini slices.

You can also bake it with a cheesy egg-based topping for a crustless casserole that fits your macros.

4. Vegetarian Sloppy Joe Casserole

Swap out the ground beef for plant-based crumbles, lentils, or finely chopped mushrooms and walnuts.

The texture holds up beautifully, and you’ll still get that rich, saucy flavor with every bite.

5. Tater Tot Sloppy Joe Casserole

Love tater tots?

Use them as a crispy topping instead of biscuits!

Arrange frozen tots over the sloppy joe mixture and bake until golden and crunchy.

It’s a hit with kids and adds great texture.

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🍷 What to Serve with Sloppy Joe Casserole

While this sloppy joe casserole is definitely a meal on its own, pairing it with the right sides can elevate it into a truly memorable dinner.

Here are a few easy and delicious ideas to round out your meal:

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🥗 Fresh & Light Sides

• Simple Garden Salad – Crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette add freshness and balance the richness of the casserole.
• Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans – Keep it simple and nutritious. A bit of lemon juice or grated parmesan goes a long way.

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🥔 Hearty Comfort Sides

• Mashed Potatoes – Yes, carbs on carbs—but worth it! Creamy mashed potatoes are a great complement to the savory, saucy meat filling.
• Mac & Cheese – Go all-in with comfort food. Serve a scoop of homemade mac and cheese on the side for the ultimate indulgent dinner.

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🍹 Drink Pairings

Craft Beer – Try an amber ale or a light lager to balance the casserole’s bold flavors.

Iced Tea or Lemonade – Perfect for a casual weeknight meal.

Red Wine – A smooth Merlot or Syrah pairs nicely with the rich, savory beef.

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⭐ Reader Favorite!

This sloppy joe casserole is consistently a hit on Pinterest and with our readers.

It’s hearty, family-friendly, and perfect for anyone who loves a little twist on tradition.

The buttery biscuit topping is what makes this casserole next-level delicious.

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🧡 Final Thoughts on This Sloppy Joe Casserole with Buttery Biscuit Topping

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting, and crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together with minimal effort, this sloppy joe casserole with buttery biscuit topping is a must-try.

It’s the perfect combination of sweet, savory, cheesy, and fluffy—and it brings all the nostalgic flavors of a classic sloppy joe in a fun and satisfying new form.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping meals ahead of a busy week, or simply craving something warm and cozy, this casserole is sure to hit the spot.

One bite, and you’ll see why it’s become a go-to favorite in so many homes!

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📌 Pin It Now, Make It Later!

Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Dinner Ideas, Family Meals, or Comfort Food Favorites board on Pinterest.

Trust us—you’ll want to make this sloppy joe casserole again and again.

If you tried it, leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out!

Did you add extra cheese?

Toss in some spice?

We love hearing your creative twists!

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