Chef Maxime created this sloppy joe biscuit bake during a week when his kids were begging for comfort food but he needed something faster than traditional cooking. He combined the messy, nostalgic flavors of sloppy joes with fluffy biscuits in a casserole format that eliminated the dripping and doubled the satisfaction. The result was an instant family favorite that disappeared faster than he could plate it.
This casserole recipe transforms the classic sandwich into a hearty one-dish meal that’s perfect for feeding hungry families. The savory ground beef mixture mingles with soft biscuit pieces while cheese melts throughout, creating comfort food perfection in every bite.
Sloppy Joe Biscuit Bake (Casserole Style)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Brown ground beef and diced onion in large skillet over medium-high heat, 7-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
- Stir in sloppy joe sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add pickle relish if using. Simmer 3-4 minutes.
- Cut each biscuit into 6 pieces using sharp knife or pizza cutter.
- Remove skillet from heat. Add biscuit pieces and 1½ cups cheese. Gently fold until combined.
- Spread mixture evenly in prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheese on top.
- Bake 28-30 minutes until biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Drain beef well to prevent greasy casserole.
Can assemble 24 hours ahead and refrigerate before baking.
Leftovers keep 4 days refrigerated.
Freezes well up to 2 months. Servings: 8
Calories: 415
Protein: 26g
Summary
This sloppy joe biscuit bake combines seasoned ground beef in tangy sloppy joe sauce with chunks of refrigerated biscuits and melted cheddar cheese. Everything bakes together in one dish, creating a meal that’s part casserole, part sandwich, and completely delicious. Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy dinner recipe delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort and mess.
The casserole format makes serving easier than traditional sloppy joe sandwiches while the biscuits soak up all those savory juices. Perfect for lazy dinners, potlucks, or weeknight meals when you want something hearty without standing over the stove.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Equipment for Sloppy Joe Biscuit Bake
- 9×13-inch baking dish – standard casserole pan
- Large skillet for browning meat
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter for cutting biscuits
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Can opener
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients for Sloppy Joe Biscuit Bake
Meat Mixture
- 1½ pounds lean ground beef (90/10 ratio)
- 1 small onion, diced – aromatic base
- 1 can (15.5 oz) sloppy joe sauce (Manwich or similar)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – umami depth
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder – savory flavor
- ½ teaspoon salt – enhances taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper – subtle heat
Biscuits and Cheese
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuits (8 count, like Pillsbury Grands)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided – melty goodness
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish (optional) – tangy crunch
Optional Toppings
- Extra shredded cheese
- Diced onions
- Pickles
- Mustard
- Ketchup
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions for Sloppy Joe Biscuit Bake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is completely browned with no pink remaining and the onions are softened.
Step 3: Drain Excess Fat
Carefully drain the excess grease from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor. Too much grease will make the casserole oily, while too little will make it dry.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Seasonings
Return the skillet to medium heat. Stir in the sloppy joe sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. If using pickle relish, add it now. Simmer the mixture for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and becomes fragrant.
Step 5: Prepare the Biscuits
While the meat simmers, open the can of refrigerated biscuits. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut each biscuit into 6 pieces (quarters work too, but smaller pieces distribute better). This creates bite-sized dough pieces that will puff up throughout the casserole.
Step 6: Combine Meat and Biscuits
Remove the skillet from heat. Add the biscuit pieces and 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the meat mixture. Gently fold everything together until the biscuit pieces are coated with the sloppy joe mixture. Take care to separate any biscuits that stick together.
Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish
Spread the beef and biscuit mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Make sure the biscuit pieces are distributed throughout rather than clumped together. Press down gently to create an even layer.
Step 8: Add Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt and create a golden, bubbly crust during baking.
Step 9: Bake Until Golden
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 28-30 minutes until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The center should be hot throughout. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil.
Step 10: Rest and Serve
Remove the sloppy joe biscuit bake from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes serving easier. Cut into squares and serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/8 of casserole) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 415 |
| Total Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Cholesterol | 75mg |
| Sodium | 920mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 33g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 8g |
| Protein | 26g |
| Vitamin A | 8% DV |
| Vitamin C | 4% DV |
| Calcium | 20% DV |
| Iron | 15% DV |
Nutritional Highlights
This sloppy joe biscuit bake provides 26 grams of protein per serving, making it a satisfying and filling meal. The lean ground beef supplies essential nutrients including iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and selenium, all crucial for energy production and immune function.
The cheese contributes calcium for bone health and additional protein. While this is a comfort food dish, using lean ground beef and controlling portion sizes helps manage calorie and fat intake. The carbohydrates from the biscuits provide energy for active lifestyles.
Dietitian Tips
- Boost vegetables: Mix diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini into the meat mixture
- Reduce sodium: Use low-sodium sloppy joe sauce and reduce added salt
- Make it leaner: Choose 93/7 lean ground beef to reduce saturated fat
- Add fiber: Serve with a large side salad or steamed green beans
- Lighten the cheese: Use reduced-fat cheddar to cut calories and saturated fat
- Control portions: Stick to one serving and fill half your plate with vegetables
Tips and Variations for Sloppy Joe Biscuit Bake
Cooking Tips
- Cut biscuits evenly: Uniform pieces cook at the same rate for consistent texture
- Don’t overmix: Gently fold the biscuits to keep them fluffy rather than dense
- Check doneness: Insert a knife into a biscuit piece—it should come out clean
- Prevent soggy bottom: Make sure to drain the beef well before adding other ingredients
- Even distribution: Spread biscuit pieces throughout rather than letting them clump
- Let it rest: The 5-minute rest allows the sauce to set for easier serving
Flavor Variations
- BBQ twist: Replace sloppy joe sauce with BBQ sauce for sweeter flavor
- Mexican style: Add taco seasoning and use Mexican cheese blend
- Spicy kick: Mix in diced jalapeños or add hot sauce to the meat
- Cheesy supreme: Double the cheese and add cream cheese for extra richness
- Pizza-inspired: Add Italian seasoning and mozzarella instead of cheddar
Biscuit Alternatives
- Crescent rolls: Use crescent dough instead of biscuits for flakier texture
- Cornbread: Top with cornbread batter instead of biscuits for Southern flair
- Tater tots: Create a tater tot topping instead of biscuits
- Homemade biscuits: Use your favorite homemade biscuit recipe
- Gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free biscuits for dietary needs
Protein Swaps
- Ground turkey: Leaner option with similar texture
- Ground chicken: Even lighter alternative
- Plant-based ground: Vegetarian version using meat alternatives
- Combination meat: Mix ground beef with Italian sausage for extra flavor
Cheese Options
- Colby Jack: Mild and creamy melting cheese
- Pepper Jack: Adds spicy kick throughout
- Sharp cheddar: More intense cheese flavor
- American cheese: Creates ultra-creamy texture
- Mexican blend: Adds variety with multiple cheese types
Make-Ahead and Storage
- Assemble ahead: Prepare up to the baking step, cover, refrigerate up to 24 hours
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store covered for up to 4 days
- Freeze portions: Freeze individual servings for up to 2 months
- Reheat oven: Warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through
- Reheat microwave: Individual portions for 2-3 minutes
Serving Suggestions
- Side salad: Pair with crisp green salad and vinaigrette
- Vegetable sides: Serve with roasted broccoli or green beans
- Pickles: Offer dill pickles on the side for tangy crunch
- Chips: Serve with potato chips or tortilla chips
- Coleslaw: Add creamy coleslaw for traditional pairing
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade sloppy joe sauce instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade sauce works wonderfully in this hamburger meat recipe. Use about 1½ cups of your favorite homemade sloppy joe sauce. You may need to adjust the consistency—it should be thick enough to coat the meat without being watery, as excess liquid will make the biscuits soggy.
Why are my biscuits doughy in the center?
Doughy biscuits usually mean the casserole needs more baking time or the biscuit pieces were too large. Cut biscuits into 6 pieces rather than 4, and ensure they’re evenly distributed. Bake until a knife inserted into a biscuit comes out clean. Cover with foil if the top browns before biscuits cook through.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the entire casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, remove from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
What can I substitute for refrigerated biscuits?
Try refrigerated crescent rolls cut into pieces, frozen biscuits (thawed and cut), homemade biscuit dough, or even drop biscuits placed on top. For a different twist, top with cornbread batter or tater tots instead. Each creates a unique but equally delicious variation.
How do I prevent the casserole from being greasy?
The key is draining the ground beef thoroughly after browning. Use lean ground beef (90/10 or leaner) and drain excess fat completely. Pat the cooked meat with paper towels if needed. Avoid adding extra oil or butter, as the cheese provides enough richness.
Can I freeze sloppy joe biscuit bake?
Yes! Cool the baked casserole completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat covered at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Individual portions can be frozen and reheated separately for quick meals.
Conclusion for Sloppy Joe Biscuit Bake
This sloppy joe biscuit bake proves that casserole recipes can be both comforting and convenient. The combination of savory sloppy joe filling with fluffy biscuits and melted cheese creates a complete meal that satisfies even the hungriest appetites. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you crave nostalgic comfort food without the mess.
Whether you’re looking for easy dinner recipes, lazy dinners that come together quickly, or reliable dinner recipes the whole family will love, this one-dish wonder delivers on every front. The simple preparation and crowd-pleasing flavors make it a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
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