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Sloppy Joe Casserole

Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole — Biscuit Topped Bake

by Cuts Food June 9, 2026

written by Cuts Food

Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole — Biscuit Topped Bake is my go to dinner for those nights when everyone’s hungry right now and I do not feel like juggling three different pans. You get that sweet and tangy sloppy joe flavor, plus a warm biscuit top that feels like comfort food in the best way. It’s also a little forgiving, so if you’re missing one ingredient, you can usually swap something in and still end up with a really solid meal. I started making this when I wanted something easier than sandwiches but still fun and kid friendly. If you’ve got ground beef and a can of biscuits, you’re already halfway there.
Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole — Biscuit Topped Bake

What do I need to make Sloppy Joe Casserole?

This is one of those recipes where the ingredient list looks super normal, and that’s exactly why I love it. Nothing fancy, just the stuff that turns into a cozy pan of dinner.

Ground beef (or ground turkey if that’s what you’ve got)
Onion, diced (optional, but it adds a lot)
Bell pepper, diced (also optional, but tasty)
Garlic (fresh or from a jar)
Sloppy joe sauce (store bought is totally fine) or a homemade mix
Tomato paste (if you want it thicker)
Worcestershire sauce (a splash makes it taste more “real”)
Salt and pepper
Shredded cheese (cheddar is classic, but use what you like)
Refrigerated biscuit dough (the canned kind)
Butter (optional for brushing the biscuit top)

You’ll also need a baking dish, something like a 9×13 pan works great. If you love casseroles the way I do, you should also peek at this cozy pasta bake I make when I’m in a tuna mood: cozy up with this easy tuna casserole pasta bake recipe. Total comfort.

One more thing. The biscuits matter here. I like the flaky kind, but the basic ones work too. If you only have crescent dough, you can still make it happen, it just bakes a little differently and won’t be as thick.

Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole — Biscuit Topped Bake

Step by Step Instructions

Okay, here’s how I make it, without overcomplicating anything. This is meant to be easy, not a cooking show challenge.

Quick overview before you start

Brown the meat, stir in the sauce, add cheese, top with biscuits, bake. That’s the whole vibe.

Preheat your oven to 375 F.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned. Drain off extra grease if you have a lot.
Add onion and bell pepper if you’re using them. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften a bit.
Stir in garlic, then pour in the sloppy joe sauce. Add a spoonful of tomato paste if you like it thicker. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce, plus salt and pepper to taste.
Let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes so the flavors settle in.
Pour the meat mixture into your baking dish. Sprinkle cheese over the top.
Open the biscuit can and place biscuits on top. I like to slightly flatten them with my fingers so they cover more of the surface.
Bake for about 18 to 25 minutes, depending on your biscuits, until they’re golden and cooked through.
Optional but so good: brush the biscuit tops with a little melted butter right when it comes out.

If you want to add a breakfast style casserole to your weekend lineup, this one is a favorite in my house: easy french toast casserole overnight baked breakfast. It’s the same kind of “dump it and bake it” energy.

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Let it cool for 5 minutes before scooping. That sloppy joe layer is lava hot right out of the oven, and giving it a minute helps it thicken up a bit too.

Tips for Making Sloppy Joe Casserole

I’ve made this enough times to learn where it can go wrong, and how to make it come out right even when you’re distracted and hungry.

Do not skip draining the grease if your beef is fatty. Too much grease can make the bottom layer kind of soupy.
If your sloppy joe mix looks thin, add a spoonful of tomato paste and simmer for a couple minutes.
Space the biscuits out so heat can get between them. If you pack them too tight, the centers can stay doughy.
If your biscuits brown too fast, lightly cover the pan with foil for the last few minutes.
Cheese tip: mix a little into the meat and keep some on top. You get cheesy bites all the way through.

“I made this after soccer practice and my kids ate two helpings each. The biscuit top was the best part, and it reheated surprisingly well the next day.”

If you’re into biscuit topped bakes, you might also like this brunch style option for a crowd: easy biscuits and gravy casserole easy brunch. It’s rich, cozy, and super shareable.

And yes, Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole — Biscuit Topped Bake is one of those meals that smells so good while it bakes that people suddenly “wander” into the kitchen to see what’s going on.

Making Sloppy Joe Casserole Ahead of Time

This is a lifesaver if you’re trying to stay sane on busy weeks. You can prep it in pieces, or almost fully assemble it, depending on what works for you.

How I prep it for later

Option 1 is my favorite because it keeps the biscuits from getting weird.

Option 1: Make the sloppy joe filling, cool it, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready, reheat the filling on the stove just until warm, pour into the dish, add cheese and biscuits, then bake.

Option 2: Assemble the meat mixture and cheese in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Add biscuits right before baking.

Freezer tip: Freeze the meat filling only. Biscuits are best baked fresh. Thaw the filling overnight in the fridge, then continue like normal.

Reheating leftovers is easy too. I use the microwave for quick lunches, but the oven is best if you want the biscuit top to crisp back up. Pop a portion in at 350 F for about 10 minutes, and it’s pretty close to fresh.

If you want another make ahead comfort dinner that’s creamy and easy, this one is worth bookmarking: easy crack chicken casserole creamy ranch baked dinner.

Also, if you’re hosting breakfast and want something simple that holds well, I’ve made this one for family visits: easy biscuits gravy casserole. It disappears fast.

Easy Recipe Variations and Substitutions

This is where you can make the recipe fit your fridge, your budget, or your picky eaters without stressing.

Simple swaps that still taste great

Meat: Ground turkey or chicken works. If you go lean, add a tiny splash of olive oil when cooking so it doesn’t feel dry.

Veggies: Add shredded carrots, corn, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just keep the pieces small so they soften quickly.

Sauce: Use your favorite canned sloppy joe sauce, or stir together ketchup, a little brown sugar, mustard, and a splash of vinegar. Taste as you go.

Cheese: Cheddar, pepper jack, mozzarella, or a mix.

Biscuit top: If you want smaller bites, cut each biscuit into quarters and scatter them like a cobbler topping. They bake faster, so start checking at about 15 minutes.

If you like a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat mixture. I do this when it’s just adults eating, because my kids are very serious about “no spicy, please.”

For a slightly lighter feel, serve it with a big crunchy salad or steamed green beans on the side. It balances the rich, saucy filling and that buttery biscuit top.

Common Questions

Can I make this with homemade biscuits instead of canned?

Yes. Just make sure the biscuit dough is not too thick, and keep an eye on bake time. Homemade biscuits can take a bit longer, and you do not want the top browned while the inside stays doughy.

How do I know the biscuits are fully cooked?

I look for a deep golden top and I gently lift one biscuit in the center to check the bottom. If it still looks wet, bake a few more minutes and loosely cover with foil if needed.

Can I use crescent roll dough?

You can. Lay it across the top like a sheet. It will be softer than biscuits, but still tasty. Start checking for doneness around 15 to 18 minutes.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven if you want the biscuit top to crisp up again, or microwave for quick lunches.

Why is my filling watery?

Usually it’s extra grease or a sauce that needs simmer time. Drain the meat well and simmer the sauce for a few minutes before baking. A little tomato paste fixes it fast too.

A cozy dinner you will want on repeat

This Easy Sloppy Joe Casserole — Biscuit Topped Bake is simple, filling, and honestly just feels like a win when you need comfort food without a lot of effort. Brown your meat, stir in the sauce, add cheese, top with biscuits, and let the oven do the work. Once you make it once, you’ll start thinking of all the little ways to tweak it for your family. If you want more ideas and another take on this style of dish, check out Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole – Accidental Happy Baker and this lighter spin from Easy Healthy Sloppy Joe Biscuit Bake Recipe – Lauren Fit Foodie. Now go grab that can of biscuits and make dinner the easy way tonight.

Sloppy Joe Casserole

This easy Sloppy Joe Casserole is perfect for busy nights, combining delicious sloppy joe flavors with a comforting biscuit topping.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef or ground turkey if preferred
1 medium onion, diced optional, but adds flavor
1 medium bell pepper, diced optional, adds taste
2 cloves garlic, minced fresh or jarred
1 cup sloppy joe sauce store-bought or homemade
2 tbsp tomato paste for thicker sauce
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce adds depth to flavor
to taste salt and pepper for seasoning
1 cup shredded cheese cheddar is classic, but use your favorite
1 can refrigerated biscuit dough the canned kind is ideal
2 tbsp butter optional, for brushing the biscuit tops

Method

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
Stir in minced garlic, then add the sloppy joe sauce. For a thicker mixture, stir in tomato paste. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce, plus salt and pepper to taste.
Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 5 minutes.
Pour the meat mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish and sprinkle cheese over the top.
Open the biscuit dough can and place biscuits on top of the meat mixture, flattening them slightly for better coverage.
Bake for 18 to 25 minutes until the biscuits are golden and cooked through.
Optional: Brush the biscuit tops with melted butter right when they come out of the oven.
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, drain excess grease if using fatty beef. Adjust thickness of sloppy joe mix with tomato paste as needed. Space biscuits out for even cooking.

June 9, 2026 0 comments

One Skillet Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole

by Cuts Food February 13, 2026

written by Cuts Food

One Skillet Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is my answer to those nights when everyone is hungry, the sink is already full, and I still want dinner to feel warm and satisfying. It is sweet and saucy like a classic sloppy joe, but topped with fluffy cornbread that bakes up golden around the edges. The best part is you can do the whole thing in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to actually sit down and eat. If you have picky eaters, this one usually wins them over because it tastes familiar, just a little more fun. Also, it makes the kitchen smell like a cozy weekend, even if it is a Tuesday.
One Skillet Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole

Recipe Tips and Swaps

I have made One Skillet Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole so many times that I have started to play around with it depending on what is in my fridge. It is pretty forgiving, which is exactly what I want from a weeknight dinner.

Here are my go to tips that make it come out right:

Use a deep skillet. A 10 to 12 inch cast iron skillet is perfect, but any oven safe deep skillet works.
Do not rush the simmer. Let the meat sauce bubble for a few minutes so it thickens. If it is too watery, the cornbread topping can sink.
Watch the salt. Sloppy joe sauce and boxed cornbread mixes can already be salty, so taste as you go.
Cheese is optional but amazing. A handful of shredded cheddar under the cornbread layer makes it extra comforting.

Easy swaps if you need them:

If you do not eat beef, ground turkey or ground chicken works great. If you want a little smoky vibe, use a mix of ketchup and barbecue sauce. For veggies, finely diced bell pepper, shredded carrots, or even chopped zucchini melt right into the sauce. I also love adding a pinch of chili powder if I want more zip.

If you are into cornbread in general, you might like this skillet cornbread with a buttery crust recipe too. It gives you that same crisp edge that makes people fight over the corner pieces.

“I made this for my kids and my husband said it tasted like a comfort food hug. The cornbread top was perfect and there were zero leftovers.”

One Skillet Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole

How to Make Cornbread Topped Sloppy Joe Casserole

This is the part where you realize it is basically two simple things stacked together: sloppy joe filling and cornbread batter. Once you do it once, it becomes one of those recipes you can make without thinking too hard.

What you will need

Here is the simple lineup. You can keep it classic or customize it, but this is my usual:

1 to 1.5 pounds ground beef (or turkey)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup ketchup
1 to 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, to taste)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon mustard
Salt and pepper
1 box cornbread mix plus the eggs and milk it calls for
Optional: shredded cheddar, pickles for serving, sliced green onions

Step by step directions

1) Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F, or whatever temperature your cornbread mix suggests.

2) Set a deep oven safe skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground meat until it is mostly cooked, then spoon off extra grease if needed.

3) Add onion and cook until it softens, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

4) Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 to 8 minutes so it thickens.

5) If you are adding cheese, sprinkle it over the sloppy joe mixture now.

6) Mix up the cornbread batter in a bowl, then gently spread it right over the meat mixture. I do little spoonfuls all over the top first, then smooth it out. That helps it not sink.

7) Bake until the cornbread is set and golden, usually 18 to 25 minutes. A toothpick in the cornbread should come out clean or with a few crumbs.

8) Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. It helps everything settle so slices hold together better.

If you love cozy skillet dinners, I also make this on busy nights: easy one pot chicken and orzo skillet. Different flavor, same low stress vibe.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition will change based on your cornbread mix, the fat content of your meat, and whether you add cheese. But to give you a realistic idea, here is a general estimate for One Skillet Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole when it is made with lean ground beef and standard boxed cornbread mix, cut into 6 servings.

Estimated nutrition per serving:

Calories: 450 to 550

Protein: 22 to 30g

Carbs: 45 to 60g

Fat: 18 to 28g

Fiber: 2 to 4g

Sugar: 10 to 18g

Sodium: 700 to 1100mg

If you want to lighten it up, use ground turkey, reduce the brown sugar, and add extra veggies. If you need it more filling for big appetites, serve it with a simple salad or roasted veggies and call it done.

Also, if you are in a casserole mood lately, you can browse this casserole recipe category for more cozy ideas.

Photos of Sloppy Joe Skillet Cornbread Casserole

I wish I could hand you a plate through the screen because the textures are the whole story here. When it comes out of the oven, the edges of the cornbread get a little crisp, the middle stays soft, and the sloppy joe filling is bubbling around the sides.

What I usually look for when I am checking if it is ready:

Golden top with a few deeper brown spots, especially near the edges.

No wet batter in the center. If you gently tap the skillet, it should look set, not jiggly.

Sauce bubbles around the rim. That is when you know the filling is hot all the way through.

If you want a similar comfort food moment but with a different twist, these cornbread chili pot pies are also super satisfying.

More Sloppy Joe Recipes

I love sloppy joe flavors because they are nostalgic and easy to build on. Once you have that sweet tangy sauce base, you can take it in a bunch of directions without making it complicated.

Here are a few ways I switch it up at home:

Sloppy Joe baked potatoes: Spoon the meat sauce over baked potatoes, add cheese, and broil for a minute.

Sloppy Joe nachos: Chips, meat sauce, cheese, pickles or jalapenos, and a drizzle of ranch if you are feeling wild.

Sloppy Joe melts: Pile filling on toast, add cheese, and toast until gooey.

And if you are the kind of person who loves dinners that basically cook themselves in one pan, the one pot recipes section is a nice place to scroll when you are stuck in a dinner rut.

Common Questions

Can I make One Skillet Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Make the meat mixture ahead and keep it in the fridge. When you are ready to bake, warm the filling in the skillet, top with fresh cornbread batter, and bake.

What if I do not have an oven safe skillet?

No problem. Cook the filling in a regular pan, then pour it into a greased baking dish. Top with cornbread batter and bake like usual.

How do I keep the cornbread from getting soggy?

Let the sloppy joe mixture simmer until thick, and do not skip the short rest after baking. Those two steps make a big difference.

Can I freeze leftovers?

You can, but the cornbread texture softens a bit after freezing. I still do it sometimes. Wrap portions well and reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.

What should I serve with it?

I like a crunchy simple side like coleslaw, a green salad, or steamed green beans. If you are a pickle person, put pickles on the table. It sounds random but it works.

A cozy dinner you will make again

One Skillet Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is one of those recipes that feels like you tried harder than you actually did, and I love that for us. You get saucy, savory filling and a golden cornbread top, all from one skillet and simple ingredients. If you want to compare versions, I found great inspiration from One Skillet Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole – I Wash You Dry and this tasty take from Skillet Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole – Bread Booze Bacon. Put it on your dinner list for the next busy weeknight, and do not be surprised if someone asks for it again before the week is over.

One Skillet Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole

A comforting, one-pan dinner featuring a saucy sloppy joe filling topped with fluffy cornbread, perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 500

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Sloppy Joe Filling

1 to 1.5 pounds ground beef (or turkey) Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a substitute.
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup ketchup
1 to 2 tablespoons brown sugar Optional, to taste.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon mustard
Salt and pepper To taste.

For the Cornbread Topping

1 box cornbread mix Plus the eggs and milk it calls for.
Optional: shredded cheddar, pickles for serving, sliced green onions Cheese adds comfort and is suggested below the cornbread layer.

Method

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F, or whatever temperature your cornbread mix suggests.
Set a deep oven safe skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground meat until it is mostly cooked, then spoon off extra grease if needed.
Add onion and cook until it softens, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and brown sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 to 8 minutes so it thickens.
If you are adding cheese, sprinkle it over the sloppy joe mixture now.

Assembly and Baking

Mix up the cornbread batter in a bowl, then gently spread it right over the meat mixture. Use small spoonfuls all over to prevent sinking.
Bake until the cornbread is set and golden, usually 18 to 25 minutes. A toothpick in the cornbread should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to help everything settle and hold together better.

Notes

Use a deep skillet for better results, do not rush the simmer to thicken the sauce, and adjust salt levels as needed. Cheese is optional but recommended for added comfort. You can customize with turkey or add veggies for a smoky vibe.

February 13, 2026 0 comments