Sloppy Joe Casserole

$- 1 pound ground beef (or plant-based substitute like lentils) - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce - 1/4 cup ketchup - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon yellow mustard - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned) - 2 cups shredded medium cheddar cheese - 1 can refrigerated biscuits or crescent rolls - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Jalapeños for heat - Black olives for saltiness - Chopped green onions for freshness - Different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack - Use turkey or chicken for a leaner meat choice. - Opt for gluten-free biscuits or rolls for a gluten-free version. - For a vegan option, replace beef with lentils and cheese with a dairy-free version. - Use agave syrup instead of brown sugar for a healthier sweetener. Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need: - 1 pound ground beef (or lentils for a plant-based option) - 1 medium onion, finely diced - 1 bell pepper, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce - 1/4 cup ketchup - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - 1 teaspoon yellow mustard - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup corn kernels - 2 cups shredded medium cheddar cheese - 1 can refrigerated biscuits or crescent rolls - Fresh parsley, chopped Once you have everything, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures the oven is ready when your casserole needs baking. In a large skillet, heat your pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef first. Cook until it turns brown. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Drain any extra fat. Next, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes. You want the veggies to become soft and smell great. Now, stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and corn. Season with salt and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes. This helps the flavors blend nicely. Carefully pour the meat mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. This will create a cheesy base. Next, take the refrigerated biscuits or crescent rolls. Lay them in a single layer over the cheese. Cover as much of the mixture as you can. Put the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. You want the dough to turn golden brown and cook through. When the time is up, take the casserole out. Add the rest of the cheddar cheese on top. Return it to the oven for another 5 minutes. This lets the cheese melt perfectly. Once it's done, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a nice touch. To get the best flavor in your Sloppy Joe Casserole, focus on the spices. The balance of sweet and savory is key. Use brown sugar, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce for depth. Add salt and pepper to taste. Sauté the onions, bell peppers, and garlic until they are soft. This builds a strong base for your dish. Let the meat mixture simmer for five minutes. This allows the flavors to blend well. Cheese makes this dish creamy and rich. I recommend medium cheddar cheese for a classic taste. It melts well and adds a nice sharpness. You can also try pepper jack for a spicy kick. Mozzarella gives a stretchy texture, while gouda adds a smoky flavor. Feel free to mix different cheeses for a unique twist! One common mistake is not draining the meat properly. Excess fat can make the casserole greasy. Always drain any fat after browning the meat. Another mistake is overbaking. Keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes. You want golden biscuits, not burnt ones. Lastly, don’t skip the parsley garnish. It adds a fresh touch and looks great! {{image_4}} To make a vegetarian or vegan Sloppy Joe casserole, swap the ground beef for lentils or textured vegetable protein. These options provide a hearty texture and soak up the savory flavors. You can use the same mix of onions, peppers, and spices to keep it tasty. For the sauce, just ensure your ketchup and Worcestershire sauce are vegan-friendly. You’ll still enjoy that comforting Sloppy Joe vibe without meat. If you need a gluten-free Sloppy Joe casserole, you can use gluten-free biscuits or crescent rolls. There are many brands that offer great taste without gluten. Check labels on ketchup and Worcestershire sauce, as some may contain gluten. Using corn and fresh veggies helps keep this dish light and flavorful. Want to spice things up? Try adding jalapeños for heat or black beans for extra protein. You can also mix in different cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for a unique flavor. Topping with avocado slices or sour cream can add creaminess. You can even turn it into a Tex-Mex dish by adding taco seasoning or swapping tomato sauce for salsa. The options are endless! After enjoying your Sloppy Joe casserole, let the dish cool. Use an airtight container for storage. Place any leftovers in the container and cover it tightly. Store in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until hot. You can also use a microwave. Place a portion on a plate and heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating. If you want to save more for later, freezing works great. After cooling, cut the casserole into single servings. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and then in foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. Store in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can try several options. Lentils are a great choice for a plant-based meal. Textured vegetable protein works well too. Crumbled tofu adds protein and absorbs flavors nicely. You can also use mushrooms for a hearty texture. Each option gives a unique taste while keeping the dish delicious. Yes, you can prepare it ahead. Make the meat mixture and assemble the casserole. Cover it well and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to cook, just bake it as directed. This saves time and allows flavors to blend nicely. The casserole is done when the dough is golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the dough should come out clean. The cheese should be melted and bubbly on top. If you see these signs, your casserole is ready to enjoy! This article covered how to make Sloppy Joe Casserole. We looked at the key ingredients and easy steps to cook. I shared tips to enhance flavor and avoid common errors. We also explored tasty variations and storage methods for leftovers. In summary, with some simple changes, you can customize this dish to your liking. Enjoy making this meal for family and friends. It’s a fun and tasty way to gather and share!$

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Savory Sloppy Joe Casserole Delight! Combining ground beef, vibrant veggies, and a cheesy topping, this recipe is easy to make and perfect for family dinners. Just layer, bake, and enjoy! Whether you’re looking for a weeknight meal or a crowd-pleaser, this dish has it all. Click through to discover the full recipe and delight your taste buds today!

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Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (or a plant-based substitute such as lentils or textured vegetable protein)

1 medium onion, finely diced

1 bell pepper, diced (your choice of color for more vibrancy)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

1/4 cup ketchup

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon yellow mustard

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned, drained)

2 cups shredded medium cheddar cheese

1 can refrigerated biscuits or crescent rolls

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.

In a large skillet, over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat.

Once the beef is browned, add in the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture for 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and aromatic.

Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and corn. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes to meld all the flavors beautifully.

Carefully transfer the savory meat mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the meat mixture, allowing for a cheesy base.

Take the refrigerated biscuits or crescent rolls and arrange them in a single layer over the cheesy mixture, ensuring to cover as much of the casserole as possible.

Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and fully cooked.

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and add the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt to perfection.

After baking, let the casserole cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.

- Prep Time: 15 minutes

- Total Time: 45 minutes

- Servings: 6