Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole – The Ultimate Family Comfort Bake

If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day, this Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole is exactly what you need. It’s everything you love about a classic sloppy joe—savory ground beef in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce—baked under a blanket of fluffy golden biscuits that soak up every delicious drop.

This recipe brings the nostalgic flavors of a backyard barbecue straight into your kitchen, with all the convenience of a one-pan meal. It’s hearty, filling, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table ask for seconds. The best part? It comes together in about 15 minutes of prep, with just a few pantry staples and a can of biscuits.

Picture a bubbling casserole emerging from the oven, golden biscuits puffed up over rich sloppy joe filling. The smell alone will draw everyone into the kitchen. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday supper, this dish delivers comfort and satisfaction every single time.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury Grands or similar)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat.
3. Add Aromatics: Stir in diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
4. Make the Sauce: Add ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly and coat the beef.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the sloppy joe mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle half of the cheese over the beef mixture.
6. Add Biscuits: Cut each biscuit into quarters and arrange them evenly on top of the beef mixture. Gently press them into the sauce a little to help them bake up golden and flavorful.
7. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the biscuits.
8. Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Tips & Tricks:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Biscuits: Make sure to space them slightly apart so they bake up fluffy and not soggy.
• Make It Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce, chili flakes, or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
• Sweeter Touch: Prefer a more kid-friendly flavor? Add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar.
• Cheese Lovers: Mix in shredded cheese directly into the beef filling for an extra gooey casserole.
• Use Homemade Sloppy Joe Sauce: If you have a favorite homemade sauce, it’ll taste even better here.

Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole

A cozy casserole combining the tangy flavors of classic sloppy joes with fluffy golden biscuits and melted cheese.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 16 oz refrigerated biscuit dough
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Mixing spoon
• Baking dish
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and brown ground beef. Drain excess fat.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
4. Stir in ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Spread beef mixture evenly in the baking dish and sprinkle half the cheese on top.
6. Cut biscuits into quarters and arrange over beef mixture. Top with remaining cheese.
7. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
8. Rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

This hearty casserole is quick, kid-friendly, and makes great leftovers. Customize the spice level or add veggies for variety.

Variations:

• BBQ Sloppy Joe Casserole: Swap ketchup for barbecue sauce and top with shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
• Tex-Mex Style: Add corn, black beans, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning to the beef mixture. Top with pepper jack cheese.
• Turkey or Chicken Version: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or shredded cooked chicken for a lighter twist.
• Breakfast Biscuit Bake: Add scrambled eggs and diced bell peppers to the filling and bake for a fun brunch casserole.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve this casserole hot from the oven with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. It also pairs beautifully with baked beans or coleslaw for that classic sloppy joe feel. For a cozy family night, serve with a side of mac and cheese or roasted corn on the cob.

And don’t forget the condiments! A drizzle of extra ketchup or a dollop of sour cream on the side adds an extra touch of flavor.

Storage Information:
Leftovers keep wonderfully. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.

To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQ:

• Can I use homemade biscuit dough?
  Absolutely! Just make sure it’s cut into small pieces so it bakes evenly.
• Can I prepare this ahead of time?
  Yes—prepare the beef mixture in advance and refrigerate. Add the biscuits just before baking.
• What if the biscuits aren’t browning?
  You can broil the top for 1–2 minutes at the end for a golden finish.
• Can I add vegetables?
  Definitely—diced bell peppers, corn, or carrots add color and nutrition.

History / Fun Facts:
Sloppy Joes have been a staple in American kitchens since the 1930s, believed to have originated from a cook named “Joe” in Sioux City, Iowa. His creation—a loose meat sandwich in a tomato-based sauce—quickly became a hit across diners and school cafeterias.

The biscuit-topped version came much later, a clever home cook’s adaptation to make the dish more filling and oven-friendly. It transformed the handheld classic into a fork-ready comfort meal perfect for family dinners. Today, this casserole remains a beloved, budget-friendly favorite that bridges generations, combining the best of vintage flavors and modern ease.