Sloppy Joe casseroles are where. It’s. AT. Cozy? Check! Meaty? Check! Buttery carbs and cheese? Check and check! This hearty casserole has plenty of peppers and onions, lots of sauce, and so much flavor too. Being on Team
Casserole doesn’t stop us from appreciating the iconic sloppy Joe sandwich as a pasta sauce or a cheesy meatball bake, it just gives us more ways to celebrate the combination of ground beef and tangy sauce. More than just delicious, this casserole is flexible, freezable, and ready to serve on a busy weeknight for dinner. Here’s how to make it your own:
Pick your favorite protein:
Ground beef is classic here, but you can whip this up with whatever ground meat you have on hand. Ground pork and bulk sweet or hot Italian sausage can be a straight swap for the usual beef. Using ground turkey or ground chicken? You will need to add 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet along with the peppers, onions, and garlic. Using something plant-based? Cook the veggies first, then add the faux meat to quickly brown before stirring in the spices.
No cheddar? No problem:
A cheesy top is a must. Use shredded Monterey Jack, pepper Jack, mozzarella, or provolone if you don’t have cheddar on hand.
Plan ahead:
The sloppy Joe filling will keep in the refrigerator for 4 days and in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw the filling, if frozen, then reheat in the microwave until warm. Transfer the hot filling to the baking dish and pick up with the recipe on step 4.
Made this classic comfort food recipe? Let us know how it went in the comments below!