If you’re searching for a comforting meal that combines the nostalgic flavors of a classic sloppy joe with the cozy appeal of a casserole, you’re in for a treat with the Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole Recipe. This dish brings together tender ground beef simmered in savory tomato sauce, fluffy biscuit dough that bubbles up perfectly in the oven, and a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese that unites everything in pure harmony. It’s easy to make, family-approved, and perfect for those busy weeknights when you want hearty, satisfying food without fussing over complicated steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, staple ingredients is all you need to create this delicious casserole. Each component plays a vital role in delivering authentic sloppy joe flavor, balanced texture, and that inviting golden crust that makes this dish stand out.
- Ground beef (1 lb): Provides the rich, meaty base that defines the sloppy joe experience.
- Diced onion (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and depth to the filling, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Diced green bell pepper (1/2 cup): Brings a subtle crunch and fresh, slightly tangy note to the mix.
- Sloppy joe sauce (1 can, 15 oz): The key to that signature tangy and slightly sweet taste that coats the beef beautifully.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough (1 can, 16.3 oz), cut into quarters: Offers pillowy pockets of bread that soak up the sauce perfectly while baking golden brown.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts into creamy goodness that blankets the top with a delightful cheesy finish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste and bringing everything together.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used to sauté the veggies and beef, enhancing flavor and preventing sticking.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly. This ensures the biscuit dough won’t stick and helps the casserole bake evenly with a golden finish.
Step 2: Cook the Meat and Veggies
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef, diced onion, and green bell pepper. Cook this mixture until the beef is nicely browned and the vegetables have softened, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Afterward, drain any excess fat to keep the casserole balanced and not greasy.
Step 3: Add the Sloppy Joe Sauce
Pour in the canned sloppy joe sauce and season the mixture with salt and pepper to your liking. Stir everything well so the beef and veggies are fully coated with that classic, flavorful sauce.
Step 4: Arrange Biscuit Dough in Baking Dish
Place the quartered biscuit dough evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. These dough pieces will puff beautifully while baking, creating those delightful ‘bubbles’ the recipe is famous for.
Step 5: Layer the Sloppy Joe Mixture
Carefully spoon the beef and vegetable mixture over the biscuit dough, spreading it out so each biscuit piece is thoroughly coated with the saucy goodness. This layering brings together tender dough and hearty filling in every bite.
Step 6: Sprinkle with Cheese
Top everything off with the shredded cheddar cheese, making sure it’s evenly distributed. As the casserole bakes, the cheese melts into a golden bubbly layer that adds richness and an irresistible aroma.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the biscuits turn a lovely golden brown, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the filling is heated through.
Step 8: Rest Before Serving
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes out of the oven. This resting time helps the layers set slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy all those wonderful textures.
How to Serve Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal zing, perfectly balancing the rich and cheesy elements. A dollop of sour cream or a few pickled jalapeño slices can also be fun, flavor-boosting garnishes.
Side Dishes
Serve this casserole alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to lighten the meal. Roasted vegetables or a simple coleslaw complement the warm, hearty casserole wonderfully, making sure your plate has both freshness and satisfaction.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider baking individual portions in ramekins for a fun twist, perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings. Alternatively, scoop this fantastic Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole Recipe onto sturdy sandwich buns for handheld sloppy joe sliders that kids and adults alike will devour!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making the next-day meal just as tasty and easy to reheat.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. To freeze, prepare the dish through the baking step but stop before adding cheese, cover well, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, top with cheese, then bake until bubbly and golden.
Reheating
Reheat portions in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or in a 350°F oven until warmed through. This keeps the biscuit dough soft and the cheese deliciously melted without drying out the casserole.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic here, try mozzarella for a milder melt or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Just choose a cheese that melts well to keep that gooey texture.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, swap the ground beef for plant-based meat crumbles or lentils, and use your favorite vegetarian sloppy joe sauce. This keeps the hearty feel with a meat-free twist.
Can I make the dish spicier?
Definitely! Add diced jalapeños with the bell peppers, use a spicy sloppy joe sauce, or sprinkle cayenne pepper into the beef mixture for an extra fiery touch that still pairs perfectly with the biscuits and cheese.
What if I don’t have refrigerated biscuit dough?
No worries—homemade biscuit dough or even small dinner rolls cut into pieces work well. Just ensure the dough you use bakes up light and fluffy for those signature bubbles.
How can I make the casserole ahead without baking?
Prepare the meat mixture and layer everything in the baking dish except the cheese. Cover and refrigerate overnight, then sprinkle cheese and bake right before serving for fresh, hot casserole.
Final Thoughts
This Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that combines comfort food favorites into one easy, delicious dish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a tasty potluck contribution, give it a try soon—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make comfort dish that combines savory ground beef cooked with onions and green peppers, simmered in tangy sloppy joe sauce, all baked with flaky biscuit dough and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a hearty family meal, this casserole offers the classic sloppy joe flavors in a fun, shareable format that’s ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
Sauces and Condiments
- 1 can (15 oz) sloppy joe sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
Baking Components
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into quarters
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cook Beef and Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and green bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and vegetables are softened, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish less greasy.
- Add Sauce and Season: Stir in the sloppy joe sauce into the beef mixture. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences, mixing thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Prepare Biscuit Dough: Arrange the quartered biscuit dough evenly in the bottom of the prepared greased baking dish to form the base layer of the casserole.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the sloppy joe beef mixture evenly over the biscuit dough, making sure all pieces are well-coated with the sauce and beef mixture.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole to create a cheesy crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Bake until the biscuit dough is golden brown and fully cooked, and the cheese on top is bubbling and slightly browned.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to portion.
Notes
- You can substitute the sloppy joe sauce with homemade sauce if preferred.
- Try adding other vegetables such as diced mushrooms or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- For a lighter option, use lean ground turkey instead of beef.
- If you don’t have refrigerated biscuit dough, you can use homemade biscuit dough but adjust baking times accordingly.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
