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When it comes to comfort food that brings the family to the table, nothing beats the nostalgic flavor of sloppy joes. But what if you could turn this classic favorite into an easy, hearty casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights? Enter the Sloppy Joe Biscuit Bake — a mouthwatering family-style dish with fluffy biscuits baked right on top of a savory, well-seasoned beef filling. This recipe is quick, satisfying, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Whether you’re looking for a new spin on sloppy joes or a convenient casserole to simplify dinner, this dish ticks all the boxes. Plus, it’s free from pork, bacon, wine, and alcohol — perfect for all dietary preferences and family-friendly too.
Why You’ll Love This Sloppy Joe Biscuit Bake
Easy one-dish meal: Combines protein and carbs in one skillet.
Kid-friendly: Soft biscuits and flavorful beef filling make it a crowd-pleaser.
Quick to prepare: Ready in about 45 minutes.
Customizable: Add veggies or spices to suit your family’s tastes.
Great for leftovers: Reheats well for next-day meals.
Let’s break down how to make this delicious bake and why it deserves a spot in your weekly dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Beef Filling:
1 lb ground beef (lean)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, diced (optional but adds flavor and nutrition)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce or ketchup
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (ensure it’s alcohol-free)
1 tsp mustard (yellow or Dijon)
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Biscuit Topping:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice)
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for cheesy biscuits)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling
Cook the beef and veggies: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Add onions and peppers: Stir in the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
Add garlic and spices: Mix in minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add tomato ingredients: Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture should thicken and become flavorful.
Step 2: Make the Biscuit Dough
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt.
Cut in the butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Add liquid: Stir in buttermilk (or milk/lemon juice mixture) just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing.
Add cheese (optional): Fold in shredded cheddar cheese if you want cheesy biscuits.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Layer the filling: Spread the sloppy joe beef mixture evenly in a cast iron skillet or baking dish.
Add biscuit topping: Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough over the beef mixture, spacing them evenly. They will expand as they bake.
Bake: Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Cool slightly: Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Optional garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for color and freshness.
Tips for the Best Sloppy Joe Biscuit Bake
Use lean ground beef to reduce grease; drain excess fat after browning if needed.
Add veggies: Carrots, mushrooms, or corn can be mixed into the beef filling for extra nutrition.
Make biscuits extra fluffy: Keep butter cold and don’t overwork the dough.
Cheese it up: Add cheese on top of biscuits before baking or mix it in the dough for extra flavor.
Use cast iron: Helps create a beautifully browned crust and even cooking.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour blends for biscuits.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Calories per serving: 400-450 kcal
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 2-3g
This casserole provides a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and fats — perfect for a filling family dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sloppy joe filling and biscuit dough separately a day in advance. Store them in the fridge and assemble just before baking.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Cool leftovers completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I make the biscuit dough dairy-free?
Yes, substitute dairy milk or buttermilk with plant-based alternatives like almond milk mixed with a little vinegar. Use dairy-free margarine or coconut oil instead of butter.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Definitely. Ground turkey or chicken work well and are leaner alternatives.
What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?
No worries! Use any oven-safe baking dish approximately 9×13 inches in size.
Why This Recipe Works for Busy Families
This Sloppy Joe Biscuit Bake combines two beloved comfort foods into one fuss-free dish. It’s hands-off after assembly, making it perfect for parents juggling homework, work, and play. The familiar sloppy joe flavors with the pillowy biscuit topping make it easy to feed kids and adults alike — no separate sandwiches needed!
Variations to Try
Spicy Sloppy Joe Bake: Add jalapeños or cayenne pepper for a kick.
Veggie-loaded: Mix in shredded zucchini or chopped spinach.
Cheesy Sloppy Joe Bake: Add a layer of mozzarella under the biscuits for extra gooeyness.
Sweet Potato Biscuits: Swap regular biscuits for sweet potato biscuit topping for a twist.
