“`html
If you’ve ever wanted to combine the nostalgic comfort of sloppy joes with the irresistible charm of Cheddar Bay biscuits, then you’re in for a real treat with this Cheddar Bay Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe. It’s a soul-satisfying, cheesy, and savory dish that perfectly layers a hearty sloppy joe filling with fluffy, cheesy biscuit topping that’s brushed with garlic butter. Every bite offers a delightful interplay of textures and flavors that’s sure to brighten any dinner table. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of straightforward, familiar ingredients, each playing an essential role in creating that classic Cheddar Bay Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe flavor and texture. From the rich, meaty base to the cheesy biscuit topping, everything comes together beautifully.
- Ground beef (1½ lb): Provides a hearty, flavorful foundation packed with protein.
- Manwich sloppy joe sauce (15 oz can): Brings that sweet, tangy sloppy joe essence that everyone loves.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups, divided): Adds creamy sharpness inside and on top for gooey cheesy goodness.
- Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix (11.36 oz package): The star ingredient for that irresistible biscuit topping with herbs and cheddar.
- Water (¾ cup): Activates the biscuit mix to form a fluffy, tender dough.
- Melted butter (¼ cup): Provides richness for brushing on biscuits, plus a savory garlic punch with the seasoning.
How to Make Cheddar Bay Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Brown the Beef
Start by preheating your oven to 425ºF and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Then, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Be sure to drain the excess grease to keep the casserole from getting too oily. Once browned, stir in the Manwich sloppy joe sauce, season with salt and black pepper, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let this delicious mixture simmer gently. This step builds the flavorful, saucy base that makes this casserole so comforting.
Step 2: Layer the Beef Mixture and Cheese
Next, spread that glossy, fragrant sloppy joe mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Immediately sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef layer—this will melt into all those savory pockets, ensuring each bite has a rich cheesy hit that pairs perfectly with the tangy meat below.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping
Now it’s biscuit time! In a medium bowl, mix together the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix with the ¾ cup of water and the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese according to the package directions. This biscuit dough is the crowning glory of the casserole, tender, cheesy, and bursting with that familiar garlic herb flavor.
Step 4: Add the Biscuit Topping
Using a small cookie scoop makes this part super easy—drop dollops of biscuit dough evenly over the beef and cheese layer. Then, use an offset spatula (sprayed with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking) to gently spread the dough out, covering the surface but leaving some rustic peaks and valleys. This texture will bake up beautifully golden and inviting.
Step 5: Bake and Finish with Garlic Butter
Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 14 to 16 minutes until bubbling and the biscuits have turned that perfect golden brown. While it’s baking, melt the butter and mix it with the seasoning packet from the biscuit mix. As soon as the casserole comes out of the oven, brush that heavenly garlic butter all over the biscuit topping and garnish with fresh parsley if you like. This final blast of flavor seals the deal, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
How to Serve Cheddar Bay Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a bright counterpoint to the richness of the casserole. For an extra flavor boost, a few thinly sliced green onions or a dash of smoked paprika can also complement the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole is wonderfully filling on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, light and fresh sides like a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or garlic roasted asparagus work perfectly to balance the indulgence. Classic coleslaw also adds a pleasant crunch and contrast of texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized presentation that feels extra thoughtful. You can also add a small side of pickles or jalapeños to bring a tangy or spicy kick. Pairing it alongside a chilled glass of your favorite iced tea or a bold beer can turn this cozy meal into a special occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover Cheddar Bay Sloppy Joe Casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to four days, making it an ideal option for busy weeknight dinners.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this comforting casserole later, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cooled casserole tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to three months. For best results, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your Cheddar Bay Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe back to life, reheat portions in the microwave for a couple of minutes or warm the entire dish in a 350ºF oven covered with foil to maintain moisture. For extra biscuit crispness, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of baking.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter version, though you might want to add a touch more seasoning to keep the flavor robust and satisfying.
Is it necessary to use the Red Lobster biscuit mix?
While the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix really captures the iconic flavor and is super convenient, you can experiment with other cheddar biscuit mixes or even homemade biscuit dough with garlic and herbs to make it your own.
How spicy is this casserole?
This casserole is mildly flavorful without any heat, but if you like a bit of spice, adding chopped jalapeños to the biscuit dough or mixing some hot sauce into the sloppy joe meat can give it a delightful kick.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or lentils and use a vegetarian sloppy joe sauce or make your own tomato-based sauce to keep the plant-powered comfort intact.
What are some good leftovers ideas?
Leftover casserole can be spooned over baked potatoes, stuffed into wraps, or even turned into sliders for an irresistible lunch the next day.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got the inside scoop on how to make this incredible Cheddar Bay Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe, I truly hope you give it a try soon. It’s a wonderful dish that blends comforting flavors with ease and makes for happy gatherings or cozy weekend dinners. Once you taste it, you’ll see why it’s quickly becoming a beloved classic in so many kitchens. Enjoy every cheesy, buttery bite!
“`
Print
Cheddar Bay Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 19 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheddar Bay Sloppy Joe Casserole combines the classic comfort of sloppy joes with the irresistible flavors of Red Lobster’s Cheddar Bay biscuits. Ground beef simmered in Manwich sauce is topped with shredded cheddar and fluffy cheesy biscuits, baked to golden perfection and brushed with garlic butter for a hearty, satisfying meal perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1½ lb ground beef
- 1 (15-oz) can Manwich sloppy joe sauce
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping
- 1 (11.36-oz) package Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix
- ¾ cup water
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (to mix in biscuit dough)
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 seasoning packet (included in biscuit mix)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 425ºF. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily. Stir in the Manwich sloppy joe sauce, then season with salt and black pepper to your preference. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer, letting the flavors meld.
- Assemble Meat Base: Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the beef layer.
- Prepare Biscuit Dough: In a medium bowl, combine the Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit mix, ¾ cup water, and ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until just combined, making sure the dough is not overworked.
- Top the Casserole: Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, scoop large dollops of biscuit dough over the shredded cheddar cheese layer in the casserole dish. Use an offset spatula sprayed lightly with non-stick cooking spray to gently spread the biscuit dough evenly over the entire surface.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the biscuit topping is golden brown.
- Prepare Garlic Butter and Garnish: While the casserole is baking, combine the melted butter with the seasoning packet included in the biscuit mix. When the casserole comes out of the oven, brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the biscuit topping. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Be sure to drain the ground beef well to avoid a greasy casserole.
- The biscuit dough can be spread gently to cover gaps but don’t completely flatten to keep the biscuits light and fluffy.
- You can use pre-shredded cheddar or shred your own for better melting quality.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture while simmering.
