If you are craving a comforting, hearty dish that brings a nostalgic twist to family dinners, this Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It combines the rich, savory flavors of classic Sloppy Joe filling with fluffy, golden biscuit bites and gooey cheddar cheese, all baked together in one irresistible, bubbly casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, this dish delivers on taste, texture, and sheer satisfaction without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients keep things simple yet delicious, providing a perfect balance of savory, soft, and cheesy that make this dish truly shine. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s the meaty base, the fresh crunch of veggies, or the melty cheese topping.
- Ground beef: The hearty protein that forms the flavorful base of the Sloppy Joe filling.
- Diced onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the savory mix.
- Diced green bell pepper: Brings a slight crunch and fresh, vegetal flavor.
- Sloppy Joe sauce: The signature tangy tomato and spice blend that makes this dish unmistakably Sloppy Joe.
- Refrigerated biscuit dough: Offers light, fluffy pockets that soak up all the delicious juices and provide the “bubble up” effect.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a golden, savory topping that adds a creamy finish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the overall flavor.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing the beef and veggies to tender perfection.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9 by 13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and the cheesy, bubbly goodness doesn’t cling to the pan during serving.
Step 2: Cook the Meat and Veggies
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef, diced onion, and green bell pepper. Cook everything together until the beef is nicely browned and the veggies have softened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the flavors clean and bright.
Step 3: Combine with Sloppy Joe Sauce
Stir in the Sloppy Joe sauce, mixing it well with the meat and vegetables so every bite is richly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste—this step lets you personalize the flavor to your liking.
Step 4: Arrange the Biscuit Dough
Cut the refrigerated biscuit dough into quarters and place the pieces evenly across the bottom of your greased baking dish. These biscuit chunks will puff up during baking, creating those delightful bubble-like pockets that absorb all the delicious sauce.
Step 5: Pour Meat Mixture and Add Cheese
Carefully pour your Sloppy Joe meat mixture over the biscuit dough, making sure every biscuit gets covered in the savory sauce. Then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top—the cheese forms a golden, bubbly crust that brings everything together.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes until the biscuits turn a beautiful golden brown and are fully cooked through, while the cheese on top bubbles and develops a tempting crust. Letting it cool slightly before serving helps all the flavors settle and makes it easier to serve.
How to Serve Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh finishing touch, try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the top just before serving. This not only brightens the look but also adds a subtle burst of freshness to complement the rich casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crispy green salads, roasted vegetables, or classic coleslaw to balance the hearty, cheesy flavors with cool, crunchy textures. For a cozy meal, steamed broccoli or a tangy cucumber salad are fantastic companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets for personal portions. Garnishing with pickles or a dollop of sour cream can also elevate the presentation and bring an exciting flavor contrast to the Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, just cover the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making a quick and tasty meal for busy days ahead.
Freezing
You can freeze both the prepared but unbaked casserole and the cooked leftovers. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or foil, and it will keep well for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole Recipe in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to preserve its crispy biscuit texture. Microwaving works too, but might soften the biscuit topping—oven reheating is best for that fresh-baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works nicely in this recipe, though it may require slightly more seasoning to match the beef’s rich flavor.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils and use a vegetarian Sloppy Joe sauce to enjoy a meat-free variation that’s just as delicious.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free biscuit dough or substitute with gluten-free bread cubes. Double-check the sloppy joe sauce label to ensure it’s gluten-free as well.
What is the best cheese to use?
Cheddar cheese is classic for its sharp flavor and melting quality, but you can experiment with mozzarella or a blend of cheeses for different tastes and textures.
How spicy is the Sloppy Joe sauce?
The sauce usually has a mild tangy flavor with a touch of sweetness, but if you prefer some heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce during cooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a bubbling casserole that combines familiar flavors with a fun twist, and the Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole Recipe does exactly that. It’s easy to prepare, comforting to eat, and sure to bring smiles around the dinner table. Give it a try soon—you might just find yourself making this delightful dish again and again!
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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
This Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole combines the classic flavors of sloppy joes with flaky biscuit dough and melted cheddar cheese. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make casserole perfect for family dinners, offering a twist on traditional sloppy joes by baking all the ingredients together for a bubbly, cheesy, and hearty meal.
Ingredients
Sloppy Joe Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1 can (15 oz) sloppy joe sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
Casserole Assembly
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough, cut into quarters
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Ground Beef and Vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil, then add the ground beef, diced onion, and green bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and the vegetables have softened. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Mix in Sloppy Joe Sauce: Stir the sloppy joe sauce into the beef mixture. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences and mix thoroughly.
- Arrange Biscuit Dough: Place the quartered biscuit dough pieces evenly in the greased baking dish, spreading them out to create an even layer.
- Add Sloppy Joe Mixture: Pour the sloppy joe mixture evenly over the biscuit dough, ensuring all pieces are well-covered with the flavorful meat and sauce.
- Top with Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the sloppy joe mixture for a cheesy finish.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown, cooked through, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to let it set slightly and prevent burns.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture.
- If you prefer, substitute the refrigerated biscuit dough with homemade biscuit dough for a fresher taste.
- Drain excess fat thoroughly to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like mushrooms or corn for added nutrition.
