Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich is the ultimate comfort food mash-up. It takes the nostalgic, saucy flavor of classic sloppy joes and transforms it into a hearty, baked casserole that is perfect for family dinners. The rich, tangy Manwich sauce coats seasoned ground beef beautifully, while a golden, baked topping brings everything together into one satisfying dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich delivers bold, familiar flavors in an easy-to-serve format. It eliminates the need for buns while maintaining the tangy sweetness of traditional sloppy joes.
The casserole format makes it convenient for feeding a crowd or preparing ahead of time. It reheats well and stores easily, making it practical for leftovers.
Another reason to appreciate this dish is its versatility. You can adjust the toppings, add vegetables, or experiment with different cheeses to suit your preferences. It is comforting, budget-friendly, and satisfying.
Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich: Comfort Food Made Easy
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A hearty and comforting Sloppy Joe casserole made with Manwich sauce, seasoned ground beef, and topped with fluffy biscuits and melted cheese. This easy family-friendly dinner is packed with classic sloppy joe flavor in casserole form.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) Manwich Original Sloppy Joe Sauce
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in Manwich sauce and garlic powder. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Spread the sloppy joe mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Cut biscuit dough into quarters and arrange evenly over the meat mixture.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and bake an additional 5 minutes until melted.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Ensure biscuits are fully cooked before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
Provides the hearty base of the casserole. Lean beef works best to prevent excess grease.
Manwich sauce
Delivers the classic tangy, sweet sloppy joe flavor quickly and conveniently.
Onion (diced)
Adds depth and savory flavor.
Green bell pepper (optional)
Introduces mild sweetness and texture.
Cheddar cheese (shredded)
Adds a creamy, melty layer that enhances richness.
Refrigerated biscuit dough or cornbread mix
Forms the baked topping that replaces traditional sandwich buns.
Garlic powder
Enhances the savory profile.
Salt
Balances flavors.
Black pepper
Adds mild heat.
Olive oil
Used for sautéing the vegetables.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened.
Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Stir in the Manwich sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3–5 minutes to develop flavor.
Transfer the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
If using biscuit dough, arrange the biscuits evenly over the beef mixture. If using cornbread mix, prepare according to package directions and pour evenly over the beef layer.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and fully cooked.
Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: About 45 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or warm in the oven at 160°C (320°F) until heated through.
The casserole can be frozen for up to two months. Wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich is easy to customize. For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
If you prefer a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for ground beef. The flavor remains satisfying while reducing fat content.
You can also add vegetables such as corn or diced tomatoes for additional texture and nutrition. I have experimented with layering mashed potatoes on top instead of biscuits, which creates a comforting shepherd’s pie-style variation.
For a cheesier dish, mix shredded cheese directly into the beef mixture as well as on top. Mozzarella or Colby Jack also work well.
If you prefer a crispier topping, brush the biscuit tops lightly with melted butter before baking.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Approximate values per serving (based on 6 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Sodium | 890 mg |
Values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Drain the Beef
Removing excess grease prevents a soggy casserole.
Simmer Briefly
Allowing the sauce to simmer enhances flavor.
Do Not Overbake
Bake just until the topping is golden to avoid dryness.
Let It Rest
Allow the casserole to sit for 5–10 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
FAQs
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate before baking.
Can I use homemade sloppy joe sauce?
Yes, substitute your preferred homemade sauce for Manwich.
What topping works best?
Both biscuit dough and cornbread topping work well depending on preference.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free topping option.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes well when wrapped tightly.
Can I add more cheese?
Absolutely, additional cheese can be added for extra richness.
Conclusion
Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich transforms a classic sandwich into a hearty, oven-baked meal. Its rich, tangy flavor and golden topping make it a satisfying choice for busy evenings or family gatherings. Simple, comforting, and adaptable, this recipe is sure to become a regular favorite in your meal rotation.
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