There’s something nostalgic about a good Sloppy Joe, right? The saucy, flavorful ground beef in a soft bun takes many of us back to childhood. But if you’re looking for a way to shake things up and create a meal that’s just as comforting yet a little more filling, this Sloppy Joe Casserole is exactly what you need! With layers of seasoned beef, melted mozzarella, and golden biscuits, it’s like a hearty hug in a dish.

Let’s dive into how to make this easy, family-friendly dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights!

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Why You’ll Love This Sloppy Joe Casserole

Quick and Easy: This casserole comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for those nights when you don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.
Comfort Food Reimagined: We’re taking the classic Sloppy Joe and turning it into a bubbling, cheesy casserole topped with fluffy golden biscuits.
Kid-Approved: This dish is perfect for picky eaters! The cheesy, saucy goodness will have everyone asking for seconds.
One-Pan Wonder: With everything baked in one dish, clean-up is a breeze.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this tasty casserole to life:

1 lb cooked extra lean ground beef: For a rich, savory base that’s light on grease.
1 cup diced onions: Adds a nice bit of sweetness and texture to the filling.
1 can of sloppy joe sauce (Manwich): This is what gives the dish its signature flavor—feel free to use your favorite brand!
⅔ cup light shredded mozzarella cheese: For that gooey, melted cheese layer that ties it all together.
1 can of Pillsbury biscuits (7.5 oz): These biscuits puff up into fluffy golden pillows on top of the casserole.
1.5 Tbsp melted reduced-calorie margarine: Helps to crisp up the biscuits and adds buttery flavor.
2 cloves fresh garlic, diced: Fresh garlic adds an extra punch of flavor to the garlic butter topping.
1 tsp dried oregano: For a touch of Italian-inspired flavor in the garlic butter drizzle.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef and Onions

Start by browning 1 lb of extra lean ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the beef is cooked through, toss in 1 cup of diced onions and cook them together until the onions become soft and translucent. This should take about 5 minutes.

Once everything’s cooked, drain off any excess fat to keep things light and prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Add the Sloppy Joe Sauce

With your beef and onions ready to go, it’s time to make it “sloppy”! Add 1 can of Sloppy Joe sauce (such as Manwich) to the skillet and stir everything together. Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while slightly thickening the sauce. Make sure to stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan.

Step 3: Prepare the Casserole Dish

While the meat mixture is simmering, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9-inch square baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour your beef mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Now comes the cheesy goodness—sprinkle ⅔ cup light shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the meat mixture. The cheese will melt into the beef as it bakes, giving the dish that irresistible gooeyness.

Step 5: Add the Biscuits

Open your can of Pillsbury biscuits and cut them into pieces. You’ll want to place 9 pieces (you’ll have one leftover) evenly spaced on top of the meat and cheese mixture. These biscuits will bake up golden and fluffy, creating a perfect topping for the casserole.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 14 minutes. This gives the biscuits a head start and ensures they rise and cook through.

Step 7: Make the Garlic Butter Topping

While the casserole is baking, melt 1.5 Tbsp of reduced-calorie margarine in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Add 2 cloves of diced fresh garlic and 1 tsp of dried oregano to the melted butter, stirring everything together. This garlic butter is going to take those biscuits to the next level!

Step 8: Add the Garlic Butter and Finish Baking

After the first 14 minutes of baking, remove the casserole from the oven. Using a small spoon, carefully drizzle the garlic butter over each biscuit. The garlic butter will infuse the biscuits with a deliciously savory flavor and help them crisp up beautifully.

Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 6-8 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Serving Suggestions: How to Enjoy Your Sloppy Joe Casserole

Once baked, let the casserole rest for a few minutes to set before cutting into it. This makes it easier to serve without everything falling apart.

Add Some Greens: Serve with a fresh side salad or some steamed veggies to balance out the richness of the casserole.
Top with Extras: Consider topping each portion with a little extra shredded cheese, chopped fresh herbs, or even a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they store beautifully!

In the Fridge: Cover the casserole dish with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
In the Freezer: This casserole freezes well! Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
To Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire casserole dish with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.