Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole Recipe

If you grew up loving classic Sloppy Joes and secretly adore anything baked with gooey cheese and fluffy biscuits, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole. It takes everything nostalgic and delicious about the original sandwich and transforms it into a bubbly, golden casserole that’s as fun to serve as it is to eat. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or any time you want a meal that brings people to the dinner table with big smiles. The flavor-packed meat and veggie base is topped with pillowy biscuit bites and finished with a generous layer of cheddar—you can bet there won’t be leftovers!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this dish is refreshingly straightforward, but every component in the Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole pulls its weight. You’ll find big flavors, appealing textures, and familiar colors all coming together for a meal that’s both comforting and fun.

• Lean ground beef (1 pound, 90/10 preferred): This forms the hearty and protein-rich base; extra lean keeps the casserole lighter.
• Small yellow onion (diced): Adds aromatic sweetness and depth to the filling.
• Green bell pepper (diced): Lends crunch and a pop of earthy color for balance.
• Sloppy joe sauce (1 can, 15 oz, like Manwich): Delivers that unmistakable zippy and slightly tangy Sloppy Joe flavor in minutes.
• Refrigerated biscuit dough (1 can, 16.3 oz, cut into quarters): Where the “bubble up” happens—these pieces puff up for a beautifully light topping.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (1½ cups): Melty, sharp cheddar crowns the dish with irresistible gooeyness.
• Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Provides subtle savory richness that ties the meat and veggies together.
• Paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds warm color and a gentle, smoky background note.
• Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for dialing up the flavors just right.
• Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures nothing sticks, so your casserole releases cleanly and beautifully.

How to Make Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F—a moderate temperature that lets everything bake up golden and bubbly without drying out the meat. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray so your casserole comes out clean, leaving no delicious bits behind.

Step 2: Sauté the Beef and Vegetables

Grab your largest skillet and set it over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and bell pepper, breaking up the meat as it cooks. After about 6 to 8 minutes, you’ll have perfectly browned beef and tender veggies ready for that classic Sloppy Joe flavor. Drain any excess grease for a lighter, less greasy casserole.

Step 3: Add the Signature Sauce and Spices

Pour in the can of sloppy joe sauce, then sprinkle in the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir, making sure the sauce coats all the beef and veggies. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes—this is where the flavors meld together, creating that familiar, savory filling that sets your Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole apart.

Step 4: Fold in the Biscuit Dough

Remove the skillet from the heat, and gently add in the quartered biscuit dough pieces. Stir with care so each biscuit gets a generous coating of the saucy mixture. Little pockets of dough will swell up beautifully in the oven, giving the casserole that irresistible “bubble up” effect everyone loves.

Step 5: Layer and Bake

Spoon and spread everything evenly into your prepared baking dish. Slide it into the oven (uncovered) and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The kitchen will start to smell amazing as the biscuits turn golden and the sauce thickens. You’ll know it’s ready when the biscuits are puffed and cooked through.

Step 6: Add the Cheddar Crown

Pull the casserole out and scatter shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. Pop it back into the oven for another 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts into a gooey, bubbling layer—a picture-perfect finish for your Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole.

Step 7: Cool Slightly and Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This gives the cheese time to set and the saucy base to thicken up just enough for perfect slices. Serve warm and enjoy every comforting bite!

How to Serve Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped parsley or fresh sliced green onions makes a world of difference, adding a fresh pop of color and subtle flavor. If you like things a little spicy, a scattering of pickled jalapeños on top of the Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole adds a tangy kick that balances the rich, cheesy filling.

Side Dishes

The Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole is a meal all on its own, but if you want to round out your dinner, serve it alongside a crisp green salad, steamed green beans, or classic corn on the cob. Potato chips or sweet potato fries can add a playful, crunchy side that kids and adults both love.

Creative Ways to Present

This casserole is right at home as a big, family-style bake, but you can get creative! Try baking the mixture in individual ramekins for personalized servings at a party, or spoon smaller portions onto toasted slider buns for a delightful spin on game day snacks. However you choose to serve it, the Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole draws a crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole should be cooled completely, then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay tasty and fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or easy next-day dinners.

Freezing

If you want to make the casserole ahead or store for longer, let it cool and then wrap the dish tightly in foil or transfer slices to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months. Remember to label your containers with the date for easy planning!

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to their bubbly best, reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, or cover and bake the whole casserole in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheddar before reheating for extra cheesiness if you’d like.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Swapping in ground turkey or chicken gives you a lighter version that still delivers on flavor. Just follow the same instructions and you’ll have a delicious Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole with a twist.

What kind of refrigerated biscuit dough works best?

Regular buttermilk or flaky-style biscuits are both great choices. Opt for your favorite brand or whatever is readily available—the magic is in the “bubble up” action they create!

Can I add extra veggies?

Definitely! You can mix in corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, or even extra peppers without changing the overall bake time. It’s a great way to sneak in more color and nutrition.

How do I know the biscuits are fully cooked?

You’ll notice the biscuits are golden brown and puffed up on top when they’re done. If you’re unsure, insert a toothpick into a biscuit center—if it comes out clean, you’re good to go!

What’s the best way to serve this at a potluck?

Bake the Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole in a disposable foil pan for easy transport. When you arrive, just reheat it in the oven (if possible) and watch it disappear as everyone grabs a hearty scoop!

Final Thoughts

This Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole is a guaranteed hit—full of nostalgia, flavor, and family-friendly fun. If you’re craving a comforting dinner that’s equal parts cozy and crowd-pleasing, you owe it to yourself to try this recipe. Dive in, share with your favorite people, and make it a regular at your own table!

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