How to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole
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- Ground beef: Ground beef is a classic, but it’s easy to make with whatever ground meat you have on hand. Ground pork and lots of sweet or hot Italian sausage can be used in place of regular beef. If you use ground turkey or chicken, you’ll need to add a tablespoon of oil to the skillet along with the peppers, onion, and garlic. If you’re using the plant-based version, cook the veggies first, then add the fake meat and stir fry until lightly browned, then stir in the spices.
- Yellow onion, bell pepper, and garlic: Yellow onions, bell peppers, and garlic start the sauce-making process – I like to use red and green bell peppers, but you could use two types (or just one) if you prefer.
- sauce: Just like our classic Sloppy Joe recipe, the star of this casserole is the sauce, made with a mix of ketchup, chili powder, dry mustard, tomato sauce, broth, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and dark brown sugar. There are a few ways to play around with it; you can use beef or chicken broth, but make sure it’s low in sodium. If you want a bit more heat in your sauce, add a few drops of your favorite hot sauce.
- Hawaiian Roll Slider: Instead of hamburger buns, this recipe uses fluffy, sweet Hawaiian roll sliders to top the filling, and a brushing of butter gives the sliders a golden brown top that makes them irresistible.
- cheese: Cheese is a must: if you don’t have cheddar, use shredded Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Mozzarella, or Provolone.
Step-by-step instructions
Before we get to the sauce (the main ingredient), we need to prepare the ground beef. Season the beef with salt and pepper in a frying pan. Once it’s no longer pink and cooked through, remove the slotted spoon. Transfer the ground beef to a plate and discard most of the remaining fat, but not all! You can use the remaining fat to fry the sauce ingredients so they are evenly flavored. more Rich flavor.
Next, add the vegetables along with the beef fat in the same skillet and saute until they are soft and the onions are translucent. Season the vegetables with a little salt and pepper before adding the ketchup. The sauce is packed with a ton of flavor so you don’t need to go crazy here, but make sure you season the vegetables moderately. Add the ketchup and simmer (stirring occasionally) until the sauce turns into a thick paste. Then add the seasonings and stir everything until it’s fragrant and your kitchen is filled with amazing aromas.
Add the tomato sauce, broth, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar to the skillet and stir together. Add the ground beef back in and, if you want to add more heat, add a few drops of hot sauce.
Once the Sloppy Joe mixture is all combined, transfer it to the prepared baking dish. Next, place the rolls in a row (cut side down). Finish by spreading with butter and shredded cheese, and baking until the rolls are golden brown and the cheese is toasty.
Once the casserole is simmering and delicious, serve with a sprinkling of fresh parsley (optional).
Prepare in advance
Sloppy Joe filling can be stored in the refrigerator for 4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. If the filling is frozen, thaw it and reheat in the microwave until warm. Transfer the warm filling to a baking dish and begin with recipe step 4.
What to Serve with Sloppy Joe Casserole
- Baked beans: Baked beans are a classic sandwich side dish, so why not try pairing them with this casserole?
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a comfort food on their own, so they’re perfect when paired with this comforting casserole.
- Macaroni Salad: Prepare this casserole for a potluck party? Macaroni salad never disappoints at a party.
Sloppy Joe Variations
Sloppy Joe Orzo
Sloppy Joe Cup
Sloppy Joe Meatball Bake
Did you make this?
Let us know your results in the comments section below.
