Description

This easy and comforting 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole transforms the classic sloppy joe sandwich into a delicious baked dish. Featuring ground beef simmered with tangy sloppy joe sauce and mixed vegetables layered over soft sandwich bread, topped with melted cheddar cheese, it’s a perfect hassle-free meal for busy weeknights or family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 (15 oz) can sloppy joe sauce
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn), thawed
4 cups cubed soft sandwich bread (about 5–6 slices)
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Prepare Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Brown Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, until fully browned and no pink remains, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Combine Sauce and Vegetables: Add the sloppy joe sauce along with the thawed mixed vegetables to the skillet. Stir well and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
Assemble Base Layer: Spread the cubed soft sandwich bread evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour the beef mixture evenly over the bread cubes, spreading it uniformly to cover the entire surface.
Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the beef and bread layers to create a cheese topping.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and the dish is thoroughly heated.
Rest before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes to set before serving. This resting time helps the casserole firm up for easier serving.

Notes

For added flavor, consider sprinkling some garlic powder or onion powder into the beef while browning.
You can substitute the frozen mixed vegetables with fresh or other favorite vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
If you prefer a spicier dish, add a dash of hot sauce or some crushed red pepper flakes when simmering the beef mixture.
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Using day-old or slightly stale bread can help the bread cubes hold their shape better during baking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Sloppy Joe casserole, easy dinner casserole, 5 ingredient casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy casserole