I’ll never forget the first time my kitchen filled with the smell of this Sloppy Joe Biscuit Casserole. It was a chaotic Wednesday, the kind where everyone’s schedules were colliding and the thought of a complicated dinner felt impossible. I had some ground beef and a lonely can of biscuits in the fridge, and a memory of my mom’s sloppy joes. What if I combined them all into one pan? The result was pure, bubbly, golden-brown magic. The savory, slightly sweet meat sauce melding with the fluffy, buttery biscuit topping created a scent of homey comfort that had my family gathered around the oven window, asking “Is it ready yet?” before I’d even set the timer. This dish instantly became our beloved weeknight hero.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to love this recipe because it takes all the fun, messy joy of a sloppy joe and transforms it into a no-fuss, fork-friendly casserole that’s even more delicious. It’s the ultimate answer to “what’s for dinner?” on busy nights, delivering incredible flavor with minimal effort. From my experience, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both picky kids and hungry adults, and that beautiful golden biscuit top makes it look like you spent far more time than you actually did. It’s cozy, satisfying, and the kind of meal that makes everyone feel taken care of.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (I use 80/20 for the best flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (trust me, do not skip this!)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 (16.3 oz) can refrigerated jumbo buttermilk biscuits, each cut into quarters
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Let’s talk ingredients for a second. That smoked paprika isn’t just for color—it adds a subtle, smoky depth that makes the sauce incredible, so please use it. I’ve tried this with both ground turkey and beef, and while turkey works, beef gives that classic, rich sloppy joe flavor we all crave. For the biscuits, I specifically use the classic, cheap buttermilk ones in the tube. I tried fancy “flaky layers” biscuits once, and they didn’t soak up the sauce as nicely. The simple ones work perfectly here.
Equipment Needed
- Large, oven-safe skillet (or a regular skillet and a 9×13 baking dish)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Cheese grater (if shredding your own cheese)
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, in my large skillet over medium-high heat, I brown the ground beef with the diced onion and bell pepper. I break the meat up really well with my wooden spoon until it’s no longer pink. This is where the first wonderful smells start—the savory beef and sweet vegetables cooking together. I drain any excess grease, because I’ve learned too much fat makes the final dish a bit slick. Then, I stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire, brown sugar, mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
I let this glorious mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll see it thicken slightly and the flavors will really come together. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of your spoon, not runny. If it’s too thin, let it cook for a few more minutes. This simmering time is crucial; it’s what turns separate ingredients into that iconic, craveable sloppy joe flavor. I always sneak a taste here to adjust the seasoning—sometimes I add an extra pinch of brown sugar or a dash more Worcestershire.(See the next page below to continue…)