If you’re looking for a meal that combines classic comfort food with the ease of a one-dish dinner, the Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich is your answer. This casserole takes the beloved flavors of Sloppy Joes—a staple of casual, family-friendly meals—and transforms them into a hearty, baked casserole that’s perfect for any occasion. With its layers of savory ground beef, tangy Manwich sauce, and fluffy biscuit dough, all topped with melted cheese, this dish is a surefire crowd-pleaser.
The base of this casserole starts with ground beef, which is cooked to perfection and mixed with a savory blend of onions, bell peppers, and garlic. The addition of Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce brings a rich, tangy flavor that melds beautifully with the beef. This sauce, known for its classic Sloppy Joe taste, adds a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice, making it the ideal complement to the ground beef mixture.
Once the beef mixture is ready, it’s spread evenly in a baking dish, creating a savory layer that forms the heart of the casserole. On top of this, pieces of refrigerated biscuit dough are scattered, creating a fluffy, doughy topping that bakes up golden brown and delicious. As the casserole bakes, the biscuit dough puffs up and becomes tender, while absorbing some of the savory juices from the beef mixture below.
The finishing touch is a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese, which is sprinkled on top during the final minutes of baking. As the casserole finishes in the oven, the cheese melts into a gooey, bubbly layer that adds a rich, creamy texture and a deliciously cheesy flavor to the dish.
This casserole is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your tastes or dietary needs. For a lighter option, you can use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef. Adding extra vegetables, such as mushrooms, corn, or spinach, can boost the nutritional value and add extra layers of flavor. The biscuit topping can be made from scratch or replaced with store-bought dough for convenience, and you can experiment with different types of cheese to find your perfect combination.
Ideal for busy weeknights, this casserole is also great for potlucks and family gatherings, offering a hearty and satisfying meal that’s sure to please a crowd. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making it a practical choice for meal planning. Simply assemble the casserole, refrigerate it, and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
In summary, the Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich is a comforting, delicious, and easy-to-make dish that brings together the best elements of classic Sloppy Joes in a convenient casserole form. Its combination of savory beef, tangy sauce, fluffy biscuit topping, and melted cheese makes it a delightful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting textures of this classic comfort food reinvented into a delicious casserole!
Ingredients:
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz/425 g) Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce (Original or your preferred flavor)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Casserole:
- 1 can (16.3 oz/460 g) refrigerated biscuit dough (like Pillsbury)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Beef Mixture:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Prepare the Biscuit Dough:
- Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough and separate the biscuits.
- You can either cut each biscuit into quarters or tear them into pieces, depending on your preference for biscuit size in the casserole.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the cooked beef mixture evenly across the bottom.
- Arrange the biscuit pieces over the beef mixture in a single layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the biscuit dough is cooked through and golden brown.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
Tips:
- Ground Beef: For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, corn, or spinach to the beef mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
- Biscuit Dough: If you prefer a homemade touch, you can use your favorite biscuit recipe or use frozen biscuit dough.
- Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend to suit your taste.
- Make-Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
This Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, offering a delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!
