Sloppy Joe Casserole

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Ingredients

  • 4 tbsp. butter

    divided

  • 2 large carrots

    peeled and grated

  • 1/2 onion

    diced

  • 1 green bell pepper
  • 5 cloves garlic

    minced

  • 2 1/2 lb. ground beef
  • 1 1/2 c. ketchup
  • 2 tbsp. brown sugar
  • 2 tsp. chili powder
  • 1 tsp. dry mustard
  • 2 c. beef stock
  • 2 tbsp. tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp. Worcerstershire sauce
  • 1 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
  • Hot sauce

    optional

  • 12 slider rolls

    from 1, 12-16oz. package

  • 1 tsp. everything bagel seasoning

    or sesame seeds

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

  2. 2

    Place 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet and place over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the carrot, onion and green bell pepper and cook until slightly softened, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 more minute. Add the ground beef, breaking up into little pieces with a wooden spoon, and cook until no pink pieces remain, 5-7 minutes. If a lot of liquid or fat remain in the skillet, drain most and discard.

  3. 3

    Add the ketchup, brown sugar, chili powder, dry mustard, beef stock, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Stir to combine and simmer for 3-5 minutes. Add hot sauce if desired. Transfer the mixture to a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish.

  4. 4

    Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Nestle the slider rolls (tops and bottoms together) into the sloppy joe mixture and brush all over with the melted butter. Sprinkle the tops all over with everything bagel seasoning or sesame seeds. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the tops of the buns are toasty. Serve in serving bowls immediately.

Sloppy Joe Casserole

Sloppy Joe Casserole

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About this Recipe

Craving that irresistible sloppy joe flavor but in a more substantial, satisfying form? This Sloppy Joe Casserole delivers all the beloved tangy, sweet, and savory goodness you remember, baked into a hearty, family-friendly dish that's perfect for weeknights.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe shines by transforming a classic sandwich into a comforting casserole, making it a complete meal in one pan. The rich ground beef mixture, simmered with aromatic vegetables like grated carrots, diced onion, and green bell pepper, creates a deep flavor base. Combined with a robust sauce featuring ketchup, brown sugar, chili powder, and Worcestershire, it perfectly balances sweetness, tang, and a hint of spice, all crowned with tender slider rolls for an extra layer of deliciousness.

Expect a symphony of nostalgic flavors in every bite. The ground beef simmers down into a wonderfully rich, saucy consistency, reminiscent of your favorite sloppy joe sandwich filling. The grated carrots melt into the sauce, adding a subtle sweetness, while the bell pepper and onion contribute a savory depth. The slider rolls on top become wonderfully soft, soaking up the flavorful sauce below, offering a delightful texture contrast with their baked exterior. This dish is pure comfort food, designed to please everyone at the table.

Customization & Variations

Feel free to adjust the heat level by adding more or less hot sauce to the beef mixture, or omit it entirely for a milder take. If you don't have everything bagel seasoning, simple sesame seeds or even a sprinkle of garlic powder and onion powder would work on the rolls. For an extra veggie boost, consider adding finely diced celery along with the onions and bell peppers.

This Sloppy Joe Casserole is ideal for a comforting family dinner on a chilly evening or a casual get-together with friends. Serve it hot, straight from the oven, as a complete meal. A simple green salad or some quick steamed green beans make excellent complementary sides.

Frequently Asked Questions