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Easy Cheesy Sloppy Joe Casserole

cheesy sloppy joe casserole - featured image

A quick and comforting casserole that transforms classic sloppy joes into a cheesy baked dish perfect for family dinners. Ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce or marinara
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 cups bread cubes (about 4 slices day-old white or whole wheat bread), lightly toasted
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp (28 g) melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Toss 4 cups of cubed, day-old bread with 2 tablespoons melted butter in a medium bowl. Spread on a baking sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes until slightly crispy.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Stir in 1 finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Add 1 cup tomato sauce, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tsp yellow mustard. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread half of the toasted bread cubes evenly. Pour the beef sauce over the bread, then top with the remaining bread cubes.
  7. Sprinkle 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar evenly over the top, followed by 1 cup shredded mozzarella.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown around the edges.
  9. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Toast bread cubes to prevent sogginess. Drain excess fat from beef to avoid greasiness. Use a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for best flavor and melt. If cheese browns too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking. Simmer sauce longer if too runny before assembling. Can substitute bread with gluten-free bread or cauliflower rice for dietary needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: sloppy joe casserole, cheesy casserole, ground beef casserole, family dinner, quick dinner, comfort food