5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole

Featured in: Quick Cozy Meals

This flavorful casserole combines browned ground beef with tangy sauce and thawed mixed vegetables, layered over cubed sandwich bread and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Baked until bubbly, it offers a quick, hearty meal using just five pantry staples. Perfect for busy weeknights, it can be customized with turkey or chicken and paired with fresh salad for a balanced dinner.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 16:58:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole, a family favorite layered with cheese and beef. Pin It
Golden, bubbly 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole, a family favorite layered with cheese and beef. | fordish.com

A family-friendly comforting casserole that delivers all the tangy savory flavors of classic Sloppy Joes with minimal effort and just five pantry staples.

This casserole quickly became a go-to weeknight meal for my family it is easy to prepare and packs big flavor.

Ingredients

  • Protein: 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
  • Sauce & Seasoning: 1 (15 oz/425 g) can sloppy joe sauce (such as Manwich)
  • Vegetables: 1 cup (120 g) frozen mixed vegetables (peas carrots corn) thawed
  • Bread Layer: 4 cups (about 5 6 slices) soft sandwich bread cubed
  • Cheese: 1½ cups (170 g) shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish
Step 2:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat brown the ground beef until fully cooked breaking it up with a spoon (about 6 8 minutes) Drain excess fat if necessary
Step 3:
Stir in the sloppy joe sauce and thawed mixed vegetables Simmer for 2 3 minutes until everything is heated through
Step 4:
Spread the bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish Pour the beef mixture over the bread spreading it out evenly
Step 5:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top
Step 6:
Bake uncovered for 20 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling and the casserole is hot throughout
Step 7:
Let stand for 5 minutes before serving
Savory 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole, featuring a warm, cheesy topping over bread and meat. Pin It
Savory 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole, featuring a warm, cheesy topping over bread and meat. | fordish.com

This dish brings my family together for a comforting meal perfect for any evening.

Notes

For a lighter version substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef Add sliced pickled jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick Swap sandwich bread for slider buns or use whole wheat bread for extra fiber Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal

Required Tools

Large skillet 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish Wooden spoon or spatula Measuring cups

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (bread) Milk (cheese) May contain Soy (in some sloppy joe sauces) Always check product labels for specific allergens

A tempting photo shows a bubbling 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole, ready to be served hot. Pin It
A tempting photo shows a bubbling 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole, ready to be served hot. | fordish.com

Enjoy this simple comforting casserole perfect for busy nights and happy family moments.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for a lighter variation without compromising the dish's flavor.

What bread works best for this dish?

Soft sandwich bread is ideal for absorbing flavors, but slider buns or whole wheat bread can also be used.

How do I add a spicy kick?

Add sliced pickled jalapeños or sprinkle red pepper flakes before baking for added heat.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the layers beforehand and store covered in the fridge, then bake fresh when ready.

What sides pair well with this main dish?

A simple green salad or steamed vegetables complement the rich, savory flavors perfectly.

5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole

Tangy, savory casserole with ground beef, mixed veggies, bread, and cheddar cheese in a simple bake.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Time to Cook
35 minutes
Overall Time
45 minutes
Recipe by Fordish Mia Harper


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Result 6 Portion Size

Dietary Details None specified

Ingredient List

Protein

01 1 pound ground beef

Sauce & Seasoning

01 1 (15 oz) can sloppy joe sauce (e.g., Manwich)

Vegetables

01 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn), thawed

Bread Layer

01 4 cups soft sandwich bread, cubed (about 5–6 slices)

Cheese

01 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 02

Cook beef: Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked, breaking up with a spoon (6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 03

Combine sauce and vegetables: Add sloppy joe sauce and thawed mixed vegetables to the skillet. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until heated through.

Step 04

Assemble casserole: Spread bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the beef mixture over the bread and spread evenly.

Step 05

Add cheese topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Step 06

Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling and the casserole is hot throughout.

Step 07

Rest before serving: Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Tools Needed

  • Large skillet
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups

Allergy Details

Review each ingredient for allergens. Ask your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Contains wheat (bread) and milk (cheese). May contain soy (in some sauces). Check labels for allergens.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Values provided for reference. Consult your medical provider with questions.
  • Energy Value: 375
  • Lipids: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Proteins: 22 g