5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole

Featured in: Comfort Food Favorites

This comforting casserole combines savory ground beef with tangy sloppy joe sauce, frozen mixed vegetables, cubes of sandwich bread, and melted cheddar cheese. Prepared in under an hour, it layers hearty ingredients to create a satisfying meal with minimal effort. Bake until bubbly and golden for a family-friendly dish packed with rich flavors and simple pantry staples.

Updated on Sat, 22 Nov 2025 12:40:00 GMT
Sizzling 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole, a cheesy, savory baked comfort food meal. Save It
Sizzling 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole, a cheesy, savory baked comfort food meal. | zetluna.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 became a favorite in our home because it combines convenience with nostalgic flavors our kids adore.

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.
Warm, bubbling 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole, loaded with ground beef, veggies, and cheddar cheese. Save It
Warm, bubbling 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole, loaded with ground beef, veggies, and cheddar cheese. | zetluna.com

This recipe often brings the family together as everyone enjoys sharing a hearty and satisfying 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.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 375 Total Fat: 20 g Carbohydrates: 27 g Protein: 22 g

Easy, family-friendly 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole, served in a classic American style. Save It
Easy, family-friendly 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole, served in a classic American style. | zetluna.com

This easy casserole is perfect for busy weeknights and guarantees happy plates all around.

Common Questions About Recipes

Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.

What type of bread works best for this casserole?

Soft sandwich bread is ideal for absorbing the sauce, but slider buns or whole wheat bread provide good alternatives.

How long does the casserole need to bake?

Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Can I add extra spice to this dish?

Yes, sliced pickled jalapeños or red pepper flakes add a nice spicy kick to the casserole.

Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it, then bake just before serving to maintain freshness.

5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole

Comforting casserole blending savory beef, tangy sauce, mixed vegetables, bread, and cheddar cheese.

Prep Time
10 mins
Time to Cook
35 mins
Overall Time
45 mins
Authored by Clara


Skill Level Required Easy

Cuisine Type American

Recipe Output 6 Number of Portions

Dietary Needs None specified

The Ingredients You'll Need

Protein

01 1 pound ground beef

Sauce & Seasoning

01 1 (15 oz) can sloppy joe sauce

Vegetables

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

Bread Layer

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

Cheese

01 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 03

Combine sauce and vegetables: Stir in sloppy joe sauce and thawed mixed vegetables. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.

Step 04

Layer bread and beef mixture: Spread cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour beef mixture over the bread and spread evenly.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Bake casserole: Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.

Step 07

Rest before serving: Allow to stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify allergens and consult an expert if needed.
  • Contains wheat and milk; may contain soy depending on sloppy joe sauce used

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Keep in mind these details are for general guidance and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Caloric Content: 375
  • Fats: 20 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 27 grams
  • Proteins: 22 grams