5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole

Featured in: Easy Weeknight Meals

This hearty casserole layers cooked ground beef mixed with tangy sauce and thawed vegetables over soft bread cubes, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. It bakes until bubbly and golden, creating a comforting dish with balanced savory and tangy flavors. Simple to prepare using just five key ingredients, it offers a satisfying family meal in under an hour.

Variations include substituting ground turkey or chicken for a lighter dish, adding spicy elements like jalapeños, or swapping bread types for texture changes. Perfect paired with a fresh green salad for a complete dinner.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:43:00 GMT
Cheesy, bubbling 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole, a family-friendly meal bursting with savory flavors. Save
Cheesy, bubbling 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole, a family-friendly meal bursting with savory flavors. | olivedune.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 has become a staple in my household, perfect for busy weeknights when everyone craves a hearty dish without the fuss.

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
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| olivedune.com

Sharing this casserole at family dinners always creates warm memories and happy smiles around the table.

Required Tools

Large skillet, 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (bread) and milk (cheese). May contain soy in some sloppy joe sauces. Always check product labels for specific allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 375 calories, 20 g total fat, 27 g carbohydrates, 22 g protein

This easy 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole shows off tender bread and melty cheddar topping rich beef. Save
This easy 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole shows off tender bread and melty cheddar topping rich beef. | olivedune.com

This easy casserole is sure to become one of your family's favorite quick dinners.

Cooking Questions & Answers

Can I use different meat in this dish?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter protein option without changing the core flavors.

What type of bread works best for baking?

Soft sandwich bread absorbs the sauce well, but slider buns or whole wheat bread can be used for different textures or added fiber.

How can I add spice to the casserole?

Adding pickled jalapeños or red pepper flakes gives the casserole a pleasant spicy kick while complementing the savory elements.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the layers in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking as directed.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

It can be frozen before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole

Savory casserole combining beef, vegetables, bread, and cheddar for an easy, satisfying meal.

Prep Duration
10 min
Time to Cook
35 min
Overall Duration
45 min
Creator: Clara Moretti


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Serves 6 Portions

Dietary Info None specified

What You 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

Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Cook Ground Beef: Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking apart with a spoon, for 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Assemble Layers: Spread cubed bread evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour beef mixture over bread, spreading uniformly.

Step 05

Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef layer.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Rest Before Serving: Let stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to set.

Essential Tools

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

Allergy Notice

Always review each component for allergens, and reach out to medical experts if you're uncertain.
  • Contains wheat and milk
  • May contain soy depending on sauce brand

Nutrition Breakdown (each portion)

These details are for general advice—please consult your healthcare provider for specific guidance.
  • Energy (kcal): 375
  • Lipids: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Proteins: 22 g