5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole

Featured in: Cozy Dinner Plates

This 5-ingredient casserole brings together browned ground beef, a savory tomato-based sauce, and thawed mixed vegetables layered over soft bread cubes. Topped with shredded cheddar cheese and baked until bubbly, it offers a comforting, easy meal option that takes just 45 minutes to prepare. Variations include using ground turkey or chicken, adding spices like jalapeños, or swapping bread types. Ideal for quick, family-friendly dinners with a satisfying balance of flavors and textures.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 14:24:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole, a family favorite, ready for scooping and enjoying. Save
Golden, bubbly 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole, a family favorite, ready for scooping and enjoying. | frizplo.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 is a go-to recipe in my household because it's quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

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 with melted cheese, bread cubes, and a vibrant vegetable mix. Save
Savory 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole with melted cheese, bread cubes, and a vibrant vegetable mix. | frizplo.com

My family loves gathering around this casserole for a cozy dinner, especially on busy weeknights.

Notes

For a spicier variation, add sliced pickled jalapeños or red pepper flakes. Swap sandwich bread for slider buns or whole wheat bread for extra fiber. Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal.

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.

Warm, hearty 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole, a quick and easy American comfort food dinner with great flavor. Save
Warm, hearty 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole, a quick and easy American comfort food dinner with great flavor. | frizplo.com

This casserole is the perfect blend of convenience and flavor, sure to become a family favorite.

Recipe FAQ

Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work well as lighter alternatives without compromising flavor.

What is the best bread type to use?

Soft sandwich bread absorbs the sauce nicely, but slider buns or whole wheat bread can add texture and fiber.

How do I add a spicy kick to this dish?

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

Can I prepare the dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it in advance and refrigerate before baking, then add extra baking time if chilled.

What sides pair well with this casserole?

A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables complement the rich flavors and balance the meal.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Substitute sandwich bread with gluten-free bread to accommodate gluten sensitivities.

5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole

A hearty casserole blending beef, tangy sauce, veggies, bread, and cheese for a simple family meal.

Prep duration
10 min
Time to cook
35 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created by Madison Young

Classification Cozy Dinner Plates

Complexity Level Easy

Cultural Origin American

Output 6 Portion Count

Dietary requirements None specified

Components

Protein

01 1 pound ground beef

Sauce & Seasoning

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

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

Directions

Step 01

Prepare Oven and 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 it up with a spoon, about 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 bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour beef mixture over bread, spreading uniformly.

Step 05

Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if you're uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (bread) and milk (cheese)
  • May contain soy (in some sloppy joe sauces)

Nutritional breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy Content: 375
  • Fats: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Proteins: 22 g