Cheesy Sloppy Joe Bubble-Up Casserole Recipe

Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole is a quick, hearty meal that works perfectly for busy weeknights. This casserole combines the familiar, savory flavors of classic sloppy joes with the fluffy, golden texture of baked biscuits. Made with ground beef, bell pepper, onion, a tangy-sweet sauce, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s an easy, family-friendly dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Homemade sloppy joes are a favorite with kids and adults alike, and turning them into a bubble-up casserole is a simple way to change things up while keeping the flavors everyone loves. If you enjoy experimenting, try swapping the beef for ground turkey or chicken, or add a few spoonfuls of barbecue sauce for a smoky twist. This version keeps the prep minimal and the results hearty.

What Is a Bubble-Up Casserole?

A bubble-up casserole is a one-dish meal where pieces of biscuit dough are mixed with or placed under a filling and then baked so the biscuits puff and bubble through the topping. The result is tender biscuit pockets embedded in a flavorful sauce or filling. This savory Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole combines biscuit dough with a seasoned ground beef mixture so each bite has a balance of meat sauce and soft biscuit.

Ingredients Needed

Below is the ingredient list used for this easy sloppy joe bubble-up casserole. Quantities and full instructions are provided in the recipe card further down.

• Biscuits: Canned homestyle refrigerated biscuits are recommended because they puff nicely. Flaky or buttermilk biscuits will work but may produce a slightly denser texture.
• Ground Beef: One pound of lean ground beef (85/15 recommended). If you use higher-fat beef, drain the excess fat after browning.
• Sauce: Ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, and light brown sugar create a classic sloppy joe sauce with balanced sweet and tangy notes.
• Cheese: Shredded cheddar or any semi-hard cheese you prefer. Cheese adds creaminess and a golden finish.

How To Make Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole

Recipe Tips

• Even Biscuit Pieces: Cut biscuit dough into uniform pieces and spread them evenly in the dish so they bake at the same rate and “bubble up” through the filling.
• Test the Center: Check doneness by testing the center pieces with a toothpick, not just the edges.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole rest 5–10 minutes after baking to allow it to set and make serving easier.
• Make-Ahead: Cook the beef mixture ahead of time and refrigerate. Assembly and baking are quick when you’re ready to serve.

Storing Tips

1. Cool Completely: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before refrigerating to avoid excess condensation.
2. Refrigerate Promptly: Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours; consume within 3–4 days.
3. Freeze for Longer: Freeze portions tightly wrapped or in freezer-safe containers for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
4. Reheat: Rewarm in a 350°F (180°C) oven covered with foil until heated through (about 20–30 minutes). For a quick option, reheat single portions in the microwave in short intervals.
5. Avoid Refreezing: Do not refreeze once thawed, as texture and flavor can degrade.

Give this Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole a try for an easy weeknight dinner that pleases the whole family. It’s quick to assemble, bakes up beautifully, and offers familiar sloppy joe flavors with the homey appeal of baked biscuits. Leave a note about any tweaks you made—swapping meats, adding vegetables, or using different cheeses can personalize the dish to your taste.

Sloppy Joe Bubble Up Casserole

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 35 mins

Total Time 45 mins

8 servings

This casserole blends classic sloppy joe flavors with fluffy baked biscuits to create an easy, comforting family meal that’s quick to prepare.

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish

Ingredients

• 16 oz can refrigerated biscuits (Grands 8 count recommended)
• 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15 recommended)
• 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• 3 teaspoons yellow mustard
• 3 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until the meat is crumbled and vegetables are softened. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to combine flavors, then remove from heat.
4. Separate biscuits and cut each biscuit into 8 pieces. Place the pieces evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Pour the meat mixture over the biscuit pieces and toss gently to coat.
6. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar over the coated biscuits and meat.
7. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. Add the remaining cheese and bake another 10 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden and cooked through in the center. If the top browns too quickly, cover with foil for the remainder of the time.
8. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Serve warm.

Notes

• If the top browns too fast, cover loosely with foil for the remaining bake time.
• Pre-cook the beef mixture and refrigerate for a faster assembly on busy evenings.
• Cutting biscuits into smaller pieces improves distribution and helps them cook evenly.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving |
Calories: 391 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 40 g |
Protein: 20 g |
Fat: 17 g |
Sodium: 988 mg

Nutrition data is approximate and provided for convenience.