5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole

Featured in: Quick Weeknight Dinners

This comforting dish layers browned ground beef simmered in tangy sauce with thawed vegetables over bread cubes, topped with melted cheddar cheese. Baked until bubbly, it offers a hearty and satisfying meal prepared in under an hour, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Simple swaps like using ground turkey or adding spice make it versatile for various tastes.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 08:26:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole, a comforting weeknight dinner ready to enjoy. Save
Golden, bubbly 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole, a comforting weeknight dinner ready to enjoy. | forkina.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 recipe quickly became a family favorite on busy weeknights when I needed something easy yet satisfying.

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.
Cheesy 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole with a savory beef and veggie filling and soft bread. Pin it
Cheesy 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole with a savory beef and veggie filling and soft bread. | forkina.com

This dish always brings everyone to the table and sparks happy family conversations every time.

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 per serving

A hearty 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole, complete with gooey cheese and a flavorful beef sauce. Pin it
A hearty 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole, complete with gooey cheese and a flavorful beef sauce. | forkina.com

This simple casserole is sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, substituting ground turkey provides a lighter option while maintaining similar texture and flavor.

What vegetables work well in this dish?

Frozen mixed vegetables such as peas, carrots, and corn blend nicely, adding color and nutrition.

Can I replace sandwich bread with another type?

Slider buns or whole wheat bread are great alternatives that may add fiber or a different texture.

How can I add a spicy kick to the casserole?

Incorporate sliced pickled jalapeños or red pepper flakes to increase heat and flavor depth.

What is the best way to know when it's fully baked?

Bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the casserole is heated through, usually 20-25 minutes.

5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole

Hearty casserole with beef, tangy sauce, mixed vegetables, bread, and cheddar cheese baked to perfection.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 servings

Dietary: None specified

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Cook Ground Beef: Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully cooked, 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

Assemble Layers: Spread bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish, then pour beef mixture over the bread, spreading it uniformly.

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

Rest and Serve: Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains wheat (bread) and milk (cheese). May contain soy depending on sauce.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 375
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 27 g
  • Protein: 22 g