Classic Sloppy Joe Bubble-Up Bake

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Classic Sloppy Joe Bubble-Up Bake: Comfort Food Made Easy!

Get ready for a hearty and incredibly fun meal with this Classic Sloppy Joe Bubble-Up Bake! This dish takes the beloved, tangy flavors of Sloppy Joes and combines them with soft, fluffy biscuit pieces and melty cheese, all baked together in a convenient casserole. It’s the perfect family-friendly meal for a busy weeknight, a casual gathering, or when you’re craving ultimate comfort food with minimal fuss!

Imagine tender ground beef coated in that signature sweet and savory Sloppy Joe sauce, mixed with delightful little “bubbles” of biscuit dough that bake up golden and tender, all enveloped in gooey, melted cheese. It’s a satisfying, flavorful, and incredibly easy-to-love dish that transforms a classic into a modern, bakeable wonder.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 can (16 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (such as Pillsbury Grands! Flaky Layers), quartered
  • 1 cup sloppy joe sauce (from a can, or use homemade, see note below)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra melt and stretch)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • ½ small onion, finely chopped (optional, for added flavor)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional, for added flavor)

Equipment:

  • 9×13 inch baking dish
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven & Prep Biscuits: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough and quarter each biscuit into smaller pieces. Set aside.

  2. Brown Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil (if using) in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until thoroughly browned. Drain off any excess grease. If using, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic with the beef during the last 5-7 minutes of browning, cooking until softened and fragrant.

  3. Combine with Sloppy Joe Sauce: Stir in the 1 cup sloppy joe sauce with the browned ground beef. Season with salt & pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat.

  4. Assemble the Bake: Add the quartered biscuit dough pieces to the skillet with the Sloppy Joe mixture. Stir gently to coat the biscuit pieces evenly with the sauce and beef. Pour the entire mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish.

  5. Bake the Casserole: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuit pieces are puffed and golden brown, and the Sloppy Joe mixture is hot and bubbly.

  6. Add Cheese & Finish: Remove the bake from the oven. Sprinkle the 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and the optional ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Let the Classic Sloppy Joe Bubble-Up Bake stand for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations:

  • Homemade Sloppy Joe Sauce: If you don’t have canned sauce, you can easily make your own by combining ½ cup ketchup, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce with a splash of water, then simmering with the beef.
  • Add Veggies: Feel free to stir in ½ cup of canned or frozen corn, diced bell peppers (sautéed with the onion), or drained black beans to the Sloppy Joe mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Spice Level: A pinch of chili powder or red pepper flakes can be added to the ground beef mixture for a bit of a kick.
  • Cheese Please: Any good melting cheese blend will work here. Colby Jack or a Mexican blend would be delicious alternatives.
  • Serving Suggestions: This bake is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with a simple side salad or some steamed green beans.

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