5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole

Featured in: Easy Comfort Recipes

This comforting casserole blends browned ground beef with tangy sauce and thawed mixed vegetables. Cubed bread forms a hearty base layered with the savory mixture, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, and baked until bubbly. In just 45 minutes, it delivers a rich, satisfying meal perfect for casual family dinners. Variations include swapping beef for poultry or adding spices for a kick, pairing well with a simple green salad for a complete dish.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 16:32:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole, a comforting weeknight dinner with tender bread cubes. Save to Pins
Golden, bubbly 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole, a comforting weeknight dinner with tender bread cubes. | spicra.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 go-to meal in my household for busy weeknights.

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.
A close-up of a deliciously cheesy 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole, ready to be served hot. Save to Pins
A close-up of a deliciously cheesy 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole, ready to be served hot. | spicra.com

This dish always brings my family together for a cozy meal.

Notes

Swap sandwich bread for slider buns or use whole wheat bread for extra fiber. Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal.

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.

Hearty 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole recipe showcases a flavorful, easy-to-make family meal. Save to Pins
Hearty 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole recipe showcases a flavorful, easy-to-make family meal. | spicra.com

Enjoy this easy casserole that satisfies the whole family with classic flavors.

Questions & Answers

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter protein alternative without altering the cooking steps.

What type of bread works best for this casserole?

Soft sandwich bread cubes work well, but slider buns or whole wheat bread can also be used for added texture or fiber.

How do I make the casserole spicier?

Adding sliced pickled jalapeños or red pepper flakes before baking will give the casserole a spicy kick.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking, allowing flavors to meld and saving time on the day of serving.

What sides pair well with this dish?

A simple green salad complements the rich and savory flavors, balancing the meal with fresh, crisp textures.

5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole

A comforting casserole with ground beef, mixed vegetables, bread, and cheddar cheese, ready in under an hour.

Prep Time
10 min
Time to Cook
35 min
Overall Time
45 min
Recipe by spicra Olivia Carter

Dish Category Easy Comfort Recipes

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 6 Number of Servings

Dietary Details None specified

What You'll 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

Cooking Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare baking 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 until fully cooked, breaking apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat as needed.

Step 03

Combine sauce and vegetables: Stir sloppy joe sauce and thawed mixed vegetables into the cooked beef. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.

Step 04

Assemble casserole layers: Spread bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour beef mixture over the bread, distributing evenly.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Bake: Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbling, and dish is heated through.

Step 07

Rest before serving: Allow to stand 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Necessary Tools

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

Allergy Details

Go through each ingredient to spot allergens. If unsure, reach out to a healthcare provider.
  • Contains wheat (bread) and milk (cheese).
  • May contain soy depending on sloppy joe sauce brand.

Nutrition Info (each portion)

For informational use only—please talk to your doctor for health advice.
  • Calorie Count: 375
  • Fats: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Proteins: 22 g