Sloppy Joe Casserole – A Lighter Take on Classic Comfort

This Sloppy Joe Casserole brings the bold, savory flavors of the iconic sandwich into a warm, satisfying one-pan meal—without the heaviness. Made with lean ground meat, a tangy homemade sauce, and a golden biscuit topping, this dish delivers everything you love in a healthier, more balanced way. It’s easy to prepare, kid-approved, and great for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Food Made Lighter – All the classic Sloppy Joe taste, in a balanced format.
Easy & Family-Friendly – One dish, minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
Smart Ingredients – Lean protein and portion-friendly topping make it satisfying but mindful.
Versatile Meal – Great for leftovers, meal prep, or sharing.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground turkey or 93% lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup (no sugar added, if desired)
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tube refrigerated reduced-fat biscuit dough (8 small biscuits)
• Light cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

2. Cook the Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey, onion, and bell pepper until meat is browned and vegetables are tender (about 6–8 minutes). Drain any excess grease if needed.

3. Make the Sauce
Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened slightly.

4. Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the sloppy joe mixture to the prepared baking dish. Separate the biscuits and place them evenly over the top.

5. Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through. If necessary, cover with foil halfway through to prevent over-browning.

6. Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 290
Carbs: 24g
Fat: 10g
Protein: 22g
Fiber: 2g

Tips for Success

• Use Lean Meat: Ground turkey or lean beef keeps the dish hearty but not greasy.
• Add Veggies: Toss in chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Go Low-Carb: Swap the biscuit topping for cauliflower mash or serve the filling in bell pepper halves.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance; assemble and bake when ready to eat.

Why This Recipe Works

It’s everything you love about a Sloppy Joe—sweet, tangy, and savory—transformed into a casserole that’s easier to serve and easier to lighten up. This version keeps the comfort while trimming the excess, making it perfect for weeknights or meal prep.

Sloppy Joe Casserole offers that nostalgic, saucy satisfaction in a balanced, approachable way. It’s hearty, cozy, and easy to make—perfect for feeding the whole family while keeping things simple and smart. A comforting dinner that checks all the boxes.