Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

#### Instructions:

1. **Preheat the Oven**:
Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)** and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.

2. **Cook the Ground Beef**:
In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the **ground beef**, **diced onion**, and **bell pepper** (if using). Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the vegetables are softened (about **5-7 minutes**). Drain any excess fat.

3. **Add the Sauce Ingredients**:
To the beef mixture, add the **tomato sauce**, **ketchup**, **Worcestershire sauce**, **mustard**, **brown sugar**, **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, and **smoked paprika**. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about **5 minutes** until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened. Taste and season with **salt** and **pepper** as needed.

4. **Assemble the Casserole**:
Spread the beef and sauce mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. If you’re using **biscuit dough**, cut the biscuits into quarters and arrange them evenly on top of the beef mixture, covering the entire surface. If you’re using cornbread batter, spoon the batter on top of the beef mixture and spread it out evenly.

5. **Bake the Casserole**:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for **20-25 minutes**, or until the biscuit dough is golden brown and cooked through (or the cornbread is fully set). You can check the biscuits by inserting a toothpick into the center to make sure they’re cooked.

6. **Add Cheese**:
Once the biscuits or cornbread are baked, sprinkle the shredded **cheddar cheese** over the top. Return the casserole to the oven for an additional **5 minutes**, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. **Serve**:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh **chopped parsley** if desired, and enjoy!

### Tips for the Perfect Sloppy Joe Casserole

– **Customize the Vegetables**: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or even spinach to suit your family’s tastes.

– **Use Ground Turkey or Chicken**: For a lighter version, you can swap the ground beef for **ground turkey** or **ground chicken**. The flavors will still be delicious!

– **Make It Spicy**: If you like a little heat, add some **chili flakes**, **hot sauce**, or **jalapeños** to the beef mixture to spice things up.

– **Use Homemade Biscuit Dough**: If you prefer, you can use your own **homemade biscuit dough** or **cornbread mix** for a more from-scratch version of this dish.

– **Freeze for Later**: This casserole makes excellent leftovers and freezes well for later. To freeze, assemble the casserole (but don’t bake it), cover it tightly, and store it in the freezer for up to **3 months**. When ready to cook, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

### Why Sloppy Joe Casserole is a Winner

This **Sloppy Joe Casserole** is a crowd-pleaser for a reason—it combines the best of both worlds: the flavors of a classic sloppy joe and the comforting, cheesy goodness of a casserole. It’s simple to make, filling, and totally customizable, so it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, having friends over, or just craving a delicious homemade dinner, this dish is guaranteed to hit the spot.

The savory ground beef, tangy sauce, and cheesy topping are what make this casserole irresistible. The biscuit or cornbread topping adds the perfect crunch and texture, creating a complete meal that’s satisfying and delicious. If you’re looking for a new family favorite, this Sloppy Joe Casserole is the answer.

Give it a try, and see how quickly it becomes a staple in your dinner rotation!