Dinner

One Pot Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

ByLily Cross August 20, 2025August 20, 2025

If you love classic comfort food with a playful twist, you’re going to fall head-over-heels for this One Pot Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe! It’s a weeknight lifesaver that transforms everything you crave about a traditional sloppy joe into a cheesy, hearty casserole the whole family will devour. All the sweet-and-tangy sauciness, the golden bun topping, and the savory beef are layered in a single skillet for a dish that’s not just delicious, but incredibly easy to make and clean up after, too!

One Pot Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This casserole is made with familiar, no-fuss ingredients that shine together. Each element brings something special — bold flavor, melty texture, or irresistible color — proving that simple pantry staples can create a weeknight masterpiece.

Ground Beef: Go for a hearty 80/20 blend for the perfect rich flavor and moist texture; just drain off the excess fat after browning.
Onion: A diced large onion infuses sweetness and depth, balancing out the tangy sauce beautifully.
Garlic: Minced for maximum punch, garlic gives that wonderful savory backbone no casserole should be without.
Beef Broth: Just a cup gives the casserole a deep, comforting richness so every bite is saucy and flavorful.
Ketchup: The key ingredient for that signature sloppy joe zest — this brings tang and a touch of sweetness.
Brown Sugar: A couple of tablespoons gently sweetens the sauce and helps caramelize the flavors as the casserole bakes.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds complex umami flavor and savory depth that ties everything together.
Mustard: Just a teaspoon gives a gentle kick and classic sloppy joe flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Season to taste — don’t forget a generous pinch of each to lift all the savory notes.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melty and sharp, this cheese gets perfectly gooey on top and pulls the whole casserole together.
Hamburger Bun Rolls: Cut into cubes for a golden, toasty topping that mimics the best part of a classic sloppy joe — the bun!

How to Make One Pot Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. When it’s about halfway browned, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is soft and the beef is completely cooked through, then drain off any excess fat if needed. This sets up that savory, caramelized base we all crave in a true One Pot Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe.

Step 2: Build That Signature Sauce

With the meat and aromatics ready, stir in the ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and beef broth. Season well with salt and pepper. Give it all a good stir so every crumb of beef is coated in that saucy, sweet-tangy magic. Let the sauce simmer for several minutes until it thickens up slightly and infuses every bite with rich flavor.

Step 3: Add the Bun Cubes and Cheese

Now comes the fun part! Scatter your cubed hamburger bun rolls all over the top of the simmering sloppy joe mixture. Gently press down so the bottoms soak up some of the sauce but tops stay above the surface. Sprinkle that glorious shredded cheddar cheese generously over everything for a gooey, bubbling finish worthy of the best One Pot Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

If your skillet is oven safe, slide it right into a preheated 375°F oven. (Otherwise, carefully transfer everything to a casserole dish.) Bake for 15-20 minutes until the topping is golden and the cheese is melty and delicious. The casserole should be bubbling around the edges when it’s ready. Let it cool ever-so-slightly before scooping up to serve; this helps everything set and makes serving easier!

How to Serve One Pot Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle the finished casserole with chopped fresh parsley, green onions, or even a few dill pickle slices for an eye-catching pop of color and tang. If you’re a spice lover, a dash of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños on top brings a delightful little kick to each bite.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a meal in itself, but it loves company! A simple green salad, crisp coleslaw, or oven-roasted veggies make wonderful partners. For a fun retro vibe, serve with classic tater tots or crispy sweet potato fries alongside your One Pot Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning the casserole into mini cast iron skillets or ramekins for individual servings, perfect for parties or cozy nights in. Another fun twist? Layer it into toasted slider rolls or hollowed-out bell peppers — the possibilities for enjoying One Pot Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe are endless and always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover casserole cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully and tastes even richer as the flavors meld — so don’t be afraid to make extra!

Freezing

This One Pot Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe is absolutely freezer-friendly. After baking and cooling, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the freshest taste and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply cover and bake in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly again (about 20 minutes). If you’re in a hurry, individual servings can be microwaved for a few minutes, just add a splash of beef broth to keep things nice and moist.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to lighten it up, just keep an eye on seasoning and moisture since leaner meats cook a bit differently.

What if I don’t have hamburger buns?

No problem — any soft roll, brioche, or even thick slices of white bread will work beautifully as a topping in this One Pot Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe. Just cube and use as directed.

Is this casserole spicy?

The base recipe is mild and family-friendly, but you can always add a few dashes of hot sauce or a chopped jalapeño to the sauce for extra heat if you like things spicy.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble everything up until baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, bake as directed, adding an extra 5 minutes or so to the cook time.

How do I make this gluten free?

Swap out the hamburger buns for your favorite gluten free buns or rolls, and double-check all condiments for hidden gluten — then enjoy a One Pot Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe everyone can dig into!

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a fun, fuss-free family meal, you truly can’t beat this One Pot Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe. It brings comfort, flavor, and plenty of ooey-gooey goodness to your table in just one pot. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite at your house, too!

Lily Cross

One Pot Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make One Pot Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe