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+ servings

California Sloppy Joe Casserole

A fun, kid-friendly twist on the classic sloppy joe, baked into a golden, cheesy casserole with fluffy biscuits.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Casseroles, Dinner, Main Course, Quick Meals
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

Meat and Sauce
  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
  • 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 3 teaspoons brown sugar packed
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
Casserole
  • 12 oz refrigerated biscuits such as Pillsbury, quartered
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded

Method
 

Meat and Sauce
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess fat.
  3. Stir in the ketchup, water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
Assembly and Baking
  1. Transfer the meat mixture to a large bowl. Add the quartered biscuits and toss gently until everything is well coated.
  2. Pour the biscuit and meat mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
  3. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  4. Bake for 28 to 30 minutes, until the biscuits are golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 22gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 950mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12g

Notes

For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken.
Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or microwave.
To make ahead, assemble the casserole without the cheese, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add cheese and bake, adding 5 to 10 minutes to the cook time.
Swap the cheddar for Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for a California twist.
Serve with a side of avocado slices or a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
Avoid overmixing the biscuits to keep them light and fluffy.

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