5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole

Featured in: Quick Family Meals

This comforting casserole features browned ground beef blended with a tangy sauce and sweet mixed vegetables. Layered over soft cubed bread and topped with melted cheddar cheese, it bakes to a bubbling golden finish in under an hour. Perfect for family meals, it balances hearty protein, fresh vegetables, and a cheesy topping with minimal effort. Variations like using turkey or adding spice provide flavorful twists.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 08:34:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole, a family-favorite comfort food baked to perfection. Pin
Golden, bubbly 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole, a family-favorite comfort food baked to perfection. | potfuljoy.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 recipe quickly became a weeknight favorite in my house because it combines convenience with classic flavors everyone loves.

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.
Savory 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole with melted cheddar, served hot and ready to eat. Pin
Savory 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole with melted cheddar, served hot and ready to eat. | potfuljoy.com

This casserole often brings my family together at dinner with smiles all around.

Notes

Swap sandwich bread for slider buns or use whole wheat bread for extra fiber. Add sliced pickled jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. 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), Milk (cheese). May contain Soy (in some sloppy joe sauces).

A close-up of the delicious 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole: bread, beef, and cheese. Pin
A close-up of the delicious 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole: bread, beef, and cheese. | potfuljoy.com

This easy casserole is perfect for busy nights and guarantees happy, full tummies.

5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole

Savory ground beef layered with tangy sauce, veggies, bread, and melted cheddar for a comforting meal.

Preparation time
10 min
Cooking time
35 min
Total time
45 min


Difficulty Easy

Origin American

Yield 6 Servings

Dietary specifications None specified

Ingredients

Protein

01 1 pound ground beef

Sauce & Seasoning

01 1 can (15 oz) 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 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 02

Cook ground beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon for 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 03

Combine sauce and vegetables: Stir in sloppy joe sauce and thawed mixed vegetables. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until heated through.

Step 04

Assemble casserole: Spread bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish, then pour beef mixture over bread and spread evenly.

Step 05

Add cheese topping: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Step 06

Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and the dish is hot throughout.

Step 07

Rest before serving: Allow to stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Required equipment

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

Allergen information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens and if uncertain, please consult a healthcare professional.
  • Contains wheat (bread) and milk (cheese)
  • May contain soy (some sloppy joe sauces)

Nutritional values (per serving)

These values are provided as a general guide only and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 375
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Carbs: 27 g
  • Protein: 22 g