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Easy Cheesy Sloppy Joe Casserole

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A quick and comforting casserole that transforms classic sloppy joe flavors into a cheesy, layered dish perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small green bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce (plain or with Italian herbs)
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 6–8 slices white or whole wheat sandwich bread, crusts removed
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until no pink remains, breaking it up with a spatula, about 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Remove crusts from bread slices and brush each slice lightly with melted butter on one side.
  6. Spread a thin layer of the meat mixture on the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Place a layer of buttered bread slices, butter side up, over the meat. Sprinkle one-third of the cheese blend evenly on top.
  7. Repeat layering meat, bread, and cheese two more times, ending with cheese on top.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on the edges.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If casserole looks too wet before baking, add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs to the meat mixture to absorb excess moisture. Resting the casserole before serving helps it firm up for easier portions. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread or veggie layers. Buttering the bread creates a toasty crust and prevents sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: sloppy joe casserole, cheesy casserole, family dinner, easy dinner, comfort food, ground beef casserole

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/easy-cheesy-sloppy-joe-casserole-recipe-perfect-for-family-dinners/