5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe

Featured in: Bite-Size Snacks

This comforting dish layers browned ground beef in a tangy sauce with thawed mixed vegetables over bread cubes, topped with shredded cheddar. Baked until bubbly and golden, it offers a hearty family meal with minimal prep and cooking time. Easy to customize with different proteins or spice additions, it’s a satisfying way to enjoy classic flavors in a casserole form.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 09:18:00 GMT
Warm, bubbly 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole, topped with melted cheddar cheese for a hearty dinner. Save to Pinterest
Warm, bubbly 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole, topped with melted cheddar cheese for a hearty dinner. | funcockts.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 casserole quickly became a favorite in my house because it's easy to prepare and always satisfying after a long day.

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.
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| funcockts.com

This casserole has become a staple at family dinners especially for busy weeknights when everyone wants something hearty and quick.

Required Tools

Large skillet, 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (bread) and Milk (cheese). May contain Soy in some sloppy joe sauces. Always check product labels for specific allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 375, Total Fat: 20 g, Carbohydrates: 27 g, Protein: 22 g per serving

A close-up shot of the cheesy, savory 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole, ready to be served. Save to Pinterest
A close-up shot of the cheesy, savory 5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe Casserole, ready to be served. | funcockts.com

This sloppy joe casserole is a delicious one-dish meal that’s sure to please the whole family.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What type of ground meat works best?

Ground beef is traditional and adds rich flavor, but you can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh peas, carrots, and corn can be used. Just ensure they are cooked or softened before adding.

What bread is recommended for the base layer?

Soft sandwich bread cubes absorb the savory juices well, but slider buns or whole wheat bread work nicely too.

How can I add a spicy kick to the dish?

Incorporate sliced pickled jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes into the meat mixture before baking.

What should I serve alongside this casserole?

A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables complement the rich flavors and complete the meal perfectly.

5-Ingredient Sloppy Joe

A savory casserole featuring ground beef, tangy sauce, vegetables, bread cubes, and melted cheddar cheese.

Prep Duration
10 minutes
Cook Duration
35 minutes
Overall Time
45 minutes
Authored by Funcockts Ethan Miller


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 6 Portions

Diet Facts None specified

What You Need

Protein

01 1 pound ground beef

Sauce & Seasoning

01 1 can (15 oz) sloppy joe sauce (such as Manwich)

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 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 02

Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Layer Bread and Beef Mixture: Spread bread cubes evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour beef mixture over the bread and spread evenly.

Step 05

Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Step 06

Bake: Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly and casserole is hot throughout.

Step 07

Rest Before Serving: Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Review all components for allergens and reach out to a health expert if needed.
  • Contains wheat (bread) and milk (cheese)
  • May contain soy (depending on sloppy joe sauce brand)

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutrition details are just for reference and can't replace professional medical counsel.
  • Energy (Calories): 375
  • Fats: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Proteins: 22 g