Sloppy Joe Casserole Prep

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Sloppy Joe Casserole Prep



Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe Breakdown and Tips

Introduction

Sloppy Joe Casserole is a hearty, family-friendly dish that combines the savory goodness of traditional Sloppy Joes with the comfort of a baked casserole. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or just a hearty meal that warms the soul. In this article, we’ll delve into every aspect of making this beloved dish, from the detailed list of ingredients to precise cooking techniques and additional recipe suggestions.

Detailed Ingredients

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients you will need for this mouthwatering Sloppy Joe Casserole:

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed tomato soup
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups biscuit baking mix
  • 1 1/2 cups water

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

When planning your cooking, here’s a quick overview of the time and yield for this recipe:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Detailed Directions and Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned. Be sure to drain excess fat from the skillet.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until tender.
  4. Stir in the tomato soup, tomato paste, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well to combine all ingredients and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
  5. In a separate medium bowl, mix together the biscuit baking mix and water until fully blended. This mixture will act as your casserole topping.
  6. Pour the ground beef mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture.
  7. Drop the biscuit mix by spoonfuls onto the cheese layer, distributing it as evenly as possible.
  8. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown.
  9. Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

This recipe can be easily customized to suit your taste. Feel free to add diced green peppers, mushrooms, or other vegetables to the ground beef mixture before baking. Additionally, you can use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef. For cheese lovers, a combination of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese can add an extra layer of flavor.

Cook Techniques

Here are some cooking techniques to ensure the best results for your Sloppy Joe Casserole:

  • **Browning the Meat:** Make sure to break up the ground beef into smaller pieces as it cooks. This ensures even browning and better texture in the casserole.
  • **Simmering:** Letting the beef mixture simmer for a bit allows the flavors to meld together more thoroughly.
  • **Even Topping Distribution:** Using a spoon to distribute the biscuit mix evenly over the casserole helps in achieving a consistent, golden-brown crust.
  • **Resting Period:** Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving helps it set and makes it easier to cut into neat portions.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Sloppy Joe Casserole recipe:

Can I make this casserole ahead of time