Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Casserole

Ingredients for Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Casserole

Gather the following ingredients to create this comforting casserole:

  • 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1/2 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • 1 cup sloppy joe sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 8 slices of bread (your choice: white, whole wheat, or sourdough)
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, American, or a mix)
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Directions for Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Casserole

1. Preheat the Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook the Meat Mixture:

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef (or turkey) until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
  • Add the diced onion and bell pepper (if using) to the skillet, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the sloppy joe sauce, seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let it simmer for a few minutes until heated through.

3. Prepare the Casserole Dish:

  • Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
  • Lay half of the bread slices in the bottom of the dish, covering it completely.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

  • Spoon half of the sloppy joe mixture over the bread slices, spreading it evenly.
  • Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on top of the meat mixture.
  • Layer the remaining bread slices on top, followed by the rest of the sloppy joe mixture and the remaining cheese.

5. Brush with Butter:

  • Brush the melted butter over the top layer of bread for a golden finish while baking.

6. Bake:

  • Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

7. Serve:

  • Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

  • Large skillet
  • 9×13-inch casserole dish
  • Cooking spray or butter for greasing
  • Spatula for mixing and serving
  • Aluminum foil for covering

Tips for Making the Best Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Casserole

  • Homemade Sloppy Joe Sauce: For a more flavorful dish, consider making your own sloppy joe sauce using ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and brown sugar.
  • Cheese Variety: Feel free to mix different cheeses for added flavor. Pepper jack cheese can add a nice kick!
  • Add Veggies: Sneak in additional vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to boost the nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
  • Leftovers: This casserole is perfect for leftovers. It reheats well in the microwave or oven.

Storage and Leftovers

  • Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: You can also freeze portions of the casserole. Wrap individual servings in plastic wrap and then in foil to keep them fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating: To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

Pairing Suggestions

This Sloppy Joe Grilled Cheese Casserole pairs beautifully with:

  • Simple Salad: A light garden salad with a vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the casserole.
  • Pickles or Coleslaw: Tangy pickles or a side of coleslaw can provide a refreshing crunch that complements the dish.
  • Potato Chips: For a classic comfort food feel, serve with crunchy potato chips on the side.

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