- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, onion, and bell pepper until beef is browned (8–10 minutes).
- Drain excess grease. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Add Manwich sauce, plus ketchup and Worcestershire (if using). Simmer 2–3 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble
- Spread the sloppy joe mixture evenly into the baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups cheese over the beef mixture (reserve the rest for later).
Step 4: Add topping & bake
If using biscuits:
- Scatter biscuit quarters evenly over the top (touching is fine).
- Bake 18–22 minutes until biscuits are puffed and golden.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and bake 3–5 minutes until melted.
If using tater tots:
- Arrange frozen tots in a single layer over the cheese.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until crisp, then add remaining cheese for the last 5 minutes.
If using cornbread:
- Pour prepared cornbread batter over the sloppy joe mixture (skip the biscuit pieces).
- Bake 20–25 minutes, until cornbread is set and golden, then add cheese for the last 3–5 minutes.
Step 5: Rest
Let the casserole rest 10 minutes before serving—this helps it set so it scoops nicely.
Serving & Storage
Serve With
- Coleslaw or a simple green salad
- Pickles (the tang is perfect with sloppy joes)
- Roasted green beans or steamed broccoli
- Macaroni salad or potato salad for potlucks
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store covered up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze up to 2 months. (Best to freeze the meat/cheese base and add a fresh topping later.)
Reheating
- Oven (best): 350°F (175°C), covered, 15–20 minutes.
- Microwave: 60–90 seconds per portion (biscuits soften, still tasty).
- Air fryer: Great for crisping tater tots—350°F (175°C), 6–10 minutes.
Tips
- Drain grease: Too much grease can make the casserole watery.
- Don’t bury biscuits: Keep biscuit pieces on top so they bake fluffy and golden.
- Cheese timing matters: Add the final cheese near the end so it melts without over-browning.
- Want extra flavor? Stir 1 tsp mustard or a splash of hot sauce into the Manwich.
- For crisp tots: Bake meat/cheese base 10 minutes first, then add tots.
- Rest before slicing: 10 minutes makes it hold together better.
Variations
- Cheeseburger Sloppy Joe: Add diced pickles and a little mustard; top with cheddar.
- BBQ Twist: Use half Manwich, half BBQ sauce, and add smoked paprika.
- Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne; use pepper jack cheese.
- Veggie Boost: Add corn, shredded carrots, or mushrooms to the beef while browning.
- Turkey Version: Use ground turkey and add 1 tbsp olive oil for richness.
- Mini Pepper “Boats”: Bake filling in halved bell peppers, top with cheese and biscuit pieces.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Cook the sloppy joe filling and refrigerate. Assemble with cheese, then add biscuits/tots right before baking
for the best texture. If baking from cold, add 5–10 minutes.
What if my biscuits are browning too fast?
Tent loosely with foil for the last 5–10 minutes. Oven temperatures vary, and biscuits can brown quickly.
Can I use Manwich Bold or other flavors?
Absolutely. Bold adds more spice. Any sloppy joe sauce works—just taste and adjust with ketchup, sugar, or vinegar
as needed.
Can I add pasta instead of biscuits?
Yes—mix cooked elbow macaroni into the sloppy joe filling, top with cheese, and bake 15–20 minutes until bubbly.
(That becomes a “Sloppy Joe Mac Bake.”)
Why is my casserole watery?
Usually it’s excess grease or too much liquid from vegetables. Drain beef well and simmer the filling a couple
minutes before baking.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic. Cheddar-jack, Colby, mozzarella, or pepper jack are all great. Freshly shredded melts best.
