🍽️ Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich – Hearty, Saucy, and Family-Friendly

Looking for a dinner that’s cozy, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to satisfy? Meet the Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich—a comforting, saucy twist on the classic weeknight sandwich, but served bubbling hot in casserole form.

This easy dinner is made with seasoned ground beef, canned Manwich sauce, and a hearty layer of cheesy mashed potatoes or biscuits baked right on top. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table—and leaves no leftovers behind.

---

Why You’ll Love This Sloppy Joe Casserole

Here’s why this casserole deserves a spot in your dinner rotation:

✅ Quick & Convenient

Uses canned Manwich sauce for shortcut flavor with minimal prep.

✅ One-Pan Wonder

Everything bakes together in a single dish, making it easy to serve and clean up.

✅ Hearty & Filling

Loaded with protein, carbs, and flavor—a complete comfort food meal.

✅ Make-Ahead & Freezer Friendly

Great for prepping ahead and popping into the oven when ready to serve.

---

What Is Sloppy Joe Casserole?

Think of it as Sloppy Joes meets Shepherd’s Pie: seasoned ground beef simmered in rich Manwich sauce, then topped with mashed potatoes or biscuit dough, and baked until hot and bubbly. It’s a fusion of American diner nostalgia and hearty home-cooking.

It’s a big upgrade from sandwich night—and a great way to stretch ground beef into a crowd-pleasing dinner.

---

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the lineup for this easy casserole:

• 1½ lbs ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 (15 oz) can Manwich Original Sloppy Joe Sauce
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2–3 cups mashed potatoes (homemade or store-bought)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Optional: garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, diced bell peppers

📝 You can swap the mashed potatoes for canned biscuits, crescent roll dough, or even tater tots!

---

How to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onions until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are soft. Drain off excess grease.

💡 Flavor Tip: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or garlic powder while browning the meat for extra depth.

---

Step 2: Add Manwich Sauce

Stir in the full can of Manwich Original. Reduce heat and simmer for 5–10 minutes to thicken slightly.

---

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle half the cheddar cheese over the meat layer.

Spread the mashed potatoes evenly over the top. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

---

Step 4: Bake

Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

🔥 Optional: Broil for the last 2–3 minutes to brown the cheese.

---

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set. Then scoop and enjoy!

---

Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole with:

• A side of steamed green beans or buttered corn
• Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls
• A crisp green salad to balance the richness

It’s a full meal in one dish, but those sides take it to the next level.

---

Variations and Add-Ins

Customize it to your taste or what’s in your pantry!

• Tater Tot Casserole: Replace mashed potatoes with frozen tater tots.
• Biscuit Top: Use canned biscuit dough for a bubbly, golden topper.
• Veggie Boost: Add diced bell peppers, corn, or mushrooms to the beef mix.
• Cheesier Version: Mix cream cheese or sour cream into the mashed potatoes.

---

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Make Ahead:

Assemble the full casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Leftovers:

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

Cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat covered at 350°F until hot.

---

FAQ

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken both work well with Manwich.

Is Manwich spicy?

The Original flavor is mild and kid-friendly. You can use Bold or Thick & Chunky if you like a more intense flavor.

Can I make this low-carb?

Yes! Use cauliflower mash instead of potatoes and skip sugary sauces.

---

Final Thoughts

This Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich is the kind of recipe that brings back memories of messy sandwiches and weeknight comfort—but with a new twist. It’s saucy, cheesy, and downright satisfying. And because it uses pantry staples, it’s also an excellent fallback for busy nights.

Whether you top it with creamy mashed potatoes, golden biscuits, or crispy tots, this dish is bound to become a family favorite.

Print