Sloppy Casserole Recipe

The Ultimate Sloppy Casserole Recipe: Comforting Family Favorite

Sloppy casserole with dinner rolls revamps ordinary weeknight meals into extraordinary comfort food experiences.

Classic comfort dishes often feel predictable, but this hearty creation breaks through culinary expectations with its bold flavor profile.

Robust ingredients merge seamlessly, creating a harmonious blend that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Home cooks appreciate meals that promise minimal preparation and maximum enjoyment.

Layers of rich, savory components intertwine to produce a memorable dining adventure.

Each forkful promises a delightful explosion of taste and texture that will leave you craving more.

Best Side Dishes for Sloppy Casserole with Dinner Rolls

  • Craft Cozy Beverage Companion: Pair this hearty sloppy casserole with a crisp amber ale that cuts through the rich, tangy flavors and complements the meaty goodness.
  • Zesty Salad Sidekick: Serve a fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the casserole's robust and savory profile, adding a refreshing contrast.
  • Cool Creamy Counterpoint: Offer a dollop of cool sour cream or tangy coleslaw on the side to provide a creamy texture that softens the dish's bold, spicy undertones.
  • Fresh Veggie Crunch: Add quick-pickled cucumber slices or a small pickle plate to introduce a bright, acidic element that cuts through the casserole's richness.

Fun Variations on Sloppy Casserole with Dinner Rolls

  • Spicy Southwest Sloppy Skillet: Replace chili powder with taco seasoning, add diced green chilies, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
  • Mediterranean Fusion Casserole: Swap ground beef for ground lamb, incorporate oregano and feta cheese, and use pita bread instead of dinner rolls for a Greek-inspired version.
  • Veggie-Loaded Sloppy Sensation: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles, add diced zucchini and mushrooms, and sprinkle with nutritional yeast for a vegetarian alternative.
  • BBQ Ranch Comfort Bake: Mix in bbq sauce instead of ketchup, add ranch seasoning, and use cornbread rolls as a topping for a down-home comfort food experience.

Sloppy Casserole with Dinner Rolls: Comfort Food at Its Best

  • Comfort Food Champion: Packed with hearty ground beef, melted cheese, and soft dinner rolls, this casserole delivers classic American comfort flavors that hug your taste buds and warm your soul.
  • Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: Comes together in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy families who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: Minimizes dishes and maximizes flavor by cooking everything in a single oven-proof skillet, from browning beef to baking the final cheesy, saucy masterpiece.

Key Ingredients for Sloppy Casserole with Dinner Rolls

Protein:
  • Ground Beef: Lean and flavorful base that provides hearty protein for the casserole.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds rich, melty topping and creamy texture.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion: Sweet and savory foundation that builds deep flavor for the dish.
  • Bell Pepper: Colorful vegetable that adds crunch and mild sweetness.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall taste profile.
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Tomatoes: Fresh or canned base that creates tangy sauce foundation.
  • Ketchup: Sweet and tangy condiment that adds depth to the sauce.
  • Mustard: Provides sharp, zesty flavor to the casserole.
  • Relish: Adds pickle-like brightness and texture to the mixture.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Complex, umami-rich condiment that deepens flavor.
  • Chili Powder: Warm spice that introduces subtle heat and complexity.
  • Salt: Essential seasoning that balances and enhances other flavors.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Dinner Rolls: Soft bread that serves as a delicious topping and accompaniment.
  • Butter: Helps create golden, glossy finish for the rolls.
  • Cooking Oil: Necessary for sautéing and preventing ingredients from sticking.

How to Make Sloppy Casserole with Dinner Rolls

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Skillet

Preheat oven to 400°F. Heat oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and salt. Cook, breaking meat into crumbles, until completely browned (6-8 minutes). Transfer beef to a separate plate and discard excess drippings.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add remaining oil to the skillet with:
  • Onion
  • Bell pepper
  • Salt

Cook for 4-5 minutes until vegetables soften. Add garlic and cook for additional 30 seconds.

Step 3: Create Sloppy Sauce

Stir in the following ingredients:
  • Tomatoes
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Relish
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Chili powder
  • Cooked beef
  • Remaining salt

Bring mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Rolls

Sprinkle Cheddar cheese over the skillet mixture. Arrange dinner rolls on top, slightly overlapping. Brush rolls with melted butter.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in preheated oven until rolls are warmed through and cheese melts completely, approximately 10 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Sloppy Casserole with Dinner Rolls

  • Beef Browning Mastery: Ensure beef is browned evenly by not overcrowding the skillet, which helps develop rich, deep flavors.
  • Veggie Prep Perfection: Dice onions and bell peppers uniformly for consistent cooking and balanced texture throughout the casserole.
  • Cheese Melting Magic: Grate fresh Cheddar cheese for superior melting and a more luxurious, creamy top layer.
  • Roll Arrangement Trick: Slightly overlap dinner rolls when shingling to create an attractive, golden-brown crust that looks professionally prepared.
  • Sauce Simmering Secret: Let the mixture simmer gently to allow flavors to meld and develop a rich, harmonious taste profile.

How to Keep Sloppy Casserole with Dinner Rolls Fresh

  • Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Freezer Method: Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
  • Reheating Technique: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent rolls from burning and keep the casserole moist.
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Sloppy Casserole Recipe

Sloppy Casserole Recipe


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4.7 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Sloppy casserole brings hearty comfort straight from Midwestern kitchens, blending savory ground beef with tangy sauce and fluffy dinner rolls. Melted cheese and rich flavors promise a satisfying meal that makes you crave seconds at the family table.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound ground chuck
  • 8 ounces pre-shredded Cheddar cheese (about 4 cups)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1½ cups)
  • 1 medium-size green bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 small garlic cloves, grated (around 1 teaspoon)

Sauces, Seasonings, and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon dill pickle relish
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes (from 1 [14.5-ounce] can)
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 2½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 12-ounce package of Hawaiian sweet dinner rolls, each roll split in half

Instructions

  1. Ignite the oven to a searing 400°F (204°C). In a large oven-proof skillet, warm of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Introduce ground beef and of salt, sautéing and breaking apart the meat until it transforms into a rich, caramelized brown (6-8 minutes). Relocate the cooked beef to a separate plate and dispose of the excess drippings.
  2. Pour the remaining oil into the skillet and incorporate diced onions, chopped bell peppers, and an additional ½ teaspoon of salt. Allow the vegetables to soften and become translucent (4-5 minutes), then introduce minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds to release its aromatic essence.
  3. Blend canned tomatoes, ketchup, mustard, sweet pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, and chili powder into the vegetable mixture. Reintroduce the cooked beef and incorporate the remaining salt. Simmer the concoction for 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
  4. Generously sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese across the surface. Artfully arrange dinner rolls atop the mixture, creating an overlapping pattern. Delicately brush the rolls with melted butter to ensure a golden, glossy finish.
  5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake until the dinner rolls are thoroughly warmed and the cheese melts into a luxurious blanket (approximately 10 minutes).

Notes

  • Elevate this classic comfort dish by choosing high-quality ground beef for richer flavor.
  • Customize the spice level by adjusting chili powder or adding a dash of hot sauce for extra kick.
  • Layer dinner rolls strategically to ensure even coverage and maximum cheesy goodness.
  • Prepare ingredients in advance to streamline cooking process and reduce stress in the kitchen.
  • Leftovers taste incredible the next day, making this a perfect meal for busy families and meal preppers.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 600 kcal
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 1200mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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