Okay, this cheesy sloppy joe bake is like the best of both worlds. It’s got that sweet and savory sloppy joe flavor—plus a golden, cheesy top. I made it once, and now it’s a weekly thing.

It’s warm, messy (in a good way), and crazy easy to make. My whole family went back for seconds.

If you need a cozy dinner that feels fun and filling, this one’s perfect. Let’s dig in.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Sloppy Joe Bake

Comfort Food at Its Best: If you love Sloppy Joes, this cheesy bake is the ultimate comfort food—ground beef or turkey in a flavorful sauce, topped with a layer of gooey, melted cheese.
One-Pan Wonder: Everything is cooked in one dish, making for easy cleanup and minimal prep time.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting a casual get-together, this dish will definitely satisfy a crowd.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the flavors by changing the type of cheese or adding extra spices. Want a bit of heat? Toss in some jalapeños or hot sauce.
Freezer-Friendly: This recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or last-minute dinners.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have these essential tools:

Large Skillet: For cooking the beef or turkey and the sloppy Joe sauce.
Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish is perfect for this recipe.
Mixing Bowl: For combining the pancake mix, milk, and eggs.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To make sure you’re adding just the right amounts of ingredients.
Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the mixture and serving the casserole.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious dish (the exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below):

Ground Beef or Turkey (1 – 1 ½ lb.): Ground beef gives this dish the rich, savory flavor we love, but ground turkey is a lighter alternative that works just as well.
Manwich Original Sloppy Joe Sauce (15 oz. can): This is the shortcut to getting that perfect Sloppy Joe flavor. The tangy, slightly sweet sauce is the base for the filling.
PAM Cooking Spray: For greasing the baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): This is the star of the dish. The cheese melts beautifully, adding a rich, creamy layer on top of the hearty Sloppy Joe mixture.
Pancake and Baking Mix (½ cup): This gives the casserole its thick, fluffy texture. It’s like a savory pancake topping that soaks up all the flavorful juices.
Milk (1 cup): Milk helps to thin the pancake mix and make the topping light and fluffy.
Eggs (2 large): Eggs bind the pancake mix together, giving the topping structure and fluff.

Variations for Cheesy Sloppy Joe Bake

This recipe is already amazing, but you can always customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas:

Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the ground beef or turkey for an extra kick. You can also stir in a teaspoon of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the Manwich sauce.
Try Different Cheeses: While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other types of cheese like mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses for added flavor and creaminess.
Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef or turkey with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Add Veggies: For an extra boost of nutrition, add diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the meat mixture.
Use Biscuits: If you don’t have pancake mix, use biscuit mix instead! It will create an even fluffier topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef or Turkey

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula, until it’s fully browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

2. Prepare the Pancake Mix Topping

In a separate mixing bowl, combine the pancake and baking mix with the milk and eggs. Stir until the mixture is smooth and combined. It should resemble a thick batter, similar to pancake batter. This will form the fluffy topping of your cheesy Sloppy Joe bake.

3. Assemble the Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with PAM cooking spray.

Spread the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Then, pour the pancake batter on top of the meat mixture. Use a spatula to spread the batter out evenly to cover the top.

4. Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the pancake batter. The cheese will melt into the batter as it bakes, creating a golden, gooey layer.

5. Bake the Casserole

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and set. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cheese is bubbly.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Let the Cheesy Sloppy Joe Bake rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to cut into neat squares. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables, a simple salad, or even some crispy fries for the ultimate meal!

How to Serve Cheesy Sloppy Joe Bake

This dish is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but here are a few ways to serve it:

With a Salad: A fresh, crisp salad can balance the richness of the casserole. Try a simple mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, broccoli, or green beans are a great choice for a side dish. Their natural sweetness will complement the savory Sloppy Joe flavor.
On the Side: Serve with a side of crispy French fries or tater tots for a classic, indulgent pairing.
As a Sandwich: For a fun twist, scoop the casserole onto toasted hamburger buns and make a Cheesy Sloppy Joe sandwich!

Storing and Reheating Cheesy Sloppy Joe Bake

Storing: This casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to the fridge to avoid condensation.

Freezing: You can also freeze this Cheesy Sloppy Joe Bake. Allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, or bake the entire casserole at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If the top has lost some of its cheese, sprinkle a little more cheese on top before reheating to restore its gooeyness.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values per serving (based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	420
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	9g
Cholesterol	90mg
Sodium	850mg
Fiber	2g
Sugar	6g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used and portion sizes.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Sloppy Joe Bake is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or bringing it to a party, this dish will satisfy everyone’s cravings. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for all ages. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can tweak it to suit your preferences.