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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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