Go Back
Cheesy Sloppy Joe Casserole in a baking dish topped with melted cheese

Cheesy Sloppy Joe Casserole

A delightful twist on traditional sloppy Joe, this casserole combines ground turkey with layers of cheesy goodness for a comforting meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil Healthy fat for sautéing
  • 1.25 pounds ground turkey Lean and juicy protein
  • 1 medium green bell pepper (chopped) Adds crunch and sweetness
  • 1 small jalapeno (finely chopped) Optional for heat
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced) Adds aroma and flavor
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder Adds warmth and complexity
  • 0.75 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water Keeps the mixture moist
  • 0.75 cup ketchup Provides sweetness and tang
  • 0.5 to 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce Adjust for desired heat
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Adds umami flavor
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Ultimate comfort ingredient
For the Base
  • 0.5 small loaf French bread (cut into thick 1-inch slices) Provides crunch when baked
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for drizzling Enhances bread texture

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8x12 inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey, green bell pepper, and jalapeno (if using). Sauté for 8-10 minutes until turkey is fully cooked and peppers are tender.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and chili powder, sautéing for another minute.
  4. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth or water, ketchup, sriracha (if using), and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
  6. Lay the thick slices of French bread over the cheese layer and drizzle with olive oil.
Baking
  1. Bake the casserole at 350°F for about 15 minutes. For an extra crispy topping, broil for an additional minute.
Serving
  1. Invert the bread onto your plate with the crusty side down. Spoon the sloppy Joe mixture over the bread and serve.

Notes

Customize your heat by adjusting the jalapeno and sriracha. Experiment with different cheeses for flavor variations. Can be prepared ahead of time.