Description
This hearty Sloppy Joe Casserole combines classic comfort flavors with a creamy mashed potato topping. Ground beef is cooked with vibrant vegetables and a tangy tomato-based sauce, then topped with fluffy mashed Yukon Gold potatoes and melted cheddar cheese. Baked until bubbly and golden, it's a satisfying one-pan meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Mashed Potatoes
- 2 ½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 4 cloves garlic (peeled)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (plus additional to taste)
- ¾ to 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Sloppy Joe Filling
- 1.5 pounds lean ground beef (90/10)
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt (divided)
- 1 large yellow onion (finely chopped, about 1 ½ cups)
- 1 large red bell pepper (¼-inch diced, about 1 ½ cups)
- 3 medium carrots (¼-inch diced, about 1 ½ cups)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 ½ teaspoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth (or chicken broth or water)
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced, for topping)
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: In a large pot, combine the peeled Yukon Gold potatoes, whole garlic cloves, and 1½ teaspoons kosher salt. Cover with cold water by about two inches. Bring to a simmer over high heat, then lower to maintain the simmer. Cook uncovered until potatoes are fork-tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain and return potatoes and garlic to the pot.
- Preheat Oven: While the potatoes cook, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and position a rack in the center.
- Brown Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes to brown on one side. Break the beef into small crumbles and cook an additional 3 minutes until no pink remains. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and transfer the beef to a bowl.
- Sauté Vegetables: If needed, drizzle a bit more oil into the skillet. Add the finely chopped onion, diced red bell pepper, diced carrots, and remaining 1 teaspoon salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant and slightly darkened.
- Mash Potatoes: Using a potato masher, mash the cooked potatoes and garlic cloves until mostly smooth. Gradually stir in ¾ cup buttermilk, adding more if needed to achieve a fluffy consistency. Season with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt and adjust salt to taste.
- Combine Filling: Return browned beef to the skillet with vegetables. Add beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and red wine vinegar. Stir well to combine and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Top with Potatoes and Cheese: Turn off the heat. Spoon the mashed potatoes evenly over the beef mixture in the skillet and spread into a smooth layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and edges are bubbling. For a crispier, browned top, broil for 2 to 3 minutes—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle thinly sliced green onions over the top before serving.
Notes
- Yukon Gold potatoes are preferred for their creamy texture when mashed.
- Buttermilk adds a subtle tang and creaminess to the mashed potatoes, but regular milk works fine.
- Use a 12-inch oven-safe skillet, ideally cast iron, for best results.
- Adjust seasoning by tasting mashed potatoes and beef mixture before assembling.
- Broiling to brown the cheese topping is optional but adds a nice texture contrast.
- This recipe can be prepared in advance up to the baking step and refrigerated, then baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
