Slow Cooker Sloppy Joe Casserole with Cheddar and Bread Crumbs
A cozy slow cooker casserole layering seasoned ground beef in a tangy tomato sauce, topped with melted cheddar and crispy breadcrumb topping — perfect for hands-off comfort food. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 170 minutes pairs ground beef, medium, finely chopped yellow onion, medium, diced green bell pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb ground beef
- 1 medium, finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 medium, diced green bell pepper
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- 2 tbsp, melted butter
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook 1.5 lb ground beef with 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion, 1 medium diced green bell pepper, and 3 minced garlic cloves until the beef is browned and the vegetables are soft, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Step 2: Stir in 15 oz tomato sauce, 1/2 cup ketchup, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Step 3: Transfer the beef mixture to a slow cooker set to low. Spread evenly, then sprinkle 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the top.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs with 2 tbsp melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
- Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours until the cheese is melted and the topping is golden and crisp. Serve warm with bread or over toasted buns.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Sloppy Joe Casserole with Cheddar and Bread Crumbs take to make?
Total time is about 170 minutes (20 min prep + 150 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Sloppy Joe Casserole with Cheddar and Bread Crumbs?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Sloppy Joe Casserole with Cheddar and Bread Crumbs?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Slow Cooker Sloppy Joe Casserole with Cheddar and Bread Crumbs for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Slow Cooker Sloppy Joe Casserole with Cheddar and Bread Crumbs?
American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
