There’s just something so comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole bubbling away in the slow cooker. And when you combine the nostalgic flavors of sloppy joes with creamy hash browns and gooey cheese? Well, my friends, you’ve got yourself a meal that’s going to make the whole family smile!
I remember the first time I made this Crock Pot Sloppy Joe Casserole. It was one of those hectic weekdays where I barely had time to think about dinner. Between work emails, helping the kids with homework, and trying to keep the house somewhat presentable, I needed a meal that was going to be easy, filling, and — let’s be real — one that didn’t involve me standing at the stove all evening. This recipe checked every single box.
Not only is this casserole super simple to put together, but it’s also a total crowd-pleaser. My family loved it so much, it quickly became one of our regular rotations. And the best part? You can easily customize it based on what you have on hand!
Before we dive into the steps, let’s take a look at the simple ingredients you’ll need.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
32 ounce package frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, slightly thawed
10.75 ounce can condensed cheddar cheese soup (can use low or no sodium)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1 pound ground beef
½ small onion, finely diced
15.5 ounce can sloppy joe sauce (like Manwich)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
Optional: Dried parsley flakes for a bit of color before serving.
Now that we have everything ready to go, let’s get started on making this delicious Crock Pot Sloppy Joe Casserole!
STEP 1: PREP YOUR CROCK POT
The first thing you want to do is prep your slow cooker so that nothing sticks. Grab your 5-6 quart oval crock pot and spray it generously with nonstick cooking spray. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later when it’s time to serve!
STEP 2: MAKE THE HASH BROWN BASE
In a large mixing bowl, combine your slightly thawed shredded hash browns, condensed cheddar cheese soup, lightly beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed. This creamy, cheesy mixture will create the base layer of your casserole and gives it that comforting texture we all love.
Once it’s well combined, go ahead and spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared crock pot.
STEP 3: COOK THE BEEF AND ONIONS
Now let’s move over to the stovetop for a few minutes. In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef and finely diced onion. Cook the mixture, breaking up the beef as it browns. Make sure to cook it until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft and fragrant.
When the beef is done cooking, drain any excess grease from the skillet. This helps keep your casserole from getting too greasy or heavy.
STEP 4: ADD THE SLOPPY JOE SAUCE
Once you’ve drained the beef, return it to the skillet. Pour in your can of sloppy joe sauce and stir everything together until the beef is thoroughly coated and all those sweet and tangy flavors are mixed in perfectly.
With your sloppy joe mixture ready, you’re halfway to casserole heaven!
FINISHING YOUR CROCK POT SLOPPY JOE CASSEROLE TO PERFECTION
Alright, now that we’ve got the delicious sloppy joe mixture ready and the creamy hash brown base sitting in the crock pot, it’s time to bring it all together. One of the things I love most about this recipe is how it practically cooks itself once everything is layered. So let’s keep going and get this cozy casserole ready for your family to enjoy!
STEP 5: LAYER THE SLOPPY JOE MIXTURE
Take your skillet with the hot, flavorful sloppy joe mixture and carefully spoon it over the hash brown base in your crock pot. Spread it out evenly so every bite has a perfect balance of creamy potatoes and savory beef. The layers don’t have to be perfect — trust me, it’s all going to meld together into pure comfort food by the end of the cooking time.
STEP 6: SLOW COOK IT LOW AND SLOW
Now comes the easiest part — the waiting! Place the lid on your crock pot and set it to cook on low for 4 to 4 ½ hours. The low, gentle heat allows all the flavors to blend together while the hash browns cook up tender and the beef stays moist and flavorful.
This is the perfect time to go about your day — whether that means knocking out your to-do list, helping with homework, or just taking a well-deserved break.
STEP 7: ADD THE CHEESY TOPPING
About 10 minutes before your cooking time is up, it’s time to add that glorious, melty cheese topping. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Put the lid back on and let the heat melt the cheese until it’s perfectly gooey and irresistible.
If you want to add a little bit of color and a hint of freshness, you can sprinkle some dried parsley flakes over the top right before serving. It’s totally optional, but I think it adds a nice finishing touch.
HELPFUL TIPS FOR THE BEST CROCK POT SLOPPY JOE CASSEROLE
Let’s talk about a few little tips and tricks that can help you make this casserole even better:
Use slightly thawed hash browns: Fully frozen hash browns can be hard to mix and may not cook evenly. Letting them sit out for 20-30 minutes before mixing makes everything so much easier.
Drain the beef well: This prevents excess grease from pooling at the bottom of your casserole.
Add extra flavor: If you want to kick things up a notch, consider stirring in some diced green bell peppers or a few dashes of hot sauce into the sloppy joe mixture. It adds a nice zing without being overpowering.
Make it lighter: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a slightly lighter version that’s still packed with flavor.
VARIATIONS TO TRY
What I really love about this Crock Pot Sloppy Joe Casserole is how versatile it is. Here are a few fun variations you might want to try:
Spicy Version: Add a chopped jalapeño or some crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
Veggie Boost: Stir in some diced zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for a little extra nutrition.
Tex-Mex Twist: Use a Mexican cheese blend and add a teaspoon of taco seasoning to the beef for a southwest-inspired flavor.
No matter how you customize it, this recipe is wonderfully forgiving and always delicious. And because it’s made in the crock pot, cleanup is a breeze — which is a huge win in my book!
CROCK POT SLOPPY JOE CASSEROLE: YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Before we wrap up, I know a lot of you might have a few questions about making this Crock Pot Sloppy Joe Casserole. So, let’s go over some of the most common ones to help you feel confident and ready to go!
FAQ SECTION
1. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can easily prep the hash brown mixture and cook the beef with sloppy joe sauce ahead of time. Store both mixtures separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, just layer everything into the crock pot and start the cooking process.
2. What size crock pot should I use?
A 5 to 6-quart oval crock pot works best for this recipe. It gives enough room for the layers to cook evenly without overflowing.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Let the casserole cool completely, then store individual portions in airtight containers or freezer bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
You can reheat individual servings in the microwave for a few minutes until heated through. For larger portions, place in a covered baking dish and warm in a 350°F oven until hot.
5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils. Just make sure whatever you use is fully cooked and well-drained before mixing with the sloppy joe sauce.
6. Is there a substitute for condensed cheddar cheese soup?
If you don’t have condensed cheddar cheese soup on hand, you can substitute with condensed cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and creamy.
7. Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
You sure can, but you’ll need a larger crock pot (at least 8 quarts). You may also need to adjust the cooking time slightly, so keep an eye on it.
TIME TO GET COOKING!
And there you have it — everything you need to know to make this cozy, family-friendly Crock Pot Sloppy Joe Casserole. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug after a long day, and it’s so easy to put together with just a handful of ingredients.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself coming back to this one again and again. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you just want a hearty, comforting meal without a lot of fuss.
I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! If you try any of the variations or add your own twist, be sure to drop a comment and share your version. Recipes like this are meant to be customized and enjoyed by everyone around your table.
Happy cooking, and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!
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Crock Pot Sloppy Joe Casserole
Description
This Crock Pot Sloppy Joe Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the classic flavors of sloppy joes with creamy, cheesy hash browns. Perfect for busy weeknights or a potluck, this slow cooker meal requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor with tender beef, savory sauce, and a cheesy topping.
Ingredients
32 ounce package frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, slightly thawed
10.75 ounce can condensed cheddar cheese soup (can use low or no sodium)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1 pound ground beef
½ small onion, finely diced
15.5 ounce can sloppy joe sauce (like Manwich)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
Instructions
Spray a 5-6 quart oval crock pot (slow cooker) with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine the slightly thawed hash brown potatoes, condensed cheddar cheese soup, lightly beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Stir well until fully mixed and spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of the crock pot.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook and crumble the ground beef along with the finely diced onion until the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess grease and return the beef mixture to the skillet.
Stir the sloppy joe sauce into the cooked beef mixture, ensuring everything is well combined.
Spoon the sloppy joe mixture evenly over the hash brown layer in the crock pot.
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 4 ½ hours.
About 10 minutes before the cooking time is complete, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover again and allow the cheese to melt before serving.
Optional: Sprinkle with dried parsley flakes for a touch of color.
Notes
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef if desired. For a bit of extra flavor, consider adding diced green bell peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture. Be sure the hash browns are slightly thawed for easier mixing and even cooking. This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables.
