Can I use homemade pierogies instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If using homemade pierogies, you may need to reduce the initial covered baking time by about 5-10 minutes since they won't need to thaw during cooking. Just keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overcook.

What if I can't find the cheese blend mentioned in the recipe?

No problem! You can create your own blend with equal parts of shredded mozzarella and cheddar, or use just one type of cheese. Monterey Jack, Colby, or provolone would all work well too.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours before baking. Keep it covered in the refrigerator, and add about 10 minutes to the baking time if you're putting it in the oven cold.

My family doesn't eat beef. Can I substitute another meat?

Definitely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork would all work wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly as some ground meats cook faster than beef.

Sloppy Joe Pierogi Casserole Recipe

Name: Sloppy Joe Pierogi Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 yellow onion, diced; 1 tablespoon chopped garlic; 3/4 cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 3 lbs frozen pierogies; 3 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend; 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped; 2 green onions, chopped

This mouthwatering Sloppy Joe Pierogi Casserole combines two comfort food favorites into one incredible dish! Tender pierogies layered with savory homemade sloppy joe meat sauce, melty cheese, and crispy bacon create a hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy the whole family. Ready in just over an hour, this creative casserole transforms familiar ingredients into something special that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Comfort Food: This casserole delivers all the nostalgic flavors of sloppy joes with the added bonus of pierogies – it’s like a warm hug on a plate!
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters tend to love this dish. The familiar flavors come together in a fun new way that appeals to kids and adults alike.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prep this casserole ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready – perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting guests.
Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe with different cheese blends, add vegetables, or switch up the meat to suit your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: The foundation of our sloppy joe mixture. Go for lean ground beef for less fat but still plenty of flavor.
Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the meat mixture – don’t skip this aromatic base!
Garlic: Brings that essential savory note that makes everything taste better.
Ketchup: Forms the base of our sloppy joe sauce, providing tangy sweetness.
Worcestershire Sauce: This umami-packed ingredient adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
Yellow Mustard: Brings a tangy zip that balances the sweetness of other ingredients.
Brown Sugar: Just enough to add that classic sloppy joe sweetness without being overwhelming.
Onion Powder: Intensifies the onion flavor throughout the dish.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring everything together.
Frozen Pierogies: The star carb that makes this casserole unique! No need to thaw them first.
Cheese Blend: The mozzarella and cheddar blend gives you the perfect balance of meltability and flavor.
Bacon: Adds irresistible smoky crunch to the top of the casserole.
Green Onions: Provides a fresh finish and pop of color.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Vegetarian Version

Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils. Skip the bacon or use plant-based bacon alternatives.

Spicy Twist

Add a diced jalapeño when cooking the onions, or mix in a few dashes of hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture.

Loaded Version

Include sautéed bell peppers and mushrooms in your meat mixture for added vegetables and texture.

Different Cheese Options

Try pepper jack for some heat, or smoked gouda for a deeper flavor profile.

How to Make Sloppy Joe Pierogi Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Sloppy Joe Mixture

Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Add the diced onions and cook until the beef is fully browned and onions are translucent. Drain any excess grease, then add the garlic and cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

Add the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, brown sugar, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together until the meat is completely coated in the sauce. Remove from heat once everything is well combined.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Arrange half of the frozen pierogies in a single layer on the bottom of the dish. Spoon about two-thirds of the sloppy joe mixture over the pierogies, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle 2 cups of the cheese blend over the meat layer. Place the remaining pierogies on top of the cheese, then add the remaining sloppy joe mixture.

Step 4: Add Final Toppings

Top the casserole with the remaining cup of cheese and sprinkle the chopped bacon pieces over everything.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for about 10 more minutes until the cheese is completely melted and the bacon is crispy.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Take the casserole out of the oven, sprinkle with chopped green onions, and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Thaw the Pierogies: Using them frozen helps them maintain their structure during baking.
Meat Mixture Consistency: The sloppy joe mixture should be saucy but not watery. If it seems too liquid, simmer it a bit longer before layering.
Cheese Selection: Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and has superior flavor.
Even Layering: Try to distribute the pierogies and meat mixture evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. A side of steamed broccoli or green beans also works well.

Garnish Ideas

Beyond green onions, try topping individual servings with a dollop of sour cream, pickled jalapeños, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Make It a Meal

Complete your comfort food feast with some garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up any extra sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after a day!

Freezing

You can freeze the fully assembled but unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Alternatively, freeze baked leftovers in individual portions for quick meals.

Reheating

For best results, reheat refrigerated leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes until heated through. Microwave individual portions on medium power, covered with a damp paper towel to prevent the pierogies from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pierogies instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If using homemade pierogies, you may need to reduce the initial covered baking time by about 5-10 minutes since they won’t need to thaw during cooking. Just keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook.
What if I can’t find the cheese blend mentioned in the recipe?

No problem! You can create your own blend with equal parts of shredded mozzarella and cheddar, or use just one type of cheese. Monterey Jack, Colby, or provolone would all work well too.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours before baking. Keep it covered in the refrigerator, and add about 10 minutes to the baking time if you’re putting it in the oven cold.
My family doesn’t eat beef. Can I substitute another meat?

Definitely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork would all work wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly as some ground meats cook faster than beef.

Final Thoughts

This Sloppy Joe Pierogi Casserole is a delightful twist on traditional comfort food that brings together familiar flavors in an exciting new way. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying and crowd-pleasing without a lot of fuss. The combination of tender pierogies, savory meat sauce, melty cheese, and crispy bacon creates a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Give it a try the next time you’re looking to shake up your dinner routine!