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

Description

A delicious and hearty Sloppy Joe Pierogi Casserole loaded with saucy ground beef, pierogies, bacon, and melty cheese, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or gatherings.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main 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

Toppings

4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
2 green onions, chopped

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F in preparation for baking the casserole.
Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it apart with a spoon.
Add onions: Stir the diced onions into the skillet with the ground beef, and continue cooking until the beef is fully browned.
Drain excess grease: Once browned, drain any excess grease from the skillet to prevent the dish from becoming too oily.
Cook garlic: Add the chopped garlic to the skillet, stir, and cook for 2 minutes to release its aroma.
Add sauce ingredients: Stir in the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, brown sugar, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the beef is well coated, then remove from heat.
Prepare the baking dish: Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Layer pierogies and beef in the dish: Arrange half of the frozen pierogies at the bottom of the dish. Spoon two-thirds of the cooked ground beef mixture over the pierogies.
Add cheese: Sprinkle 2 cups of the shredded cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
Create the second layer: Place the remaining pierogies on top of the cheese. Spread the remaining ground beef mixture over the pierogies.
Top with bacon and cheese: Sprinkle the final cup of shredded cheese over the beef mixture. Add chopped bacon pieces on top.
Bake the casserole covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.
Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven. Bake uncovered for about 10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the bacon is crispy.
Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and top with chopped green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

You can use any shredded cheese blend if mozzarella and cheddar are not available.
This dish can be made ahead and reheated when needed.
Feel free to add additional spices or seasonings to suit your personal taste.
If you’re looking for a smokier flavor, use smoked bacon and smoked paprika.
Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
Calories: 450
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 1020mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 23g
Cholesterol: 65mg