Sloppy Joe Pierogi Casserole Recipe

This hearty Sloppy Joe Pierogi Casserole combines two comfort food classics into one irresistible dish. The savory ground beef mixture, inspired by classic Sloppy Joes, pairs perfectly with tender pierogies and melty cheese for a casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite. Ready in just over an hour with minimal hands-on time, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing dinner for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and freezer.
Family-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults – who can resist the combination of pierogies, meat, and cheese?
Time-Saver: Most of the cooking happens in the oven, giving you time to prepare a side dish or simply relax while dinner makes itself.
Comfort Food Supreme: The perfect marriage of two beloved comfort foods creates a uniquely satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: The foundation of our Sloppy Joe mixture, providing hearty protein and savory flavor. Lean ground beef works best to avoid excess grease.
Yellow Onion: Adds essential aromatic flavor and a touch of sweetness when cooked down with the beef.
Garlic: Brings that irresistible savory depth that makes everything taste better.
Ketchup: Forms the base of our Sloppy Joe sauce, providing tangy tomato flavor.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds that complex umami flavor that’s hard to describe but impossible to replace.
Yellow Mustard: Brings a tangy zip that cuts through the richness of the dish.
Brown Sugar: Balances the acidity with just the right touch of sweetness.
Onion Powder: Intensifies the onion flavor throughout the sauce.
Salt and Pepper: The essential seasonings that bring everything together.
Frozen Pierogies: The star of the show! No need to thaw them first, making prep even easier.
Cheese Blend: The combination of mozzarella and cheddar creates the perfect gooey, melty texture with excellent flavor.
Bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy element that takes this casserole to the next level.
Green Onions: Provides a fresh finish and pop of color to the rich casserole.

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

Spicy Sloppy Joe Pierogi Casserole

Add 1-2 tablespoons of hot sauce to the meat mixture and include some diced jalapeños for a kick. Top with pepper jack cheese instead of the cheddar-mozzarella blend.

Veggie-Packed Version

Mix in diced bell peppers, grated carrots, or corn to the meat mixture for extra nutrition and color.

Italian-Style Twist

Use Italian seasoning instead of onion powder, add some diced tomatoes, and top with provolone or Italian cheese blend.

Turkey or Chicken Alternative

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter version that’s still incredibly tasty.

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 as it cooks. Add the diced onions and cook until the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess grease, then add the chopped garlic and cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Create the Sauce

Add ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, brown sugar, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir until the meat is completely coated in this delicious sauce mixture, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Layer half of the frozen pierogies on the bottom of the dish. Spoon two-thirds of the meat mixture over the pierogies, then sprinkle with 2 cups of the shredded cheese. Add the remaining pierogies on top, followed by the rest of the meat mixture and the final cup of cheese. Finish by sprinkling the chopped bacon pieces over everything.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the 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 has crisped up nicely. Top with chopped green onions before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Thaw the Pierogies: They’ll cook perfectly from frozen and hold their shape better in the casserole.
Cheese Selection: While the recipe calls for a mozzarella and cheddar blend, feel free to experiment with your favorites. Sharp cheddar adds more flavor, while mozzarella brings the perfect melt.
Make the Meat Mixture Ahead: You can prepare the Sloppy Joe mixture a day in advance to save time on cooking day.
Layer Thoughtfully: Make sure to distribute the meat mixture evenly so every serving gets plenty of that delicious Sloppy Joe flavor.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans also works wonderfully.

Garnish Ideas

Beyond the green onions, consider offering extra toppings like sour cream, pickles, or even extra Sloppy Joe sauce for those who like things extra saucy.

Bread on the Side

Garlic bread or dinner rolls make great companions to soak up any extra sauce from this delicious casserole.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together beautifully overnight, making the leftovers sometimes even better than the first serving!

Freezing

This casserole freezes wonderfully. Either freeze the entire assembled but unbaked casserole (minus the cheese topping), or freeze individual portions after baking. Frozen leftovers will keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed throughout (about 20-30 minutes).

FAQs

Can I use homemade pierogies instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If you’re using homemade pierogies, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly. Since homemade pierogies are typically not pre-cooked, you might need to extend the covered baking time by 5-10 minutes to ensure they’re fully cooked through.

What if I don’t eat beef? Can I substitute another protein?

Definitely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work wonderfully in this recipe. The flavorful sauce will still give you that classic Sloppy Joe taste regardless of which protein you choose.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Skip the meat altogether and double up on the pierogies, or substitute the beef with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a meat alternative. You might want to add a bit more seasoning to compensate for the flavor that ground beef typically provides.

My family doesn’t like things too sweet. Can I adjust the brown sugar?

Certainly! The brown sugar helps balance the acidity of the ketchup and mustard, but you can reduce it by half or omit it entirely if you prefer a tangier Sloppy Joe flavor. Taste the sauce before assembling the casserole and adjust the seasonings to your family’s preference.

Final Thoughts

This Sloppy Joe Pierogi Casserole brings together familiar flavors in an exciting new way that’s sure to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. It’s the kind of satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish that makes even the busiest weeknight feel special. The combination of tender pierogies, savory meat sauce, and gooey cheese creates pure comfort food magic that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try tonight – I promise your kitchen will become the most popular spot in the house!