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.

Sloppy Joe Pierogi Casserole Recipe

Description

This Sloppy Joe Pierogi Casserole combines the classic flavors of sloppy joes with savory pierogies, layered with a cheesy, meaty sauce and topped with crispy bacon and green onions. It’s an easy, comforting main-course perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
1 yellow onion, diced
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
3 lbs frozen pierogies
3 cups shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
2 green onions, chopped

Sloppy Joe Sauce

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

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Instructions

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F to ensure it is hot and ready for baking when the casserole is assembled.
Brown the Beef and Aromatics: Place the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat and break it apart. Add the diced onions to the skillet, stirring well. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned, then drain any excess grease from the skillet.
Add Garlic: Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for about 2 more minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.
Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce: Add the ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, brown sugar, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir until the ground beef is thoroughly coated in the sauce, then remove the skillet from the heat.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish well with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Layer the Casserole: Place half of the frozen pierogies in the bottom of the dish. Spoon two-thirds of the ground beef mixture over the pierogies, then sprinkle with 2 cups of the shredded cheese. Add the remaining pierogies on top, then the rest of the ground beef mixture, and finally sprinkle with the last cup of cheese. Top with chopped bacon pieces.
Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 35 minutes to heat everything through.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for about 10 more minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bacon is crisp.
Finish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top before serving.

Notes

You can customize the cheese blend to your preference.
Make ahead by assembling up to baking and refrigerating, then bake as directed.
Serve with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
Use turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option (if using vegetarian pierogies and substitutes).

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/8 casserole
Calories: 650
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 1190mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 56g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 33g
Cholesterol: 95mg