If you’re looking for a cozy, flavor-packed keto recipe that brings comfort food to the table without all the carbs, you’re going to fall in love with this Keto Sloppy Joe Casserole. It’s rich, hearty, and loaded with bold spices and savory goodness, making it perfect for meal prep, casual dinners, or even as a delicious low-carb option for guests.
This easy casserole is made with plant-based ground beef, tender veggies, and a tangy tomato sauce, all baked to perfection under a golden, melty layer of cheese. Whether you’re living a keto lifestyle or just love flavorful casseroles, this one’s a winner.
Table of contents
- What is Keto Sloppy Joe Casserole?
- What’s the Difference Between Sloppy Joes and Hamburger Casseroles?
- Ingredients for the Best Results
- How to Make Keto Sloppy Joe Casserole
- Tips and Tricks for Leftovers
- Ideas for Variations of Keto Sloppy Joe Casserole
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Recipes to try
- Share and Let’s Connect!
What is Keto Sloppy Joe Casserole?
Keto Sloppy Joe Casserole is a low-carb twist on the classic American sloppy joe sandwich—but in casserole form.
Instead of sandwiching the filling in buns, everything bakes together in a single dish, making it more satisfying and keto-friendly.
The flavors are still bold, sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy, but the texture is more like a baked skillet dish—thick, rich, and spoonable.
What’s the Difference Between Sloppy Joes and Hamburger Casseroles?
Both dishes start with ground protein and a tomato-based sauce, but their purpose and presentation set them apart.
Traditional sloppy joes are all about that sweet-and-savory saucy filling, usually served between hamburger buns. Hamburger casseroles, on the other hand, tend to mimic a full deconstructed burger, often incorporating pasta or potatoes and a creamier base.
This Keto Sloppy Joe Casserole lands somewhere in the middle—leaning into the bold flavor of a sloppy joe, minus the sugar and carbs, and ditching the bread altogether. It’s hearty like a hamburger casserole but saucy and spicy like sloppy joes.
Ingredients for the Best Results
To keep things keto and flavor-forward, I use plant-based ground beef for a protein-rich base. Garlic, onion, and red pepper form the aromatic backbone, giving the dish depth and sweetness.
A splash of oil helps everything brown just right, while soy sauce deepens the umami profile. Crushed tomatoes bring that signature sauciness, and a smoky spice blend of paprika and chili powder ties everything together.
And of course, cheese on top gives this Keto Sloppy Joe Casserole that satisfying, oven-baked finish.
How to Make Keto Sloppy Joe Casserole
It all starts with a quick sauté in your favorite skillet.
First, heat your oil and cook down the onions, garlic, and red peppers until they’re soft and fragrant. Add in the ground beef alternative and let it brown gently. Then comes the seasoning magic—stir in soy sauce, crushed tomatoes, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Let it simmer so the flavors can meld and the sauce thickens just enough.
Once the filling is ready, transfer it into a casserole dish, sprinkle a generous layer of cheese over the top, and bake until golden and bubbling. I love how the edges caramelize slightly, adding another layer of flavor. Serve hot and fresh, or let it cool and pack it up for lunches—it holds up beautifully.
Tips and Tricks for Leftovers
This Keto Sloppy Joe Casserole is meal-prep gold. Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days.
When reheating, you can use the microwave or pop it back in the oven to get that cheesy topping crispy again.
It even freezes well—just portion it out, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to a month.
Ideas for Variations of Keto Sloppy Joe Casserole
There are so many fun ways to customize this Keto Sloppy Joe Casserole.
Swap in jalapeños for a spicy kick or stir in some cauliflower rice or zucchini to bulk it up with extra veggies. If you’re craving a handheld experience, spoon the filling into lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas.
I’ve even topped it with avocado slices for a fresh contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. Prepare the filling and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add the cheese on top before it goes in the oven.
Go with a melty cheese you love—cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend works great. It should melt evenly and get golden on top.
It has a little heat, thanks to the chili powder, but it’s more smoky than spicy. You can dial it up or down depending on your taste.
Yes, traditional ground beef works fine here if you prefer. Just be sure to drain excess fat after browning.
Stick to sugar-free crushed tomatoes and don’t add sweeteners like ketchup or BBQ sauce unless they’re keto-approved.
Recipes to try
Share and Let’s Connect!
If you try this Keto Sloppy Joe Casserole, I’d love to see your version! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram or Facebook.
Your creations always make my day. And if you loved the recipe, leave a comment below and add a star rating—it really helps others find this dish.
Thanks for cooking with me!
Keto Sloppy Joe Casserole
Discover the delightful Keto Sloppy Joe Casserole, a cozy and flavorful keto recipe that offers comfort food without the carbs. This rich, hearty dish is perfect for meal prep, casual dinners, or as a low-carb treat for guests. Made with plant-based ground beef, tender veggies, and a tangy tomato sauce, it’s baked to perfection under a golden, melty cheese layer. Whether you’re on keto or just enjoy tasty casseroles, this one’s a hit!
Ingredients
- 26 oz vegan ground beef
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 4 cloves garlic, pressed
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1 medium red pepper, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/3 cup dairy free cheese
- salt, pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 370F.
- Heat the oil and cook down the onions, garlic, and red peppers until they’re soft and fragrant.
- Add in the ground beef alternative and let it brown gently.
- Then comes the seasoning magic—stir in soy sauce, crushed tomatoes, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Let it simmer so the flavors can meld and the sauce thickens just enough.
- Once the filling is ready, transfer it into a casserole dish, sprinkle a generous layer of cheese over the top, and bake until golden and bubbling, about 15 minutes.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 299Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1530mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 33g