Name: Sloppy Joe Stuffed Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; ¼ cup white onion, diced; ¼ cup green bell pepper, diced; 1 pound ground beef; ½ tablespoon garlic powder; ½ tablespoon onion powder; ½ tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 teaspoon chili powder; ¾ cup ketchup; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tubes buttermilk biscuit dough; 1 egg, beaten

Let’s talk comfort food with a fun, handheld twist. Imagine all the messy, saucy goodness of a classic Sloppy Joe tucked inside soft, golden-baked bread. Every bite is a little messy, a little indulgent, and 100% satisfying. It’s like your favorite childhood sandwich got an upgrade—and yes, it’s just as delicious as it sounds.

This recipe is a total game-changer for busy weeknights, game-day snacks, or anytime you want something hearty, flavorful, and fun to eat. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll be keeping it in your regular rotation for dinners and casual gatherings alike.

Recipe Origin

Sloppy Joes originated in the United States as a simple, inexpensive sandwich featuring ground beef simmered in a tangy tomato sauce. This stuffed bread version takes the classic flavors and wraps them in soft buttermilk biscuit dough, making it a portable, shareable, and extra satisfying twist on a traditional favorite.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Large skillet or sauté pan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheet
Pastry brush (for egg wash)
Knife and cutting board
Mixing bowl

Why You’ll Love Sloppy Joe Stuffed Bread

Handheld Comfort Food: Everything you love about a Sloppy Joe in a neat, portable package.
Kid-Friendly: Soft, flavorful, and fun to eat—perfect for picky eaters.
Party-Ready: Makes a fantastic appetizer or snack for game days and gatherings.
Quick and Easy: Comes together with simple pantry ingredients and minimal fuss.
Customizable: Spice it up or keep it mild, add cheese, or swap proteins—it’s flexible.

Ingredients in Sloppy Joe Stuffed Bread

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Olive Oil

Used to sauté veggies and add a subtle richness to the base of the Sloppy Joe mixture.

White Onion and Green Bell Pepper

These diced veggies bring sweetness, crunch, and a savory foundation for the filling.

Ground Beef

The heart of the dish. Browning it builds flavor and gives the stuffed bread that classic, meaty goodness.

Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Yellow Mustard, Chili Powder

Seasonings that take the filling from ordinary to mouthwateringly delicious. They add depth, warmth, and just a hint of tangy kick.

Ketchup and Tomato Paste

The sweet-tangy base of the sauce that coats the beef, giving that familiar Sloppy Joe flavor.

Worcestershire Sauce

Adds a subtle umami richness that balances the sweetness and acidity.

Salt and Pepper

Essential for seasoning and enhancing the other flavors in the filling.

Buttermilk Biscuit Dough

Soft, pillowy, and golden-baked, this dough encases the Sloppy Joe filling for a perfect handheld treat.

Egg, Beaten

Brushed on top for a shiny, golden-brown finish that’s irresistible.

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Cook the Veggies and Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper and sauté until soft. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

Season the Filling

Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, yellow mustard, chili powder, ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld.

Prepare the Biscuit Dough

Unroll the biscuit dough and flatten each piece into a circle large enough to wrap around a generous spoonful of filling.

Assemble the Stuffed Bread

Place a portion of the Sloppy Joe filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the edges over the filling and pinch to seal. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Add the Egg Wash

Brush each stuffed bread with beaten egg for a glossy, golden finish.

Bake to Perfection

Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the dough is cooked through.

Cool and Serve

Let the stuffed bread cool for a few minutes before serving—it makes slicing easier and keeps the filling from spilling out.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve warm on its own, or with your favorite dipping sauces like extra ketchup, mustard, or a tangy barbecue sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6–8
Calories per serving: ~350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Sloppy Joe Stuffed Bread

Game Day Snack: Perfect for dipping and sharing.
With a Side Salad: Adds freshness and balances the richness of the bread.
With Soup: Pairs wonderfully with a creamy tomato soup or chili.
As a Lunchbox Treat: Portable and fun for kids and adults alike.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Prepare the filling ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.
Assemble stuffed bread in advance and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to preserve the dough’s texture.

Variations to Try

Cheesy Sloppy Joe: Add shredded cheddar or pepper jack inside the filling.
Spicy Kick: Mix in jalapeños or hot sauce for heat lovers.
Turkey or Chicken: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Mini Appetizers: Use smaller biscuit dough rounds for bite-sized party treats.

Additional Tips

Don’t overfill the dough—just enough filling so it bakes without spilling.
Brush with egg wash for a professional-looking finish.
Simmer the filling long enough to thicken the sauce; watery filling can make the dough soggy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these vegetarian?
A1: Yes, substitute cooked lentils or plant-based ground meat for the beef.

Q2: Can I freeze Sloppy Joe Stuffed Bread?
A2: Yes, assemble, freeze on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.

Q3: Can I use premade Sloppy Joe sauce instead of making my own?
A3: Absolutely—just make sure it’s thick enough so the dough doesn’t get soggy.

Q4: Can I make smaller versions for appetizers?
A4: Yes! Mini stuffed bread is perfect for parties.

Q5: How do I keep the dough from getting soggy?
A5: Ensure the filling is thick, and don’t overfill the dough circles.

Q6: Can I make these ahead of time?
A6: Yes—assemble and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.

Q7: Can I use crescent roll dough instead of biscuit dough?
A7: Yes, it works well and creates a slightly flakier texture.

Q8: How spicy is this recipe?
A8: Mild—adjust chili powder or add cayenne for more heat.

Q9: Can I add cheese inside the filling?
A9: Definitely! Cheddar or mozzarella work beautifully.

Q10: Can I make it gluten-free?
A10: Use gluten-free biscuit dough or dough alternatives to make it safe for gluten-free diets.

Conclusion

Sloppy Joe Stuffed Bread is comfort food elevated. It’s cheesy, saucy, and satisfying—all tucked into soft, golden-baked bread that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a casual gathering, or a fun snack, this recipe is guaranteed to please both kids and adults alike. One bite and you’ll see why this handheld classic deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection.