Golden, fluffy biscuits filled with a rich, saucy beef mixture—Easy Sloppy Joe Biscuits are the ultimate comfort food fusion. These savory handheld delights bring together the sweet, tangy flavor of classic sloppy joes with the warm, pillowy texture of biscuit dough. Perfect as a hearty appetizer, a crowd-pleasing party snack, or even a fun weeknight dinner, they’re both nostalgic and refreshingly new.

Baking these biscuit cups with a sloppy joe filling gives a tidy twist to the famously messy sandwich. Kids love them, adults devour them, and best of all, you can whip them up with minimal effort and ingredients. They’re ideal for meal prep, game day spreads, or turning leftovers into something completely irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Sloppy Joe Biscuits Recipe
- Kid-friendly and fun to eat
- Uses store-bought biscuit dough for convenience
- Great for parties, potlucks, or weeknight dinners
- No fork or knife needed—perfect finger food
- Ready in less than 30 minutes
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To make Easy Sloppy Joe Biscuits, you’ll need the following essential kitchen tools:
- Large Skillet: For browning ground beef and simmering the sloppy joe filling evenly.
- Muffin Tin or Cupcake Pan: Essential for shaping the biscuits into cups that hold the filling. Nonstick is best for easy removal.
- Mixing Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir and mix the beef and sauce evenly.
- Can Opener: If using canned biscuits or tomato products, a reliable can opener is a must.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accuracy in seasoning and sauce ratios.
Each of these tools ensures the recipe is simple, efficient, and yields great results with minimal cleanup.
Preparation Tips
Make sure your biscuit dough is cold when shaping it into the muffin tin—this helps the dough puff up and stay crisp around the edges. Brown the ground beef thoroughly, draining any excess fat before adding sauce ingredients. Simmer the mixture just enough to thicken it slightly so it doesn’t make the biscuits soggy. Press the biscuit dough gently into the muffin tin, creating a well for the filling without tearing it. A tablespoon scoop helps portion the sloppy joe mixture evenly across all biscuits.
Ingredients for Easy Sloppy Joe Biscuits Recipe
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for flavor)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count, such as Pillsbury Grands)
- Cooking spray (for muffin tin)
Step 1: Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned and crumbled, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess grease. Add diced onion, green bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for another 2–3 minutes until vegetables are tender and fragrant.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
Add ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to the skillet. Stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer over low heat for 5–7 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prep the Biscuit Cups
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a standard muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. Open the biscuit can and separate the dough. Press each biscuit into the bottom and up the sides of the muffin cups to create a deep well.
Step 4: Fill the Biscuit Cups
Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the sloppy joe filling into each biscuit cup, spreading evenly and pressing gently to fit.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the filled muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through. The filling should be bubbly.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Remove from oven and let cool in the muffin tin for 2–3 minutes before carefully removing the biscuit cups. Serve warm as-is or with a sprinkle of shredded cheese or chopped parsley on top.
Notes
These Easy Sloppy Joe Biscuits can be adapted in several creative ways. Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based meat to suit your dietary needs. Add shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese to the meat mixture for a gooey surprise. If you prefer a spicier version, toss in some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce while simmering the filling. These biscuits are incredibly forgiving and versatile, making them a reliable go-to for busy households.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
- Overfilling the biscuits: Too much filling can cause overflow and soggy bottoms.
- Underbaking: Make sure the biscuit dough is fully cooked by checking the bottoms; if still pale, give it a few extra minutes.
- Not draining the beef: Excess grease will make the filling too wet and greasy.
- Using too much sauce: Over-saucing can make the biscuits fall apart. Aim for a thick but spoonable consistency.
- Skipping preheat: Starting with a cold oven can result in unevenly baked biscuit dough.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Sloppy Joe Biscuits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes to regain crispiness, or microwave for 30–45 seconds if you’re short on time. For longer storage, freeze the baked biscuits in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Estimated Nutrition
- Calories: ~290 per biscuit
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 620mg
- Sugar: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake just before serving.
What type of biscuit dough works best?
Refrigerated biscuit dough such as Pillsbury Grands or any similar flaky-style biscuit dough works well for this recipe.
Can I use leftover sloppy joe mix?
Absolutely. This is a great way to repurpose leftover sloppy joe filling into a new, fun format.
How do I know the biscuits are fully baked?
Check the edges and bottoms—they should be golden brown and firm. A toothpick inserted into the side should come out clean.
Are these freezer-friendly?
Yes. Freeze after baking and once cooled completely. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
What can I serve with these?
Serve with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or potato wedges for a complete meal.
Can I make them vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or a hearty lentil filling.
Will this work in a mini muffin tin?
Yes, just use less dough and filling. Reduce baking time to about 8–10 minutes and check for doneness.
Conclusion
Easy Sloppy Joe Biscuits bring together convenience, comfort, and crowd-pleasing flavor in one perfectly portioned bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner fix, a party-ready appetizer, or a clever way to use up leftovers, this recipe delivers. Customize the filling to your taste and enjoy the satisfying combo of saucy meat and golden biscuit every time.
Easy Sloppy Joe Biscuits
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 biscuit cups
Description
Looking for a delicious and fun twist on a classic sandwich? These Easy Sloppy Joe Biscuits deliver everything you love about sloppy joes—savory beef, tangy sauce, and a touch of sweetness—tucked neatly into golden, fluffy biscuit cups. Ideal for quick breakfasts, easy dinners, and party food ideas, this easy recipe turns a traditional messy meal into a grab-and-go favorite. Whether you’re prepping lunch for the family or searching for unique dinner ideas, these biscuit cups check every box: fast, flavorful, and fuss-free.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup diced onion
1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
3/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1 can (16.3 oz) refrigerated biscuit dough (8-count)
Cooking spray
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned and crumbled, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
2. Add diced onion, green bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 2–3 more minutes until vegetables are soft.
3. Stir in ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray muffin tin with cooking spray.
5. Press each biscuit into the muffin cups to form a well.
6. Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of sloppy joe mixture into each biscuit cup.
7. Bake for 12–15 minutes until biscuits are golden and filling is bubbly.
8. Let cool slightly before removing from muffin tin. Serve warm.
Notes
Make sure the biscuit dough is cold when shaping—it puffs up better during baking.
Drain the cooked beef thoroughly to prevent soggy biscuit bottoms.
Want extra flavor? Add shredded cheese to the filling before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 biscuit cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: easy dinner, sloppy joe, biscuit recipe, party snack, food ideas