Sloppy Joe Squares

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

Savory Sloppy Joe squares combine seasoned ground beef and melty cheese baked between flaky crescent dough, making a quick, hearty meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 c water
  • 1 1/2 oz envelope sloppy joe mix
  • 1 tsp instant minced onion
  • 2 (8 oz) pkg refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
  • 1 c shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 1 Tbsp milk

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring until it crumbles.
  2. Drain excess fat and return beef to the skillet.
  3. Stir in tomato sauce, water, sloppy joe mix, and minced onion; bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Unroll one package of dinner rolls and press seams together; fit into the bottom of a lightly greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
  6. Spread the ground beef mixture over the dough and sprinkle with shredded Cheddar cheese.
  7. Unroll the remaining package of dinner rolls and press seams together; place over the cheese layer.
  8. Brush the top dough with milk and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  9. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For a flavorful twist, consider adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the ground beef mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you prefer a spicier version, mix in some hot sauce or cayenne pepper. To save time, use a pre-made sloppy joe sauce instead of mixing the ingredients yourself.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Sloppy Joe Squares as a fun main dish for family gatherings or parties. They pair wonderfully with a side of coleslaw or a fresh garden salad. For a complete meal, consider serving with potato wedges or corn on the cob. These squares are also great for game day snacks, alongside your favorite dips.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the squares in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed and the dough is crisp.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sloppy Joe Squares contains roughly 1044 calories, with 35g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (78% of the Daily Value), iron (76% of the Daily Value), and protein (70% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 987mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).

1044 kcal 52% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 35.1g 70% DV
Total Fat 54.3g 70% DV
Carbs 106.5g 39% DV
Fiber 7.8g 28% DV
Sugar 38.8g 78% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 987.3mg 43% DV
Potassium 602.1mg 13% DV
Cholesterol 110.3mg 37% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 282.9mcg 31% DV
Vitamin C 11.9mg 13% DV
Vitamin D 1.6mcg 8% DV
Calcium 1016.9mg 78% DV
Iron 13.6mg 76% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Sloppy Joe Squares ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the ground beef mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble the squares when you're ready to bake. This makes it easy to serve at parties or gatherings without much last-minute preparation.

What can I use instead of crescent rolls?

If you don't have crescent rolls on hand, you can use puff pastry or biscuit dough as an alternative. Both options will create a delicious, flaky crust. Adjust the baking time slightly, as puff pastry may require a longer bake to achieve a golden color.

Can I freeze Sloppy Joe Squares?

Yes, you can freeze Sloppy Joe Squares before or after baking. If freezing unbaked, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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