What to Serve with Sloppy Joe Casserole? 10 Best Side Dishes

Knowing what to serve with sloppy joe casserole can be tricky.

Do you go with a classic side like macaroni and cheese or something more adventurous?

I’ve rounded up 10 of the best side dishes to serve with sloppy joe casserole so you can make the perfect meal.

What to Serve with Sloppy Joe Casserole? 10 Best Side Dishes

Your meal can be as good as the side dishes you serve with it.

This is especially true for casseroles.

A casserole is only as good as the side dishes that accompany it.

So, if you’re looking to take your sloppy joe casserole to the next level, you’ll need to choose the right side dishes.

Here are 10 of the best side dishes to serve with sloppy joe casserole:

1. Roasted Red Potatoes

Who can say no to crispy, roasted potatoes?

They’re the perfect side dish to any casserole because they soak up all of the delicious flavors.

Plus, they add a nice crunch.

And, they’re so easy to make!

Just toss some diced red potatoes with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, then roast in a 400-degree oven for 20-25 minutes.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, try roasting your potatoes with garlic cloves.

3 Unique Twists:

• Roasted Red Potatoes with Bacon: Add some crumbled bacon to your potatoes before roasting.
• Parmesan Roasted Red Potatoes: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on your potatoes before roasting.
• Herb Roasted Red Potatoes: Toss your potatoes with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme before roasting.

2. Simple Biscuits

These are truly simple (and delicious) biscuits.

They come together in about 30 minutes, which is awesome when you’re trying to get a casserole on the table stat.

I love to serve them with a big ol’ helping of honey butter.

Pro Tip: If you want to take these biscuits over-the-top, try adding some shredded cheese to the dough before baking. Cheddar would be delicious!

3 Unique Twists:

• Add some chopped bacon or sausage to the dough for a savory twist.
• Swap out the milk for buttermilk for a tangier biscuit.
• Stir in some diced fruit or chocolate chips for a sweet version.

3. Easy Coleslaw

Known for its summertime picnic associations, this dish is actually awesome all year round.

It’s crunchy, it’s creamy, it’s tangy, and did I mention it’s EASY?

This dish comes together in about 10 minutes, which makes it the perfect last-minute addition to any meal.

Pro Tip: To save even more time, you can buy pre-shredded coleslaw mix at the grocery store.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add diced apples for a sweetness and extra crunch.
• Swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
• Stir in some chopped bacon or crumbled blue cheese for an extra flavor punch.

4. Easy Cheddar Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins

These Mexican-inspired cornbread muffins are the perfect side dish to any casserole.

They have a little bit of everything – sweet, savory, spicy and cheesy.

Plus, they’re so easy to make! Just mix all of the ingredients together in one bowl, pour into a muffin tin and bake.

Pro Tip: For an extra cheesy kick, top each muffin with a sprinkle of shredded cheese before baking.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add diced green chilies to the batter for an extra spicy kick.
• Stir in some chopped bacon or sausage for a heartier cornbread.
• Top each muffin with a dollop of honey or jam for a sweet twist.

5. Garlic Chive Smashed Potatoes

Garlicky, onion-y, and smooth, these smashed potatoes are the perfect side to any casserole.

They’re simple to make and can easily be tailored to your liking.

I love adding a little bit of sour cream to mine, but you could also use Greek yogurt or even mayo.

Pro Tip: The key to really good smashed potatoes is using starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds. If you use waxy potatoes like Red Bliss or new potatoes, they won’t get as fluffy.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add some shredded cheese on top before serving for an extra cheesy twist.
• Mix in some cooked bacon bits for a delicious salty crunch.
• Stir in a few spoonfuls of pesto for an herby flavor boost.

6. Roasted Asparagus

How about a big ol’ helping of roasted asparagus to go alongside your casserole?

This side dish is awesome because it’s healthy, flavorful, and only takes minutes to make.

Plus, it’s a great way to get your veggies in.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, try roasting your asparagus with garlic or Parmesan cheese.

3 Unique Twists:

• Roasted Asparagus with Balsamic Vinegar: Toss asparagus with balsamic vinegar and roast according to recipe instructions.
• Roasted Asparagus with Lemon: Toss asparagus with freshly squeezed lemon juice and roast according to recipe instructions.
• Roasted Asparagus with Prosciutto: Wrap each asparagus spear in a slice of prosciutto before roasting.

7. Ranch Glazed Carrots

Carrots can be a little boring, but not when they’re glazed with ranch dressing!

These carrots are the perfect side dish to any casserole because they add a touch of sweetness and creaminess.

Plus, they’re so easy to make – you just need 4 ingredients!

Pro Tip: To get that beautiful glaze, make sure to use full-fat ranch dressing.

Twists:

• Add a touch of heat by sprinkling on some cayenne pepper.
• Swap out the ranch dressing for honey mustard or BBQ sauce.
• For a fun and festive twist, top with chopped green onions or chives.

8. Quick Classic Macaroni Salad

This quick family-friendly macaroni salad is the perfect side dish for sloppy joe casserole.

It’s creamy, it’s flavorful, and it’s got just the right amount of acidity from the vinegar.

Plus, it comes together in just 15 minutes!

Pro Tip: To save time, cook the macaroni while you’re prepping the rest of the ingredients.

3 Unique Twists:

• Add diced avocado for a creamier texture.
• Swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
• Stir in some chopped cooked bacon for a smoky flavor.

9. Special Fruit Salad

Gather your favorite fruits (I like to use berries, grapes, and bananas) and mix them together in a large bowl.

In a separate bowl, whisk together some orange juice, lemon juice, and sugar.

Pour the mixture over the fruit and stir everything together.

Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes so the flavors can meld together.

This fruit salad is awesome because it’s light and refreshing but still has a lot of flavor.

It’s the perfect side dish to balance out a heavier casserole.

Pro Tip: If you want your fruit salad to be extra special, add a splash of Grand Marnier or another type of liqueur.

3 Unique Twists:

• Use different fruits – try mangoes, pineapple, kiwi, or pears.
• Make a dressing with balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard.
• Stir in some chopped nuts or shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.

10. Spinach Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing

Spinach salad is more than a healthy side dish – it’s a powerhouse.

The greens are loaded with vitamins and minerals, and the hot bacon dressing is full of flavor.

This salad is the perfect side for a casserole because it adds a bright, fresh flavor to the dish.

Pro Tip: For a twist on this classic salad, try adding diced apples, crumbled blue cheese, or toasted pecans.

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