Jiffy Joe Loaded Beef and Cheddar Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Jiffy Joe is a comforting, hearty casserole that combines savory ground beef with a cheesy Jiffy mix topping. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1-2 lbs ground chuck
- 15 oz can of Manwich Original
- 15 oz can of Manwich Bold
- 2 boxes of Jiffy Mix (8.5 oz each)
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar jack cheese
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 6-7 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar (for topping)
- Seasonings: 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a cast iron skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a meat masher. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and all the seasonings. Cook until the beef is fully browned and fragrant.
- Step 2: While the beef is browning, combine the two boxes of Jiffy mix, milk, and eggs in a bowl.
- Step 3: Using an electric mixer, blend the Jiffy mixture just until combined. Fold in 2 cups of shredded cheddar jack cheese and set aside.
- Step 4: Once the beef is browned, stir in both cans of Manwich sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer on medium-low heat.
- Step 5: Let the meat mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 6: Using an ice cream scoop, evenly scoop the Jiffy mixture over the meat in the skillet.
- Step 7: Spread the Jiffy topping evenly with a knife if desired. Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Step 8: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes until the topping is golden and cooked through. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat while browning.
- Use sharp cheddar for a bolder cheese flavor or mix in some pepper jack for added spice.
- If you prefer, substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Chop some green chilies into the Jiffy mix for a smoky kick.
Storage
Store leftover Jiffy Joe covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the topping crisp, or microwave individual portions for convenience.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make Jiffy Joe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble Jiffy Joe up to a day before baking. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to baking time if it’s chilled.
Can I freeze Jiffy Joe?
Jiffy Joe can be frozen after baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven until hot.
PrintJiffy Joe Loaded Beef and Cheddar Casserole Recipe
Jiffy Joe is a delicious and hearty casserole combining seasoned ground beef simmered in Manwich sauce with a cheesy Jiffy cornmeal topping, baked to golden perfection. This comforting and easy-to-make dish features a flavorful, savory base with melted cheddar cheese on top, making it a crowd-pleaser perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1–2 lbs. ground chuck
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 6–7 cloves garlic, chopped
- 15 oz can Manwich Original
- 15 oz can Manwich Bold
Jiffy Mixture
- 2 boxes Jiffy Mix (8.5 oz each)
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar jack cheese
Topping
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a cast iron skillet, brown the ground chuck over medium-high heat. Break it up with a meat masher as it cooks. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and seasonings (garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper). Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and fragrant.
- Prepare Jiffy Mixture: While the beef is browning, in a mixing bowl, combine the two boxes of Jiffy Mix with the milk and eggs. Using an electric mixer, blend the mixture just until incorporated. Gently fold in 2 cups of shredded cheddar jack cheese and set aside.
- Simmer Meat with Manwich: Once the beef is browned, add both cans of Manwich Original and Manwich Bold sauce to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Then lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Assemble the Casserole: Using an ice cream scoop, evenly place scoops of the prepared Jiffy mixture on top of the meat and sauce mixture. Spread it out smoothly with a knife if desired.
- Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the Jiffy topping. Place the skillet or transfer to a baking dish if preferred. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, until the topping is golden and cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful Jiffy Joe casserole warm!
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper if you prefer more or less heat.
- If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, you can brown the beef in any heavy-bottomed pan and then transfer to a baking dish for the final bake.
- The Manwich sauce adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor, but you could substitute with a similar sloppy joe sauce if needed.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps the topping firm up and makes it easier to serve.
- This recipe can be doubled to feed a larger crowd, just bake longer and possibly in multiple pans.
Keywords: Jiffy Joe, casserole, ground beef, Manwich, cheesy cornmeal topping, easy dinner, baked casserole
