Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe

Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is the perfect combination of two beloved comfort foods: hearty Sloppy Joes and a fluffy, savory cornbread topping. This casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make, yet packed with bold flavors. The rich, savory meat mixture, with its tangy and sweet sauce, is layered beneath a golden, cornbread crust that adds a satisfying texture. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. Serve it with a side of veggies or a crisp salad for a complete and satisfying meal!

Why You’ll Love Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole

Here’s why this casserole will quickly become a favorite:

Easy to Make

With just a few simple ingredients, this casserole comes together quickly and is simple to prepare. No need to fuss over complicated steps!

Comforting and Hearty

The rich, meaty Sloppy Joe filling combined with the fluffy cornbread topping makes for the ultimate comfort food meal. It’s filling and satisfying.

Versatile

You can customize the ingredients to suit your tastes. Add extra veggies, use ground turkey instead of beef, or adjust the seasonings to your liking.

Family-Friendly

This casserole is sure to please both kids and adults alike, making it a great choice for family dinners or gatherings.

Budget-Friendly

Made with everyday ingredients, this casserole is an affordable option for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this delicious Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole:

Ground Beef

Ground beef is the base of the Sloppy Joe mixture. It provides a savory, hearty filling that pairs perfectly with the cornbread topping. You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Onion

Chopped onion adds a savory depth of flavor to the meat mixture, complementing the spices and the sweet Sloppy Joe sauce.

Green Bell Pepper

The green bell pepper adds a slight crunch and subtle sweetness to the Sloppy Joe filling.

Sloppy Joe Sauce

Store-bought or homemade Sloppy Joe sauce is the star of this dish. It provides the tangy, sweet flavor that makes Sloppy Joes so irresistible.

Cornbread Mix

A boxed cornbread mix makes the cornbread topping quick and easy to prepare. It’s sweet, tender, and fluffy—just the right complement to the savory beef filling.

Milk

Milk helps make the cornbread batter smooth and moist.

Egg

The egg binds the cornbread mixture together and gives it a fluffy texture when baked.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese melts beautifully and adds a gooey, savory layer on top of the cornbread, enhancing the flavor and texture.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Ready to make this easy and hearty casserole? Here’s how to put it all together:

1. Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, if necessary. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.

2. Add the Sloppy Joe Sauce

Stir in the Sloppy Joe sauce and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Prepare the Cornbread Topping

In a mixing bowl, combine the cornbread mix, milk, and egg. Stir until the batter is smooth and well combined.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly on the bottom of the dish. Pour the cornbread batter on top of the meat mixture and spread it out evenly.

5. Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the cornbread batter, covering it evenly.

6. Bake the Casserole

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice and serve hot with your favorite side dishes or a crisp salad.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 350
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 18g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 750mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole

With a Side Salad

Pair the casserole with a fresh green salad or a simple coleslaw to balance out the richness of the dish.

With Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables, like broccoli, carrots, or green beans, make a great side dish to add color and nutrition to the meal.

With Garlic Bread

A side of garlic bread or crusty rolls will complement the Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

Additional Tips

  • Add Veggies: You can sneak in some extra veggies, like mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini, into the Sloppy Joe filling for added nutrition.
  • Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to bake. Just increase the baking time slightly if it’s cold from the fridge.
  • Spicy Option: If you prefer a spicier version, add a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the Sloppy Joe mixture.
  • Use Homemade Sloppy Joe Sauce: If you prefer a homemade touch, you can make your own Sloppy Joe sauce using ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and a few spices.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
A1: Yes! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives and will still make a delicious filling for the casserole.

Q2: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A2: Absolutely! You can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend for the topping instead of cheddar.

Q3: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A3: Yes! You can swap the ground meat for a meat substitute, such as crumbled tofu, tempeh, or even cooked lentils, to make it vegetarian.

Q4: Can I freeze the casserole?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Q6: Can I make this casserole without cheese?
A6: Yes! You can leave out the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative to suit dietary needs.

Q7: What other vegetables can I add to the filling?
A7: You can add diced carrots, mushrooms, spinach, or even corn to the filling to increase the flavor and texture.

Q8: How can I make the cornbread topping fluffier?
A8: If you want a fluffier cornbread topping, you can add a little extra milk or a bit of baking powder to the cornbread mix.

Q9: Can I use homemade cornbread instead of boxed mix?
A9: Yes! You can make your own cornbread from scratch, just use the same amount of batter as the boxed mix calls for.

Q10: Can I make this casserole in a smaller dish?
A10: Yes! You can use an 8×8-inch baking dish for a thicker casserole. Just adjust the baking time as needed.

Conclusion

Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is an easy, hearty, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or satisfying a family dinner. With the savory, tangy Sloppy Joe filling and the comforting cornbread topping, it’s a dish everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this casserole is sure to impress. Enjoy every delicious bite!

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Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole


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  • Author: khaoula belabess
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 1 (9×13-inch) casserole 1x

Description

A hearty and comforting casserole that combines the classic flavors of Sloppy Joes with a delicious cornbread topping. Perfect for feeding a crowd!


Ingredients

Scale
  • Cooking spray
  • 2 pounds ground chuck
  • 2 cups finely chopped yellow onion
  • 1 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1½ cups ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 (8.5-ounce) packages corn muffin mix (such as Jiffy)
  • ⅔ cup whole milk
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 large eggs

Instructions

  • Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground chuck, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until almost fully browned (about 4 minutes). Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened (about 6 to 8 minutes).
  • Make the Sloppy Joe Mixture: Stir in the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, until it darkens slightly (about 2 minutes). Add the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the sauce thickens and bubbles (about 7 minutes). Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
  • Prepare the Cornbread Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the corn muffin mix, milk, baking powder, and eggs until fully combined. Spoon the cornbread batter evenly over the Sloppy Joe mixture.
  • Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

This casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd and combines the classic flavors of Sloppy Joes with a delicious cornbread topping.

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/12 casserole
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

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