Get ready for the ultimate comfort food mash-up with this Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe. It’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole that combines the rich, sweet, and tangy flavors of classic sloppy joes, all blanketed with a golden, cheesy cornbread crust. Every bite is an irresistible fusion of savory ground beef filling and fluffy cornbread, with just enough cheese to make it feel extra special. This dish is easy enough for a weeknight but delicious enough for guests, and it brings the whole family to the table in record time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this dish a staple in any home cook’s rotation is just how accessible the ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding a pop of color, a boost of savoriness, or the gooey finish on top. Gather these kitchen staples and watch them transform into something unforgettable!
- Ground Beef (1 pound): The heart of the casserole, providing juicy, savory depth to the base.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Helps brown the beef and softens the veggies with extra richness.
- Onion, diced (1 small): Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation.
- Green Bell Pepper, diced (1): Brings a vibrant color and slight crunch to the meat mixture.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Infuses the filling with robust, savory warmth.
- Tomato Sauce (1 cup): Provides sauciness and classic Sloppy Joe tang.
- Ketchup (2 tablespoons): Balances acidity with a touch of sweetness.
- Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): Gives a rich, umami punch and layers of flavor.
- Brown Sugar (1 tablespoon): Rounds out the tomato with extra sweetness and molasses notes.
- Chili Powder (1 teaspoon): Adds mild heat and a flavorful backbone.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning every component just right.
- Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Gives a subtle, sharp heat that wakes up the flavors.
- Cornbread Mix (1 8.5-ounce box): The shortcut to a perfectly golden, fluffy topping.
- Egg (1): Binds the cornbread batter for that beautiful puff.
- Milk (⅓ cup): Moistens the cornbread layer for a tender crumb.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): Delivers melty richness and a gorgeous crust.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), getting it ready for some serious casserole magic. Then, take a minute to dice your onion and bell pepper, and mince your garlic. It’s always nice to have everything ready to go before you fire up the stove!
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, and let it brown. Once it’s no longer pink, drain off any excess fat if you want a lighter result. Toss in the onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until they’re tender and fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Sloppy Joe Base
Now it’s time to give the mixture that signature Sloppy Joe flavor. Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Let everything simmer together for 5 to 7 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly and really soak into the meat and veggies.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Lightly grease a 9×9-inch (or similar-sized) baking dish. Pour the sloppy joe mixture evenly into the dish, making sure every corner gets some of that delicious filling. This is the foundation layer that will soak up all the lovely juices from the cornbread topping.
Step 5: Mix the Cornbread Topping
In a separate bowl, whip up the cornbread batter by combining the boxed mix with the egg and milk. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese for a delightful cheesy twist in every bite. The batter should be smooth but don’t overmix—just until everything comes together.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Pour the cornbread batter over the meat, spreading it out gently to cover the entire casserole. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cornbread is golden and set. The cheese will get gooey, the top will be enticingly puffed, and your kitchen will smell amazing.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. That short wait helps the layers set, making it easier to cut perfect squares. It also lets the flavors meld so each bite tastes just as good as the last.
How to Serve Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or scallions adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. You can also top it with a little extra shredded cheddar or sliced jalapeños if you like a touch of heat and gooeyness.
Side Dishes
This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe is hearty, but it’s even better paired with simple sides. A crisp green salad, tangy coleslaw, or classic pickles balance out the richness and make for an easy, complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a dinner-party twist, or spoon it straight out of the baking dish at your next game night. You can even cut it into appetizer squares for a potluck—this recipe adapts perfectly to every occasion!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer leftover Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors soak in as it sits, making leftovers taste even better the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions or the whole casserole after it has cooled completely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or use a freezer-safe container. It keeps well for up to two months.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave individual pieces on medium power until warmed through, or pop the casserole in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Cover with foil to keep the cornbread from drying out while it heats.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef?
Absolutely! The Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe works just as well with ground turkey or chicken. Choose your favorite or whatever you have on hand—the flavors in the sauce are robust enough to complement any protein.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free cornbread mix for the topping and double-check that your other ingredients (like Worcestershire sauce) are certified gluten-free. It’s an easy switch for a casserole everyone can enjoy!
How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat?
The chili powder just gives a gentle warmth, not a fiery kick. If you want more heat, add a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños to the meat mixture, or tone things down by omitting the chili powder altogether.
Can I make the Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the meat filling in advance and refrigerate it, then top with cornbread batter right before baking. Or bake the whole casserole, let it cool, and reheat it when you’re ready to serve—super convenient for busy nights.
What’s the best way to tell when the cornbread topping is perfectly cooked?
Look for a golden brown color and set center—if you insert a toothpick in the middle, it should come out clean. Keep an eye on it in the last few minutes; ovens vary and you want it fluffy and moist, not dry.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that is deeply satisfying, a little nostalgic, and easy to pull together, this Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe is absolutely worth trying. It’s a family favorite waiting to happen, the kind of dish that brings people back for seconds (and thirds!). Gather your ingredients and treat yourself to this modern comfort classic.
Print
Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole combines the comforting flavors of a classic sloppy joe with a savory cheddar cornbread topping. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Cornbread Topping:
- 1 (8.5-ounce) box cornbread mix
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add vegetables and seasonings: Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened. Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Layer the casserole: Pour the sloppy joe mixture into a greased baking dish. In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread mix with the egg, milk, and cheddar cheese. Pour over the meat mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until the cornbread is golden and cooked through. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- You can use homemade cornbread batter instead of boxed mix if preferred.
- Add a pinch of cayenne to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
