Cheesy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole

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Cheesy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole – hearty, sweet and savory layers baked to golden perfection, perfect for cozy weeknight family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Combines two comfort food classics: sloppy joes and cornbread
  • Easy one-dish meal with minimal cleanup
  • Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings
  • Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved
  • Customizable with spice, cheese, or veggies
  • Hearty and satisfying for the whole family
  • Uses simple pantry ingredients
  • Ready in under 45 minutes
  • Great for leftovers or meal prep
  • Freezer-friendly and easy to reheat

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (8.5 ounce) box cornbread mix (e.g., Jiffy)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and green bell pepper; sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
  3. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
  4. Stir in garlic, tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
  5. Spread the sloppy joe mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  6. In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread mix by combining it with the egg and milk. Stir until just mixed.
  7. Gently spread the cornbread batter over the meat mixture. Top with shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
  8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden and fully baked.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

  • Servings: 6
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 390 kcal

Variations

  • Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.
  • Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans.
  • BBQ Twist: Use BBQ sauce instead of ketchup for a smoky, tangy twist.
  • Cheesy Upgrade: Add cheese directly to the cornbread batter for an extra cheesy bite.
  • Sweet Corn Add-in: Mix a handful of sweet corn kernels into the cornbread layer for added texture.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Wrap the fully baked and cooled casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

How do I know when the cornbread topping is fully cooked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cornbread layer; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat filling a day in advance and refrigerate it. Add the cornbread topping just before baking.

Can I use homemade cornbread batter instead of boxed mix?

Absolutely. A homemade cornbread batter works just as well—just ensure it’s thick enough to spread evenly.

What’s the best ground meat substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or chicken works well, though you may want to add a touch of olive oil for moisture.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! It’s mildly seasoned, slightly sweet, and has a soft texture—great for picky eaters.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just use a 9×13-inch baking dish and increase the baking time by about 5–10 minutes.

What can I serve with this casserole?

A crisp side salad or steamed green beans pair well to balance the richness of the dish.

Is there a way to make this gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free cornbread mix and ensure all other ingredients (like Worcestershire sauce) are certified gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables to the meat filling?

Definitely—try mushrooms, shredded carrots, or zucchini for extra nutrients.

Why is my cornbread layer sinking into the filling?

Make sure your meat filling is not too wet and allow it to cool slightly before adding the cornbread batter.

Conclusion

Cheesy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole brings together the best of two comfort food classics in one dish. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to customize, making it a go-to meal for busy families and casual gatherings. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a nostalgic potluck dish, this casserole delivers on all fronts. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.

Print
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Slice of cheesy Sloppy Joe cornbread casserole featuring layers of ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and moist cornbread on a dark plate.

Cheesy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole

  • Author: Chef Clara
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Halal
Print Recipe

Description

A hearty, family-friendly comfort dish that layers sweet and tangy sloppy joe filling beneath a golden cornbread topping—perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (8.5 ounce) box cornbread mix (e.g., Jiffy)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and green bell pepper, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
  4. Stir in garlic, tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
  5. Pour the sloppy joe mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  6. In a bowl, prepare the cornbread mix according to package instructions by combining it with egg and milk. Stir until just combined.
  7. Carefully spread the cornbread batter over the meat mixture. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top, if using.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden and cooked through.
  9. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
  • Add jalapeños for extra spice.
  • Double the recipe for a larger crowd using a 9×13-inch pan.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 390 kcal
  • Sugar: 9g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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