Hearty & Easy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole: A Family Favorite Dinner
Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, a delightful marriage of two classic American dishes: the tangy, savory goodness of sloppy joe meat and the sweet, crumbly texture of golden cornbread. This casserole delivers a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion where you crave a wholesome, easy-to-prepare dish. It’s a true crowd-pleaser, combining bold flavors and comforting textures in every forkful, guaranteed to become a staple in your family’s dinner rotation.
Why This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe is a Must-Try
This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a culinary experience that hits all the right notes. The secret lies in its perfectly balanced flavor profile – a delightful blend of sweet and tangy that will surprise and satisfy your taste buds. Imagine the rich, savory taste of a classic sloppy joe, enhanced with hints of brown sugar and mustard, creating a robust base. Now, picture that incredible meat mixture crowned with a golden, slightly sweet, and utterly tender cornbread topping. This combination creates a comforting warmth that feels like a hug in a dish, making it an instant favorite for all ages.
Beyond its irresistible taste, this casserole is remarkably practical. It’s an excellent way to transform our beloved classic sloppy joe recipe into a more substantial, family-friendly meal. While our Sloppy Joe Cornbread Muffins offer a fun, individual-serving option, this casserole version is designed for sharing. It’s ideal for feeding a hungry family, serving at gatherings, or preparing for convenient meal prep throughout the week. The simplicity of assembly and the minimal cleanup make it a win-win for busy cooks looking for maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Essential Ingredients for Your Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious casserole. The beauty of this recipe lies in its use of readily available, simple components that come together to form something truly extraordinary. You’ll find a complete list of all measurements, ingredients, and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card located at the very end of this post, ensuring you have everything you need at your fingertips.
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitutions
MEAT: We recommend using lean ground beef for a classic sloppy joe flavor, as it provides a rich taste without excessive grease. However, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter alternative. For those who enjoy a blend of flavors and textures, you can even use a mixture of different ground meats according to your preference. If using fattier ground meat, be sure to drain the excess fat thoroughly after browning to prevent a greasy casserole. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect consistency for your sloppy joe base.
CORNBREAD: A standard box of cornbread mix, like Jiffy, makes this recipe incredibly convenient and quick. It provides a sweet, tender topping that perfectly complements the savory sloppy joe. If you desire a thicker, more substantial cornbread layer, you can easily use two packages of cornbread mix. Keep in mind that increasing the quantity of cornbread may require a slight adjustment to the baking time to ensure it cooks through evenly. Always use a toothpick inserted into the center of the cornbread to check for doneness – it should come out clean. For those who prefer a more homemade touch and have a bit more time, feel free to swap the boxed mix for your favorite homemade cornbread recipe. Just ensure the consistency is pourable enough to spread over the meat mixture. Adding a handful of shredded cheddar cheese or a few slices of jalapeños to your cornbread batter can also introduce an exciting twist to the flavor profile.
Crafting Your Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole: Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to guide you through the process of making this delicious Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole. You can always Jump to Recipe to access the printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and instructions, located at the bottom of the page.
- Before you begin cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking once the casserole is ready. Next, prepare an 8×8 casserole dish by lightly coating it with non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents the casserole from sticking and makes for easier cleanup. Set the prepared dish aside while you work on the sloppy joe mixture.
- In a large skillet, over medium heat, begin by sautéing your lean ground beef. As the beef browns, add the chopped yellow onion and diced green bell pepper. Cook this mixture until the ground beef is thoroughly browned and crumbled, and the onion has softened and turned translucent, indicating its flavors have developed nicely. Once cooked, it’s important to drain any excess fat or liquid from the skillet. This step prevents your sloppy joe base from becoming greasy and ensures the sauce adheres well to the meat.
- With your ground beef, onion, and bell pepper mixture ready, it’s time to infuse it with those signature sloppy joe flavors. Stir in the garlic powder, yellow mustard, ketchup, and light brown sugar. These ingredients create the iconic sweet, tangy, and savory profile. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference. Finally, add ½ cup of water to the mixture. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until everything is well combined and evenly distributed throughout the meat.
- Bring the sloppy joe mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow it to simmer for 10-15 minutes. Simmering allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly, resulting in a rich and cohesive sloppy joe base.
- Once the sloppy joe mixture has simmered and the flavors have deepened, carefully transfer it from the skillet into your prepared 8×8 casserole dish. Spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish, forming a solid, flavorful layer that will serve as the foundation of your casserole.
- While the sloppy joe mixture is still warm in the casserole dish, prepare your cornbread topping. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the cornbread mix, one large egg, and ⅓ cup of milk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tougher cornbread. Once prepared, spoon this cornbread batter evenly over the top of the sloppy joe mixture. Gently spread the batter with the back of a spoon or spatula to ensure the entire meat layer is covered, creating an even blanket for baking.
- Place the casserole dish in your preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the cornbread topping achieves a beautiful golden-brown color and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This indicates that the cornbread is fully cooked and perfectly fluffy. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Success
Absolutely! This recipe is easily adaptable for a larger serving size. To make it in a 13×9 inch baking dish, simply double all of the ingredients. When doubling the recipe, you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure both the meat filling and the cornbread topping are thoroughly cooked. Always use the trusty toothpick method to check for doneness in the cornbread – it should come out clean when inserted into the center.
Storing leftovers is straightforward. Once the casserole has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for convenient lunches or quick weeknight dinners. For longer storage, this sloppy joe cornbread casserole freezes exceptionally well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place individual portions in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm in the oven or microwave until heated through. For best results, reheat covered in the oven to prevent the cornbread from drying out.
Adding cheese is a fantastic idea and highly recommended for an extra layer of flavor and gooey goodness! You can sprinkle about 1/2 to 1 cup of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend over the sloppy joe meat before adding the cornbread topping. Alternatively, you can sprinkle cheese on top of the cornbread during the last 5-10 minutes of baking, allowing it to melt and turn golden brown. Experiment to find your favorite cheesy combination!
While the classic sloppy joe mixture is delicious, don’t hesitate to customize it! You can add finely diced carrots or celery to the sautéing vegetables for more depth and nutrition. A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of smoked paprika can also enhance the savory notes. For a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes would be a welcome addition. If you enjoy a smoky flavor, consider trying our bacon sloppy joe recipe as the base – the addition of crispy bacon bits takes this casserole to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Casserole
This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is a complete meal in itself, incredibly hearty and satisfying straight from the oven. However, a dollop of cool sour cream on top provides a delightful contrast to the warm, savory filling and sweet cornbread. For an extra pop of freshness and flavor, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives or green onions.
While this dish doesn’t strictly need any side dishes, if you’re looking to add a boost of vegetables, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would be perfect to balance the richness. Other excellent vegetable options include steamed green beans, roasted broccoli florets, or tender roasted carrots. The natural sweetness of carrots pairs particularly well with the tangy sloppy joe. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors!
For an even more indulgent and flavorful casserole experience, consider using our irresistible bacon sloppy joe recipe as the base. It features all the same beloved components, but with the incredible addition of crispy, smoky bacon – a guaranteed hit with everyone at the table.
Explore More Delicious Casserole Recipes
If you love the convenience and comfort of a good casserole, you’re in luck! Here are some more fantastic casserole recipes from our collection that are sure to become new family favorites:
- Dorito Casserole
- Southwest Ground Beef Casserole
- Mexican Chicken Casserole
- Chicken Noodle Casserole
- Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Chicken Tetrazzini
- Reuben Casserole
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Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ cup yellow onion chopped
- ½ cup green bell pepper diced
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 3 tsp light brown sugar
- ½ cup water
- ground black pepper and sea salt to taste
- 8.5 oz Jiffy cornbread mix 1 box
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup milk
Things You’ll Need
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8×8 baking dish
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Large skillet
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Mixing bowls
Before You Begin
- Store any leftover casserole, covered, in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze this casserole for up to 3 months for future meals.
- For a thicker and more substantial cornbread layer, you can use two packages of cornbread mix instead of one. If you do this, the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly; use a toothpick to check for doneness.
- If you’re feeding a larger crowd, simply double the entire recipe and bake it in a 13×9 inch baking dish. As with the thicker cornbread, additional baking time may be required, so rely on the toothpick method to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Consider adding a layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the sloppy joe mixture before adding the cornbread for an extra delicious twist!
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray an 8×8 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside, ready for your casserole assembly.
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In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and diced bell pepper over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft and translucent. Drain any excess fat or liquid to prevent a greasy casserole.
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To the ground beef mixture, add garlic powder, yellow mustard, ketchup, brown sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. Pour in ½ cup of water. Mix thoroughly to combine all the sloppy joe ingredients.
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Bring the sloppy joe mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen and the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Transfer the cooked sloppy joe mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it to form a consistent base.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornbread mix, egg, and milk until just combined. Spoon this batter over the top of the sloppy joe mixture in the casserole dish and carefully spread it to cover the entire meat layer evenly.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is beautifully golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.