Name: Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (15 ounces) sloppy joe sauce or homemade (ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire, mustard); 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 box (8.5 ounces) cornbread mix; 1/3 cup milk; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Get ready for a warm, bubbling comfort food classic—this Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe combines the heartiness of sloppy joe filling with a golden, cheesy cornbread crust. Every bite has that perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, plus a hint of nostalgia that’s sure to remind you of family dinners or weeknight gatherings. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this casserole is a lifesaver for busy nights and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a complicated shopping list to create something truly delicious. Each ingredient in this Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe pulls its weight, adding either rich taste, satisfying texture, or pops of color the whole dish relies on.

Ground beef: Adds heartiness and savory flavor to the casserole’s foundation.
Onion: Offers subtle sweetness and depth as a classic base for the filling.
Green bell pepper: Gives crunch and a pop of color, brightening every bite.
Garlic: Infuses aromatic flavor that complements the meaty filling.
Sloppy joe sauce (or homemade mix): Brings tangy, sweet, and spicy notes that are the soul of the dish.
Chili powder: Lends gentle heat and deepens the overall flavor profile.
Salt: Enhances every flavor in the casserole.
Black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and a touch of pungency.
Cornbread mix: Creates a fluffy, golden crust that locks in the sloppy joe goodness.
Milk: Adds moisture to the cornbread, ensuring perfect texture.
Egg: Binds the cornbread mix, so it bakes up beautifully.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the cornbread for irresistible cheesy pockets.
Fresh parsley: Supplies a burst of color and a hint of freshness for garnish.

How to Make Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F so it’s perfectly hot when you’re ready to bake. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to keep everything from sticking (and cleanup easy!).

Step 2: Sauté the Meat and Veggies

Grab your largest skillet and set it over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and diced green bell pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat, until the beef is browned and those vegetables have softened beautifully. Then, drain off any extra fat so your casserole doesn’t get greasy.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute, just until fragrant—this quick step makes a big difference in flavor. Stir in your sloppy joe sauce (or homemade version), chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer together for 5 minutes, so flavors have time to blend.

Step 4: Layer the Meat Mixture

Once simmered, spread the savory beef mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. This sets the stage for that glorious cornbread topping.

Step 5: Mix the Cornbread Topping

In a medium bowl, whisk the cornbread mix with milk and egg as the box suggests. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese for those delicious gooey surprises in every bite.

Step 6: Top and Bake

Pour the cornbread batter gently over the beef mixture, smoothing it out so it covers everything. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cornbread is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes—this helps everything set. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and a touch of brightness.

How to Serve Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

A shower of fresh parsley instantly makes your casserole look lively and inviting. Shredded extra cheddar, diced green onions, or even a dollop of sour cream can make each slice feel special and tailored to each family member’s taste.

Side Dishes

Balancing out this hearty, flavorful bake is easy: a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or crisp coleslaw work wonderfully on the side for contrast and freshness. Even roasted corn or baked beans add comfort food flair alongside your Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop generous portions into individual mini baking dishes for a dinner party twist, or serve atop a bed of greens for a lighter feel. If you’re feeling adventurous, cube leftovers and serve as festive snacks or pack into a lunchbox for a hearty midday treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, cover the casserole dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. Leftovers will stay tasty in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it great for quick lunches or easy dinners.

Freezing

This casserole actually freezes beautifully! Cut it into individual servings or freeze the whole batch, tightly wrapped. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a portion in the microwave for a couple of minutes or warm the whole casserole, covered, in a 350°F oven until hot throughout. The cornbread regains its soft, comforting texture, and all the flavors taste just as homemade as the first night.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course, Casserole

Absolutely! While ground beef is classic, feel free to swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe. You’ll still get all the hearty flavors and textures.

How can I make this casserole spicier?

For an extra kick, add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. Hot sauce on the side also makes things fun for heat lovers!

Can I use homemade sloppy joe sauce?

Of course! Mix ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire, and mustard to your taste and you’ll have a personalized version that shines in this Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe.

Do I have to use cheddar cheese?

Cheddar melts wonderfully, but feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby for a different twist on flavor and texture.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just note you may need to add a couple of minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food mashup, don’t wait to try this Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe. It’s genuinely simple, endlessly satisfying, and destined to become a family favorite that everyone will ask for again and again!

Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the flavors of a classic sloppy joe with a savory cornbread topping. It’s an easy and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sloppy Joe Filling:

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 ounces) sloppy joe sauce or homemade (ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire, mustard)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Cornbread Topping:

1 box (8.5 ounces) cornbread mix
1/3 cup milk
1 large egg
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
Cook the Sloppy Joe Filling: In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and bell pepper until browned. Add garlic, sloppy joe sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef mixture in the baking dish. In a bowl, prepare cornbread mix with milk and egg. Stir in cheese. Pour over beef mixture.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until cornbread is golden and cooked through.
Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.