Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole

Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines the sweet and savory flavors of classic sloppy joes with a golden cornbread topping. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to serve a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

this Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this casserole comes together in under an hour.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the familiar flavors of sloppy joes paired with sweet cornbread.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable to include your favorite vegetables or to suit dietary preferences.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare ahead of time and bake when ready, making it ideal for busy schedules.
• Comfort Food Classic: A satisfying meal that brings the warmth of home-cooked comfort food to your table.Plain Chicken

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
• 1 (15-ounce) can sloppy joe sauce (e.g., Manwich)
• 1 (8.5-ounce) box cornbread mix (e.g., Jiffy)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 (14.75-ounce) can cream-style corn
• Optional: 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnishThe Country Cook+5I Wash You Dry+5Reddit+5The Seasoned Mom+3Reddit+3Plain Chicken+3THIS IS NOT DIET FOOD+6Plain Chicken+6I Wash You Dry+6Allrecipes+4The Country Cook+4I Wash You Dry+4THIS IS NOT DIET FOOD+7Simply LaKita+7The Country Cook+7

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and green bell pepper until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in the sloppy joe sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the cornbread mix, milk, egg, cream-style corn, 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, and sugar if using. Mix until just combined.
5. Pour the cornbread batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 15 minutes until partially set.
6. Remove the dish from the oven and evenly spread the sloppy joe mixture over the cornbread layer.
7. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
8. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.The Seasoned Mom+2I Wash You Dry+2Reddit+2Simply LaKita+1The Country Cook+1

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 to 8
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutesEating on a Dime+4BettyCrocker.com+4Allrecipes+4

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture.
• Vegetarian: Use plant-based ground meat alternatives and vegetarian sloppy joe sauce.
• Cheesy Delight: Mix additional cheese into the cornbread batter for an extra cheesy flavor.
• Southwestern Style: Incorporate black beans and corn into the sloppy joe mixture for a Tex-Mex twist.
• Mini Casseroles: Prepare in individual ramekins for personalized servings.Plain Chicken

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap the cooled casserole tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat the entire casserole in a 325°F oven until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use homemade sloppy joe sauce instead of canned?

Yes, you can substitute homemade sloppy joe sauce using a combination of ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings to taste.

What can I serve with this casserole?

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or coleslaw for a balanced meal.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

Is it possible to use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to use your favorite cheese such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend for different flavor profiles.

Can I use a different cornbread mix?

While Jiffy is commonly used, any cornbread mix should work. Just follow the package instructions and adjust as needed.TikTok+2Simply LaKita+2The Country Cook+2

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The cornbread should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Can I add vegetables to the sloppy joe mixture?

Yes, adding diced carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms can enhance the nutritional value and flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, the baked casserole can be frozen. Ensure it is cooled completely before wrapping and freezing.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free cornbread mix and ensure all other ingredients, like the sloppy joe sauce, are gluten-free.

What size baking dish should I use?

A 9×13-inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe to ensure even cooking.

Conclusion

Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is a delightful fusion of two comfort food classics, bringing together the rich, savory flavors of sloppy joes with the sweet, moist texture of cornbread. Its simplicity, versatility, and crowd-pleasing taste make it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a hearty meal that satisfies every time.

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