Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole – The Best Comfort Food
If you’re in the mood for something rich, delicious, and ridiculously simple to prepare that everyone will adore, Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is your solution. This American comfort food staple unites the rich, tangy taste of Sloppy Joes with the golden cornbread sweetness and the moistness of a filling, simple-to-prepare, and utterly impossible-to-resist meal.
In today’s article, we’re going to guide you through:
- What is Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole?
- Ingredients and substitutes
- Instructions in stages
- Tips, storage, and substitutions
- Nutritional facts and FAQs
What Is Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole
This is a two-layer casserole and consists of topping and baking seasoned Sloppy Joe-style ground beef with cornbread batter. The cornbread will be light and fluffy in the oven and even slightly browned on top but wet and saucy at the bottom under the beef. It’s such an easy one-dish dish to serve on a weeknight but substantial enough to serve a weekend.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to have ready in order to host this party treat:
For the Sloppy Joe Layer
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1/2 green pepper, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cornbread Topping
- 1 box (8.5 oz) Jiffy Cornbread Mix
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar (optional)
How to Make Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
- Brown ground beef in medium skillet.
- Add sautéed onion, green pepper, and garlic. Sauté until tender.
- Add tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir in.
- Simmer 5–10 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare Cornbread Batter
- Mix Jiffy mix, egg, and milk in bowl. Stir just together.
- Add shredded cheddar for cheese topping (if desired). Fold in.
Step 3: Assemble
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a baking dish and spread Sloppy Joe mixture in bottom evenly.
- Top with cornbread batter and spread even.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake 25–30 minutes or until cornbread layer is golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. Cornbread layer can be tested for doneness with a toothpick. Toothpick should be clean.
- Serve slightly cooled.
Optional Add-ins & Variations
- Corn kernels : Sweet corn bursts through cornbread layer
- Jalapeños : Zesty kick with heat
- BBQ Sauce : Smoky surprise in the beef layer
- Black beans : Adding extra protein and heft
- Ground turkey : A slim ground beef substitute
Serving Ideas
Serve over:
- A side salad or coleslaw
- Pickles for acidity
- Steamed or roasted veggies
- Hot sauce for some kick
It’s also yummy served straight up as a single, complete one-dish meal.
Storage & Reheating Ideas
| Storage | How To |
|---|
| Refrigerate | Up to 4 days in an airtight container |
| Freeze | Up to 2 months, tightly wrapped |
| Reheat (Oven) | 350°F for 15–20 minutes |
| Reheat (Microwave) | 1–2 minutes until hot throughout |
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420–480 |
| Protein | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fats | 22g |
| Fiber | 3g |
Pro Tips
- Don’t overmix the cornbread batter, or it’ll be tough.
- Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for some heat.
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking to set fully.
- Cast iron baking for even cooking and crunchier crust.
Final Thoughts
Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is the definition of comfort food. With its hearty, beefy meat base and light, crispy cornbread crust, this casserole has the perfect blend of the best of both worlds. Whether you’re serving a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this comforting, simple recipe needs to be at the top of your list.
Hungry for some hot, cheesy goodness? This casserole is calling your name.