Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole

Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is the ultimate comfort food mash-up. It combines the sweet and tangy flavors of classic Sloppy Joe filling with a soft, golden cornbread topping for a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or cozy weekends, this casserole is easy to prepare and sure to be a crowd favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A delicious blend of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors
• Combines two nostalgic dishes into one satisfying bake
• Perfect for feeding a family or bringing to a gathering
• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• Can be prepped ahead of time and baked when ready

Ingredients

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

For the Sloppy Joe filling:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can Sloppy Joe sauce (like Manwich)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For the cornbread topping:

• 1 (8.5 oz) box Jiffy corn muffin mix
• 1 large egg
• ⅓ cup milk

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the beef mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 3–5 minutes.
3. Add the Sloppy Joe sauce: Stir in the sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese.
4. Transfer to baking dish: Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared dish.
5. Make the cornbread topping: In a bowl, mix the Jiffy mix with egg and milk until just combined.
6. Top the casserole: Gently spoon the cornbread batter over the beef mixture and smooth into an even layer.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool slightly before serving: Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
• Use homemade sauce: Replace canned sauce with a homemade mix of ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and seasonings.
• Try different proteins: Use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles instead of beef.
• Cheesy twist: Sprinkle extra cheese on top of the cornbread before baking.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven or microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use homemade Sloppy Joe sauce?

Yes, a mix of ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire, and spices makes a great homemade alternative.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use a 9×13-inch dish and bake a little longer, checking for doneness.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free cornbread mix and confirm your sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend also work well.

How do I make the cornbread less sweet?

Add a pinch of salt or a little grated cheese into the cornbread mix to balance the sweetness.

What can I serve with this?

A green salad, coleslaw, or steamed vegetables are great accompaniments.

Can I add beans or corn?

Yes, stir in black beans or corn to the meat mixture for added texture and flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate. Bake within 24 hours.

Can I use muffin mix other than Jiffy?

Any cornbread mix will work—just follow package instructions for the batter.

How will I know when it’s done?

The cornbread should be golden and a toothpick should come out clean from the center.

Conclusion

Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is comfort food at its best. It’s warm, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make—all the best parts of a Sloppy Joe wrapped up in a fluffy cornbread blanket. Whether for a casual weeknight or a cozy gathering, this dish is bound to become a regular favorite at your table.

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