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Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole combines two beloved comfort foods—sloppy joes and cornbread—into one irresistible dish. It’s the perfect fusion of savory, tangy beef and sweet, golden cornbread, creating a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd. This casserole takes the nostalgic flavors of the classic Sloppy Joe sandwich and transforms them into a warm, baked dish that’s easy to prepare and impossible to resist. Whether served at a family gathering or a casual weeknight dinner, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in any home.

Why This Recipe is Timeless

The beauty of Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole lies in its comforting simplicity. Sloppy joes are an iconic American dish, known for their sweet and savory sauce. Meanwhile, cornbread, with its tender crumb and mild sweetness, is a staple in Southern cooking. Combining the two creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors: rich, saucy beef topped with golden, slightly sweet cornbread. It’s a recipe that brings back memories of childhood meals but with a fresh, casserole twist. This dish is timeless because it celebrates tradition while offering something new and exciting, making it perfect for any occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Sloppy Joe Filling:

Cooking spray
2 pounds ground chuck

2 cups finely chopped yellow onion
1 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
3 tablespoons tomato paste

2 cups beef broth
1 ½ cups ketchup
3 tablespoons yellow mustard

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Cornbread Topping:

2 (8.5-ounce) packages corn muffin mix (such as Jiffy)

⅔ cup whole milk
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
2 large eggs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation (15 minutes)

Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Spray with cooking spray. Add the ground chuck and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

Cooking the Sloppy Joe Mixture (15 minutes)

Add the Flavorings
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
- Add the beef broth, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Reduce the heat to medium and simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld.

Prepare the Cornbread Topping (5 minutes)

Mix the Cornbread Batter
- In a large bowl, combine the corn muffin mix, milk, baking powder, and eggs. Stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix. The batter should be slightly lumpy but well-incorporated.

Assembling the Casserole (40 minutes total cooking)

Layer the Casserole
- Pour the sloppy joe mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Carefully spoon the cornbread batter over the top, spreading it gently with a spatula to cover the beef mixture evenly.
Bake the Casserole
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the cornbread topping should come out clean.
Rest and Serve
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Cut into squares and serve hot.

Cooking Time Breakdown

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 480 kcal
Protein: 28 g
Fat: 20 g

Carbohydrates: 46 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 15 g

Sodium: 870 mg

FAQs

1. Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground chuck?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Keep in mind that the flavor may be milder, so consider adding extra seasonings for more depth.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sloppy joe filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Assemble the casserole just before baking for best results.

3. What if I don’t have corn muffin mix?
You can make your own by combining 1 cup of cornmeal, 1 cup of flour, ¼ cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 egg, and ⅔ cup of milk.

Tips for Success

Use freshly chopped vegetables: Fresh onions and bell peppers give the filling a richer flavor and better texture.
Don’t overmix the cornbread batter: Overmixing can make the cornbread dense. Stir just until combined for a light and fluffy topping.

Let the casserole rest: Allowing it to cool for a few minutes after baking helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the baked casserole for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes.

Conclusion

Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is more than just a meal—it’s an experience steeped in tradition and comfort. Each bite tells a story of the classic American flavors we’ve come to love, from the rich, savory Sloppy Joe filling to the golden, tender cornbread that crowns it. This dish embodies the best of comfort food, satisfying both the body and the soul. It’s the kind of meal that evokes memories of family dinners, where laughter and conversation flow as freely as the warm, enticing aromas wafting from the kitchen.

What makes this casserole truly timeless is its adaptability. It appeals to all ages, making it a perfect choice for family meals, casual gatherings, and even potlucks. Children love the sweetness of the cornbread, while adults appreciate the robust flavors of the saucy beef. It bridges the gap between generations, reminding us of the importance of sharing meals with those we love. The simplicity of the recipe also allows room for creativity. Whether you choose to add a dash of hot sauce for a little kick, sprinkle cheese on top for extra indulgence, or include fresh herbs to brighten the dish, it’s endlessly customizable while still staying true to its roots.

Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is also a testament to the value of home cooking. In a world that often prioritizes convenience over quality, this dish encourages us to slow down, savor the process, and take pride in creating something with our own hands. The act of browning the beef, stirring the rich sauce, and spreading the cornbread batter over the top becomes a ritual, a way to connect with the simple joy of cooking. It reminds us that some of life’s greatest pleasures come from the smallest, most thoughtful moments spent in the kitchen.