If you adore the nostalgic flavors of a classic Sloppy Joe but want to take it to a whole new level of comfort and heartiness, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe. This dish marries rich, savory ground beef simmered in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce with a warm, fluffy cornbread topping that bakes to a golden perfection. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, marrying the best of both worlds in a single, easy-to-make casserole that delivers deep flavors, a satisfying texture, and that cozy feeling of home-cooked goodness with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients for this Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe is a breeze, but each one plays a vital role in building the beloved layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so irresistible. From the tender, savory meat mixture to the soft, slightly sweet cornbread topping, you’ll see how these components come together beautifully.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the veggies and adding a smooth cooking base with a touch of subtle fruitiness.
- Yellow onion: Provides sweetness and depth when finely diced and cooked until tender.
- Green bell pepper: Adds a mild, fresh crunch and vibrant color to the meat mixture.
- Garlic cloves: Minced for that aromatic pop that wakes up the savory profile.
- Ground beef (or turkey): The hearty protein base that soaks up all the delicious seasonings.
- Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out all the flavors.
- Tomato paste, ketchup, and tomato sauce: Combine for that classic, rich Sloppy Joe sauciness.
- Brown sugar & yellow mustard: Balance out acidity with sweetness and tang.
- Worcestershire sauce & apple cider vinegar: Add complexity and a slight bite for a layered taste.
- Chili powder, smoked paprika & red pepper flakes: For warming spices and optional subtle heat.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Optional but melts beautifully in and on top for extra cheesy goodness.
- Yellow cornmeal & all-purpose flour: Make up the fluffy cornbread topping with a perfect crumb.
- Granulated sugar & baking powder: Sweeten and help your cornbread rise just right.
- Milk, eggs & melted butter: These wet ingredients bind the cornbread batter and ensure richness.
- Corn kernels: Optional for bursts of sweet texture within the cornbread.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sauté the Veggies
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion and green bell pepper, cooking until they soften and become fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step creates the flavorful aromatic base that infuses the entire dish with richness and color.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Stir in minced garlic and cook just 30 seconds to release its aroma before adding the ground beef. Break it up as it cooks until completely browned. Season with kosher salt and black pepper, then drain any excess grease for a leaner, healthier casserole that still tastes indulgent.
Step 3: Build the Sloppy Joe Sauce
Add tomato paste and cook for one minute to deepen the tomato flavor. Then pour in ketchup, tomato sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the meat with that classic Sloppy Joe tangy sweetness.
Step 4: Assemble the Meat Layer
Spread the savory Sloppy Joe mixture evenly into your greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If you love extra cheesiness, sprinkle a generous cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the meat. This adds richness and a wonderful molten texture when baked.
Step 5: Mix the Cornbread Batter
In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt. In a separate bowl, whisk milk, eggs, and melted butter. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry until just mixed—don’t over-stir to keep the topping light and tender. Fold in shredded cheese and corn kernels if desired for extra flavor and texture.
Step 6: Spread and Bake
Carefully spoon the cornbread batter over the Sloppy Joe layer in the baking dish, gently spreading it evenly. Bake at 375°F for 22 to 28 minutes, until the cornbread topping turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes to set before serving.
How to Serve Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or scallions adds a fresh pop of color and mild bite that complements the casserole’s richness perfectly. You could also dollop on a bit of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for a little extra zing if you love a contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans also provide a fresh, healthy balance. If you’re feeling indulgent, creamy coleslaw is always a winning side with Sloppy Joe flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this casserole in individual ramekins for personalized portions or try layering in a cast-iron skillet and presenting it straight from the stove to keep everyone cozy around the table. Leftovers can be scooped into sandwich buns for an easy Sloppy Joe twist on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
Freezing
This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Prepare and assemble the casserole, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Cover loosely with foil to prevent the cornbread from drying out. You can also microwave individual servings, but the oven method best preserves the casserole’s texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully as a leaner alternative and still absorbs all those fantastic Sloppy Joe flavors without sacrificing taste or texture.
Is there a way to make this casserole spicier?
Yes! Add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture or increase the red pepper flakes to step up the heat and give the dish a bit of a spicy kick.
Can I make the cornbread topping gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well, and you’ll still get a lovely cornbread topping.
What can I do if I don’t have corn kernels for the batter?
No worries at all! The kernels add a nice pop of sweetness and texture, but the cornbread topping will still be delicious even without them.
How do I prevent the cornbread topping from becoming soggy?
Make sure not to over-stir the batter, as that can make it dense. Also, spreading the batter evenly and baking it fully before cooling helps ensure a light, fluffy topping that isn’t soggy.
Final Thoughts
This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe has quickly become a beloved favorite because it hits all the right notes: hearty, comforting, easy to make, and filled with bold, familiar flavors that everyone loves. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this dish promises a warm hug on a plate. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how wonderfully simple ingredients can transform into something truly special!
Print
Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy-Free (if omitting cheese), Nut-Free
Description
This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dish combining the classic savory ground beef sloppy joe mix with a golden, fluffy cornbread topping. The casserole is baked to perfection, offering a delicious twist on two beloved comfort foods that makes for an easy and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Sloppy Joe Layer
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
Cornbread Topping
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, mixed into batter)
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and diced bell pepper. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
- Add Garlic and Brown Meat: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, then drain any excess grease if needed.
- Season and Add Tomato Paste: Season the meat with kosher salt and black pepper. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to develop flavor.
- Create Sloppy Joe Sauce: Add ketchup, tomato sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer Mixture: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sloppy joe mixture for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Sloppy Joe Layer: Spread the sloppy joe mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. If using, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the meat layer.
- Prepare Cornbread Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, and melted butter until fully combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; do not overmix. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese and corn kernels if using.
- Top the Sloppy Joe Layer: Spoon the cornbread batter carefully over the sloppy joe mixture in the baking dish and spread it evenly to cover the meat completely.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 22 to 28 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cornbread comes out clean.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to settle before scooping and serving.
Notes
- You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For extra heat, add diced jalapeño to the meat mixture or increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Adjust the sugar in the cornbread topping to your preference: keep as is for sweetness or reduce to 2 tablespoons for a more savory topping.
- Leftovers reheat well and often taste even better the next day.
- Omitting cheddar cheese makes this recipe dairy-free.
