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
Scale
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.
