The rich, savory beef filling blends perfectly with the fluffy, slightly sweet cornbread. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few simple steps, I can create a satisfying meal that brings connection and joy around the dinner table.
Gina’s Recipe Highlights For Sloppy Joe Casserole
You’ll love this easy Sloppy Joe Casserole recipe because it combines the rich savory flavors of a classic sloppy joe with the comforting texture of cheesy cornbread. It’s incredibly beginner-friendly, with simple steps that come together easily in about 30 minutes. Plus, it preps everything in one skillet, saving on dishes and making cleanup a breeze.
I love this recipe because it’s budget-friendly and uses pantry staples like ground beef, ketchup, and Jiffy cornbread mix, which means I don’t have to buy expensive ingredients. To make preparation even easier, I like to dice the onions and bell peppers ahead of time or use pre-chopped frozen veggies for added convenience.
Tips Before You Get Started
Let the egg and milk come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter.
Pre-measure your ingredients and dice the onions and bell peppers ahead of time to make the cooking process quicker and more seamless.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure the cornbread topping bakes evenly.
You’ll need a large oven-safe skillet for cooking the meat mixture and baking everything in one dish. If you don’t have one, you can transfer the filling to a 9×13 casserole dish before adding the cornbread topping.
Ingredient Tips For Sloppy Joe Casserole
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Meat Filling:
- Ground beef: Choose lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) for the best balance of flavor and minimal grease.
- Onion: Pick firm onions with dry, papery skin. White onions work best for this recipe because they have a sharper, slightly sweeter flavor than yellow onions, which balances the rich, tangy sauce.
- Bell pepper: Look for green bell peppers with bright, glossy skin and feel heavy for their size. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, choose red, yellow, or orange peppers.
- Worcestershire sauce: Look for a well-balanced brand with a deep, rich umami flavor. It should be made of high-quality components like vinegar and anchovies, without excessive preservatives.
- Tomato sauce: Choose canned tomato sauce with minimal additives. If you prefer a heartier texture, opt for a brand with no added water or use a slightly thicker tomato puree.
- Dry mustard and garlic powder: Check the expiration dates because older spices lose potency. For even distribution of flavor, mix them with the other sauce ingredients before adding to the beef.
Cornbread Topping
- Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix: Opt for a premade cornbread mix to minimize your time in the kitchen.
- Cheddar Cheese: I like to use extra sharp cheddar.
The best meat for Sloppy Joes is typically lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) because it provides a rich, savory flavor without too much grease. For a lighter option, ground turkey or ground chicken works well and still absorbs the sauce’s sweet and tangy flavors. For a heartier twist, combine ground beef and ground pork to add extra depth and richness to the dish.
Yes, you can use tomato soup instead of tomato sauce in this casserole recipe, but it will slightly alter the texture and flavor. To keep the right consistency, use less ketchup, reduce any added liquid, and simmer the mixture longer to help thicken the sauce.
How To Make Sloppy Joe Casserole
This recipe comes together quickly in just a few steps, making it a wonderful choice for a family meal or a gathering with friends.
Step 1: Cook The Meat Filling
Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and green bell pepper, cook for 5 minutes. Stir in brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and garlic powder. Pour in tomato sauce and ketchup, simmer for 5-10 minutes.
Pro tip: If your ground beef releases a lot of fat while cooking, drain it before adding the other ingredients to prevent a greasy filling.
Step 2: Prepare The Cornbread Topping
Combine corn muffin mix, egg, and milk. Add cheese and fold until just combined. Don’t overmix.
Step 3: Assemble And Bake
Pour cornbread over meat, spread evenly. Bake 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly, slice, and serve.
Tips And Variations
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter option.
- Use a gluten-free cornbread mix or make a homemade gluten-free version using cornmeal and a gluten-free flour blend.
- Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the meat mixture for an extra depth of heat. You could also mix in diced pickled jalapeños. Link to cowboy candy for jalapenos
- Brush the cornbread with melted butter during the last 5 minutes of baking to create a golden, crispier crust.
- If you prefer softer cornbread, cover it with aluminum foil for the first 10 minutes of baking.
Storage And Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers, let them cool first in the baking dish or skillet before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy again, reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Hospitality Tips
Hosting Tip: Baking and serving the casserole in a cast-iron skillet adds a rustic charm that feels warm and inviting. For a more elegant touch, bake the casserole in individual ramekins. You can also turn this into a potluck favorite by baking it in a disposable aluminum pan for easy transport.
Make- Ahead Tip: Prepare the meat mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, just reheat and add the cornbread topping for a quick and effortless meal.
If you like hearty dish recipes, you can try these Old Fashioned Crock Pot Chicken Dumplings which deliver tender chicken and fluffy dumplings in a rich broth. For busy days, you can make this 4-Ingredinet Crockpot Chicken and Dressing recipe with minimal ingredients and effort. This Authentic Mexican Steak Picado offers a robust and savory experience using sirloin steak.
Biblical Hospitality Reflection
When we invite people to our table, we extend more than food—we offer hospitality, a sense of belonging, and an opportunity for God’s love to be felt in a tangible way. A simple homemade meal can break down walls, foster connection, and create space for the Holy Spirit to move.
Do you have a question about the recipe? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole
Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.
Ingredients
Meat Filling
- 1 pound ground beef, lean
- 1/2 cup white onion, diced
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 15 ounces tomato sauce, canned
- ¾ cup ketchup
Cornbread Topping
- 8.5 ounces Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, boxed
- 1 egg, large
- ⅓ cup milk
- ¾ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cook the Meat Mixture
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.1 pound ground beef
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking for about 5 minutes until soft.1/2 cup white onion, 1/2 cup green bell pepper
- Stir in brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and garlic salt.2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons dry mustard, 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pour in tomato sauce and ketchup, stirring until well combined. Let simmer on low while preparing the topping.15 ounces tomato sauce, ¾ cup ketchup
Prepare the Cornbread Topping
- In a mixing bowl, combine Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, egg, and milk. Stir until just combined (don’t over mix).8.5 ounces Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, 1 egg, ⅓ cup milk
- Fold in shredded cheddar cheese.¾ cup cheddar cheese
Assemble & Bake
- Remove the skillet from the heat and then carefully pour the cornbread mixture over the meat mixture. Carefully use a large spoon to spread the cornbread mixture evenly up to the edges. Optional: you could pour the meat mixture into a 9×13 casserole dish and top with cornbread mixture.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.
Serve
- Let it cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter option.
- Use a gluten-free cornbread mix or make a homemade gluten-free version using cornmeal and a gluten-free flour blend.
- Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the meat mixture for an extra depth of heat. You could also mix in diced pickled jalapeños. Link to cowboy candy for jalapenos
- Brush the cornbread with melted butter during the last 5 minutes of baking to create a golden, crispier crust.
- If you prefer softer cornbread, cover it with aluminum foil for the first 10 minutes of baking.
