Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole
Sloppy Joe Casserole is a warm, comforting meal, bringing together the bold, tangy flavors of a classic sloppy joe with a golden, cheesy cornbread topping. This dish is simple to prepare, making it ideal for feeding a hungry family or welcoming friends to your table with warmth and ease.
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 9x13 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
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.
