Get ready for a flavor explosion with this sloppy joe cornbread casserole recipe!
This dish layers sweet, meaty goodness beneath a golden cornbread crust – perfect for those seeking kid-friendly dinner ideas.
But it’s not just delicious! It’s also super easy to make, thanks to a boxed cornbread mix.
I’m telling you, this cornbread sloppy joe casserole is destined to become a household staple.
Why You’ll Love This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole
Fun Fusion: Sloppy joe cornbread casserole is a creative twist on two classic comfort foods, combining ground beef with sweet, tender cornbread. It’s a dish that shouts homemade goodness.
Quick & Easy: All you have to do is cook the beef, layer it in a baking dish, top with cornbread batter, and bake until golden. How easy is that?
Make It Your Own: Toss in some mushrooms, extra corn kernels, bacon, carrots, or jalapeños, or tweak the cornbread to your taste. The possibilities are endless.
Ingredients
You’ll find the full list of amounts and the method at the bottom of the post.
Here’s what you’ll need at a glance.
- Ground Beef: The star of the sloppy joe layer, providing a rich, meaty base.
- Onion & Bell Peppers: Finely chopped for a burst of flavor and color in every bite.
- Spices: Mix garlic powder, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and ketchup for a tangy, sweet sloppy joe sauce.
- Salt & Pepper: Season to your taste.
- Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix: The key to an easy, delicious cornbread crust. Just mix and bake!
- Milk, Vegetable Oil & Egg: These moisten and bind the cornbread mix, ensuring a tender crust.
How to Make Jiffy Cornbread Sloppy Joe Casserole
This Jiffy cornbread sloppy joe casserole is a breeze, perfect for a no-fuss weeknight dinner.
The cornbread batter adds a homely touch that’s both easy and delicious. And nobody will notice the veggies in the meat layer!
Here’s how to make it.
1. PREP: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. COOK: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet and sauté the onions and bell peppers until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. BROWN: Add the ground beef, breaking it up, and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
4. MIX: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, then add the beef broth, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil and cook until the sauce thickens.
5. POUR: Transfer the sloppy joe mixture to the prepared baking dish.
6. WHISK: In a bowl, whisk the corn muffin mix, milk, vegetable oil, and egg until just combined. Spoon the cornbread batter evenly over the sloppy joe mixture.
7. BAKE: Bake for 25-35 minutes or until the cornbread is golden and cooked through. If using, sprinkle with cheese right out of the oven. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips and Variations
This recipe puts a delightful twist on traditional sloppy joes. But you can customize this easy dinner recipe even further.
Follow these tips and variations to make your sloppy joe cornbread casserole uniquely yours!
- Cornbread preference. Feel free to make it yourself. I love it with this Mexican cornbread on top! Or grab any brand you like best.
- Make it lean. While traditional sloppy joes use beef, turkey is a great, lean alternative.
- Add homemade flair. Add more veggies to the ground meat for a richer, homemade taste.
- Mind the cornbread’s cook time. It’ll keep cooking as it cools, so avoid overbaking for the perfect texture.
- Top it off with your favorite garnishes. Finish your casserole with toppings like shredded cheese, jalapeños, or bacon for extra flair and flavor.
- Bake in a cast iron skillet. This method thickens the sauce and crisps the cornbread edges, adding a delightful texture contrast.
What to Serve with Sloppy Joe Casserole
Soppy joe casserole is hearty on its own. Just like other easy casserole recipes, it fills you up with every bite.
But if you’re looking to round out the meal, here are some great sides:
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: Crispy and flavorful, they add a fresh, healthy contrast.
- Glazed Carrots: Sweet and buttery, they complement the savory richness of the casserole.
- Oven-Roasted Asparagus: A touch of char adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with the casserole’s heartiness.
- Creamy Corn Pudding: Its creamy texture and sweet taste make it a comforting side.
- Garlic Butter Mushrooms: Earthy and savory, they bring a depth of flavor that enhances the meal.
How to Store
This make-ahead recipe is a lifesaver, and storing leftovers is a breeze.
Keep your kitchen hustle-free and your meals delicious with these storage tips:
To Store: Wrap cooled leftovers tightly with plastic and store in the fridge for 3-4 days.
To Freeze: Wrap cooled leftovers tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for 3-4 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
To Reheat: Bake the cooled leftovers at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
More Sloppy Joe Recipes You’ll Love
Texas Toast Sloppy Joes
Trisha Yearwood Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joe Pizza
Homemade Sloppy Joes
Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole
12
servings20
minutes45
minutes466
kcalSloppy Joe cornbread casserole combines perfectly seasoned beef filling with a golden cornbread topping. It’s hot, hearty, and ideal for chilly nights.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 medium onions, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 pounds ground beef
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoon tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
salt and pepper, to taste
2 (8.5-ounce) packages Jiffy corn muffin mix
2/3 cup milk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 egg
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and bell peppers and cook until softened. About 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic powder and tomato paste, cooking for about 2 minutes until it darkens slightly. Slowly add the beef broth, mixing with a spatula to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the corn muffin mix, milk, vegetable oil, and egg just until combined. Expect a lumpy batter. Spoon evenly over the sloppy joe mix.
- Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is cooked through and golden brown. If using, sprinkle with shredded cheese right out of the oven.
- Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make it lean. While traditional sloppy joes use beef, turkey is a great, lean alternative.
- Top it off with your favorite garnishes. Finish your casserole with toppings like shredded cheese, jalapeños, or bacon for extra flair and flavor.
Can’t save recipe, why?
Hi David!
We’re having an issue on the backend with that feature. We’re hoping to get it fixed asap!
Can you add a can of corn to the cornbread mix?
Sure, Donna!
Just be sure to drain it thoroughly first. 🙂
Delicious! It was full of flavor and the cornbread complimented it nicely. I made it with ground chicken and it came out great.
So glad you enjoyed it, Jackie!