Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is a hug in a dish! This hearty, comforting meal combines the sweet, crumbly goodness of cornbread with the savory, slightly tangy flavors of a classic sloppy joe. It’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table, eager for a taste of home. We think you’ll love that this hearty, fulfilling recipe transforms simple ingredients into a meal that everyone can enjoy.
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As Nonnas, we love recipes that are both delicious and easy to make. This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole fits the bill perfectly. It’s a fantastic way to use ground beef, and the cornbread topping adds a wonderful twist to the traditional sloppy joe. Think of it as a deconstructed sloppy joe, elevated to casserole status!
Why You Will Love This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Oh, where do we even begin? This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is pure comfort food at its finest. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, reminding us of cozy Sunday dinners with family. Even better, it’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal.
Remember those chilly autumn evenings when we’d gather in the kitchen, the aroma of simmering sauces filling the air? This recipe brings back those heartwarming memories! And the best part? It’s a crowd pleaser. This cornbread sloppy joe bake is guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s a fantastically easy ground beef dinner option.
What makes this recipe special is the delightful combination of textures and flavors. The sweet cornbread complements the savory sloppy joe filling beautifully. The blend of juicy ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and a hint of sweetness creates a symphony of flavor your family will rave about. If you are looking for another casserole dish, consider our comforting Cabbage Roll Casserole!
Ingredients Needed for This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole:
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
How to Make This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Before you dive into our recipe, we’d like to remind you to Follow us on Pinterest for an endless stream of culinary inspiration and authentic Italian recipes.
- 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- 2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain off any excess grease.
- 3. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 4. Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together!
- 5. While the sloppy joe mixture is simmering, prepare the cornbread topping. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- 6. In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and egg.
- 7. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. A few lumps are okay!
- 8. Pour the sloppy joe mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- 9. Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the sloppy joe mixture.
- 10. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you want another interesting recipe, check out our Fermented Kimchi Pancakes dish.
- 11. Let the Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe
This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it even more special:
- Serve with a simple side salad for a fresh and vibrant contrast.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy tang.
- Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese during the last few minutes of baking for extra cheesiness.
- Consider serving with a side of coleslaw for a classic pairing.
How to Store This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe
- Refrigeration: Store leftover Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or transfer it to a freezer safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 to 30 minutes. You can add a little moisture by covering it with foil during reheating to prevent the cornbread from drying out.
Tips to Make This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe
- Ingredient Swaps: You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef. For a vegetarian option, use lentil. Feel free to use your favorite type of cheese!
- Success Tips: Don’t overmix the cornbread batter. Overmixing will result in a tough cornbread.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid: Make sure to drain the excess grease from the ground beef to avoid a greasy casserole. Also, be careful not to overbake the cornbread, as it can become dry.
- Pro Tip: For a little extra flavor, add a pinch of chili powder to the sloppy joe mixture.
Helpful Notes for This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe
- The tomato sauce you choose will influence the overall flavor. Opt for a tomato sauce you truly enjoy.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to ground beef mixture, such as mushrooms, diced tomatoes, or even jalapeños for a kick.
- If you find that the cornbread is browning too quickly, tent the baking dish with foil during the last few minutes of baking. Also, consider our Schiacciata Cabbage Fritters for another interesting alternative.
Variation of This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe
- Spicy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the sloppy joe mixture for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole: Stir shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese into the cornbread batter for extra cheesiness.
- BBQ Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole: Use BBQ sauce instead of ketchup for a smoky flavor.
- Veggie Loaded Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole: Add diced zucchini, carrots, or other vegetables to the sloppy joe mixture for added nutrition and fiber.
Can I make Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
What can I serve with Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole?
Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs well with sides like a simple green salad, coleslaw, or steamed vegetables. These lighter options help balance the richness of the casserole.
Can I freeze Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole?
Yes, you can freeze Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What’s the best way to reheat Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole?
The best way to reheat Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick and easy reheat.
Conclusion
We hope you love this Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole as much as we do! It’s a wonderfully comforting and easy ground beef dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious meal with your loved ones. We are sure this Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole will become a family favorite. Let us know in the comments if you liked this dinner recipe.
Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole: The Easiest Family Dinner!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A comforting casserole with savory sloppy joe filling topped with sweet cornbread. Perfect for a quick and easy family dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the sloppy joe mixture is simmering, prepare the cornbread topping. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and egg.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. A few lumps are okay!
- Pour the sloppy joe mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the sloppy joe mixture.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool slightly and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: sloppy joe casserole, cornbread, ground beef, easy dinner, family meal
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