Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe
If you love those classic Sloppy Joes but are craving something even more comforting and hearty, you are going to fall head over heels for this Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe. Imagine all the spicy, tangy goodness of Sloppy Joe filling, layered beneath a golden, tender cornbread crust that’s baked to perfection. This dish brings together the best of both worlds—a nostalgic meal reinvented into a cozy casserole that’s sure to become a weeknight staple. It’s surprisingly simple to make yet deeply satisfying with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe is delightfully straightforward. Each item plays an essential role, harmonizing textures and flavors that make every mouthful so memorable.
- Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix (2 boxes): This convenient mix creates a sweet and crumbly cornbread top that perfectly contrasts the savory filling.
- Large eggs (2): Eggs bind the cornbread batter, lending it structure as it bakes to a fluffy consistency.
- Milk (⅔ cup): Adds moisture and tenderness to the cornbread, ensuring it’s soft but not soggy.
- Ground beef (1 lb): Provides the rich, meaty base for the Sloppy Joe sauce, bringing heartiness and flavor.
- Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce (1 can, 15 oz): This sauce is packed with the classic tangy tomato and savory spices that make Sloppy Joe filling so iconic and delicious.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking, setting the stage for a smooth baking process and easy serving.
Step 2: Make Cornbread Batter
In a large bowl, combine your Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix with the eggs and milk. Stir these together until smooth and well blended; this batter will bake into the perfect golden cornbread crust that complements the Sloppy Joe filling below.
Step 3: Make Sloppy Joe Filling
Brown your ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease for a cleaner taste. Then pour in the Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce and let everything simmer gently for about five minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Assemble Casserole
Spread the piping hot Sloppy Joe mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Next, carefully spoon and spread the cornbread batter over the top, covering the filling completely and creating a dual-layered masterpiece.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the cornbread turns a gorgeous golden brown. Make sure to test with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean, signaling that it’s ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little extra sparkle to your Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top before serving. A little sharp cheddar cheese melted right on the cornbread crust also adds a wonderful richness that takes this casserole to the next level.
Side Dishes
This casserole is sturdy and filling enough to be a complete meal, but if you want some fresh contrast, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. Smoky roasted carrots or a tangy coleslaw can brighten every forkful and balance the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, try serving this dish in individual ramekins for an elegant touch, or layer the casserole in a clear glass dish to showcase the beautiful contrast between the cornbread and Sloppy Joe layers. It’s the kind of meal that looks as joyful as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe stores wonderfully in the fridge. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and it will keep fresh for up to 3 days. This makes it a perfect option for meal prep or quick lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. Wrap it well with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. It will last up to 2 months in the freezer and thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and the cornbread regains a bit of its crispness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ground meat in this Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef is classic, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Just adjust your cooking times as needed, but the Sloppy Joe flavor will remain delicious.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free cornbread mix instead of the Jiffy mix. Just be sure your Sloppy Joe sauce is gluten-free as well, and you’ll have a fun gluten-free twist on this family favorite.
What can I add to make this casserole spicier?
For a little kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños into the Sloppy Joe mixture before baking. Spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper also blend in beautifully without overpowering the dish.
Can this be made vegetarian?
Yes! Use a plant-based ground meat substitute and your favorite vegetarian Sloppy Joe sauce, or create a homemade sauce with lentils and vegetables. You’ll still get the same comforting casserole experience.
How do I know when the cornbread topping is fully cooked?
The easiest way is to insert a toothpick into the center of the cornbread layer. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), your topping is perfectly baked and ready to go.
Final Thoughts
This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe is hands down one of those cozy, crowd-pleasing meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s incredibly simple to bring together yet packed with satisfying flavors that everyone at the table will love. Give it a try and watch it become a family favorite you reach for time and again!
Print
Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A hearty and comforting Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole that combines the classic flavors of Sloppy Joes with a golden, fluffy cornbread topping. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this casserole is easy to prepare and serves four.
Ingredients
Cornbread Batter
- 2 (17 oz) boxes Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
- 2 large eggs
- ⅔ cup milk
Sloppy Joe Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (15 oz) can Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Make Cornbread Batter: In a large bowl, combine the Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, eggs, and milk. Stir the mixture until it is well blended and smooth. Set this batter aside while you prepare the filling.
- Make Sloppy Joe Filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease from the pan. Then, stir in the Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the prepared Sloppy Joe mixture evenly in the greased baking dish. Pour the cornbread batter on top, spreading it into an even layer over the meat.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes. Bake until the cornbread topping turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cornbread comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
Notes
- You can add diced onions or bell peppers to the ground beef while browning for extra flavor.
- For a spicier version, mix some hot sauce into the Sloppy Joe sauce before assembling.
- Ensure to drain the grease well to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to set the layers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
