Sloppy Joe cornbread casserole is a warm, satisfying casserole that layers tangy, savory sloppy joe meat beneath a sweet, golden cornbread topping. It’s an easy, family-friendly meal that makes weeknight dinners simple and comforting.
For more ground beef inspiration, check the author’s full collection of ground beef recipes referenced in the original post.
Why this recipe works
This casserole combines the classic sweet-and-tangy sloppy joe flavors with a soft cornbread crust for a satisfying contrast of textures and tastes. It’s a straightforward variation on traditional sloppy joes and an easy way to stretch a simple ground beef dinner into a full, family-pleasing meal.
Ingredients you will need
The printable recipe at the end of this article contains exact measurements and full instructions. The main components are ground beef, aromatic vegetables, classic sloppy joe seasonings, water to simmer the sauce, and a boxed cornbread mix combined with egg and milk for the topping.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
Meat: Lean ground beef is used here, but you can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version. Mixing different proteins also works well.
Cornbread: One box of cornbread mix creates a thin, even topping. If you prefer a thicker cornbread layer, use two boxes and increase baking time as needed. You can also swap the boxed mix for your favorite homemade cornbread batter.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole
Step-by-step photos accompany the directions below to help visualize the process. Scroll to the printable recipe at the end for measurements and a shopping list.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spray an 8×8-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray and set aside.
- Sauté the ground beef with chopped yellow onion and diced green bell pepper in a large skillet over medium heat, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat or liquid.
- Stir in garlic powder, yellow mustard, ketchup, brown sugar, salt and pepper to taste, and 1/2 cup water. Mix well to combine and coat the meat.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Spread the cooked sloppy joe mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish.
- In a bowl, whisk the cornbread mix with one large egg and 1/3 cup milk until combined. Spoon the batter over the sloppy joe layer and gently spread to cover the filling evenly.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cornbread top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cornbread comes out clean. Let rest briefly before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Yes. Double the ingredients for a 13×9 dish and allow extra baking time as needed. Check doneness with a toothpick.
Cool the casserole, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole warm, optionally topped with a dollop of sour cream. It pairs nicely with simple vegetables like steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or broccoli. For extra richness, try mixing in crisp cooked bacon to the sloppy joe layer before topping with cornbread.
More Casserole Recipes
- Dorito Casserole
- Southwest Ground Beef Casserole
- Mexican Chicken Casserole
- Chicken Noodle Casserole
- Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Chicken Tetrazzini
- Reuben Casserole
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Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole
NOTE – Frequently asked questions and tips appear earlier in the post and in the recipe notes below.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- ½ cup yellow onion, chopped
- ½ cup green bell pepper, diced
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 3 tsp light brown sugar
- ½ cup water
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- 8.5 oz boxed cornbread mix (1 box)
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup milk
Things You’ll Need
- 8×8 baking dish
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
Before You Begin
- Store leftovers, covered, in the refrigerator for 3–4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- For a thicker cornbread layer, use two packages of cornbread mix and increase baking time; check with a toothpick.
- To make a 13×9 casserole, double the recipe and allow additional baking time as needed.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray an 8×8 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Sauté ground beef, onion, and bell pepper in a large skillet over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent. Drain any excess fat.
- Add garlic powder, yellow mustard, ketchup, brown sugar, salt and pepper to taste, and ½ cup water. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Transfer the sloppy joe mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Whisk the cornbread mix with the egg and milk. Spoon the batter over the meat and spread carefully to cover.
- Bake 15–20 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let rest briefly before serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 342 | Carbohydrates: 41 g | Protein: 21 g | Fat: 10 g
This recipe was tested in a conventional oven. Ovens vary, so consider using an oven thermometer for best results. Adjust times when using smaller countertop ovens or different appliances.