Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe

Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts can be adjusted automatically, but cooking times and steps remain the same. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings.

  • Cooking spray
  • 2 pounds ground chuck
  • 2 cups finely chopped yellow onion
  • 1 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cups ketchup
  • 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 (8.5 ounce) packages corn muffin mix (such as Jiffy)
  • cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 large eggs

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients and preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces, until nearly browned, about 4 minutes.
  3. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and tender.
  4. Mix in the tomato paste and stir constantly for about 2 minutes until it slightly darkens. Then pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  5. Stir in the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper until fully combined. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and bubbles appear.
  6. Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the sloppy Joe mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  7. In a medium bowl, whisk together the corn muffin mix, milk, baking powder, and eggs until smooth. Spread this batter evenly over the meat mixture.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting layers of savory beef and sweet cornbread topping.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 417
  • Fat: 18g (23% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 6g (30% DV)
  • Cholesterol: 110mg (37% DV)
  • Sodium: 830mg (36% DV)
  • Carbohydrates: 38g (14% DV)
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g (9% DV)
  • Sugars: 19g
  • Protein: 26g (52% DV)
  • Vitamin C: 13mg (14% DV)
  • Calcium: 130mg (10% DV)
  • Iron: 4mg (23% DV)
  • Potassium: 608mg (13% DV)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

**Nutrient information is based on available data. If following a medically restrictive diet, consult your doctor or dietitian before preparing.

Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe

The Rich Heritage of Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole

Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is a comforting American dish that merges two beloved culinary traditions: the messy, savory Sloppy Joe and the golden, slightly sweet cornbread. The Sloppy Joe itself dates back to the early 20th century, with origins often traced to American diners and lunch counters. Its name is said to be inspired either by a bar in Sioux City, Iowa, called Sloppy Joes, or simply by the sloppy texture of the saucy ground beef sandwich. Adding cornbread as a baked topping is a more recent innovation, popularized in Southern and Midwestern homes where cornbread is a staple.

Regional Nuances

While Sloppy Joe is enjoyed nationwide, the casserole version shows particular affinity in the American South and Midwest. In these regions, cornbread carries a cultural significance, often appearing at family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday meals. Southern adaptations sometimes include creamed corn or sharp cheddar in the cornbread topping, while Midwestern versions may favor a sweeter cornbread and a thicker, ketchup-heavy meat base. Each variation reflects the local palate, balancing sweetness, tanginess, and spice according to regional preference.

How It Stands Apart

Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole differs from the traditional Sloppy Joe sandwich primarily in presentation and texture. Instead of being served on a bun, the meat mixture is baked under a layer of cornbread, creating a warm, cohesive casserole that combines moist, saucy beef with a slightly crumbly, golden topping. This combination transforms the casual, handheld sandwich into a family-style dish suitable for sharing, and the cornbread absorbs the flavorful juices, adding a unique depth not found in the classic sandwich form.

Typical Settings and Occasions

This casserole is often served in casual, communal settings such as family dinners, holiday spreads, or potlucks. Its hearty nature makes it ideal for cold evenings or gatherings where comfort food is appreciated. In schools, cafeterias, and community events across the U.S., variations of this dish appear as a nostalgic nod to classic Americana. It pairs beautifully with simple sides like green beans, coleslaw, or a crisp salad, making it both a main course and a conversation starter.

Fascinating Tidbits

  • The casserole format allows for creative adaptations, such as mixing in vegetables like corn or bell peppers, or topping with cheese for extra richness.
  • While ketchup is the most common sweetener in the meat sauce, some families experiment with barbecue sauce, brown sugar, or even maple syrup to create a signature flavor.
  • Despite its simplicity, the dish has inspired numerous variations online, with cooks sharing tips for gluten-free or low-fat versions without sacrificing the classic comfort taste.
  • Many Americans consider it a make-ahead dish; the meat can be prepared a day in advance, then topped with cornbread and baked when ready, making it ideal for busy households.
  • Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole has occasionally appeared in cooking competitions and food blogs as a modern twist on a nostalgic favorite, highlighting the versatility of traditional comfort foods.

FAQ about Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative. Cooking times may vary slightly, so ensure the meat is fully cooked before assembling the casserole.

Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before adding the cornbread topping and baking. The cornbread topping should be added just before baking to maintain its texture.

Yes, any boxed cornbread mix can be used. You may need to adjust the milk or egg quantities slightly to achieve a similar consistency.

To reduce sweetness, you can omit or reduce the brown sugar and use a low-sugar ketchup. Some reviewers also found that using a less sweet cornbread mix helped balance the flavors.

Yes, this casserole can be frozen after baking. Allow it to cool completely, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Yes, you can halve the recipe to fit an 8x8-inch pan. Adjust the baking time slightly, checking that the cornbread is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted potatoes. Some people also enjoy a dollop of sour cream on top.

Yes, vegetables like diced carrots, celery, corn, or peas can be added to the meat mixture. Keep in mind that additional moisture may require slightly longer baking to set the cornbread topping.

Bake until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a wooden pick or toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, usually 20–25 minutes.

Comments

Paul Diaz

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

This recipe is so good, it should be outlawed! I indulged so much that I ended up with a stomach ache, but it was totally worth it. I absolutely love it, and it's super easy to make.

Stephanie Edwards

11/08/2024 03:27:59 AM

This dish was absolutely delicious! I simmered the sauce for a bit longer to thicken it up as it was a bit too watery, as I only used 1.5 pounds of ground beef. I plan to reduce the amount of brown sugar next time. I also sprinkled grated cheese over the cornbread, and I'm excited to experiment with adding creamed corn along with the cheese next time. I will definitely be making this again. The recipe is a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for a chilly night.

Linda Smith

12/07/2024 12:38:59 AM

Too sweet. The ketchup and cornbread already contain sugar, so adding 2 tablespoons of brown sugar was unnecessary. I will omit the brown sugar next time to see if it improves.

Janet Young

08/29/2025 08:22:56 PM

I recently tried out this recipe and I absolutely had to share how amazing it turned out! I simply can't resist indulging in it. I made a few modifications to suit my dietary preferences - halved the recipe and baked it in an 8x8 pan. I opted for 1 pound of lean ground chicken, 1 cup of low sodium vegetable broth, and used 2% milk instead of whole milk in the cornbread. The result was simply fantastic, and I'll definitely be making it again.

Brenda Lee

10/15/2024 12:58:48 PM

My family absolutely loved this recipe! It was fantastic. Just remember to drain the beef before adding it to the mix.

Alexander Diaz

05/18/2025 01:05:22 AM

Making this dish was a breeze! I had some leftover sloppy joe and a box of Jiffy Corn Muffin mix on hand. I simply topped the sloppy joe mix with the corn muffin mix and baked it for around 35 minutes. The crust turned out perfectly and everything blended together seamlessly. A fantastic way to utilize leftovers.

Thomas Jackson

02/20/2025 07:40:46 PM

This dish was an absolutely delightful blend of flavors! I made a couple of modifications: Firstly, I removed the extra grease from the ground beef after cooking (the recipe didn't mention this, but there was quite a bit of oil), and I included some salt because I usually find sloppy Joes a little too sweet for my taste. The addition of salt really helped to offset the sweetness beautifully!

Patrick White

01/07/2025 01:39:39 AM

I'm not a big fan of Sloppy Joe's, but I found this version quite enjoyable. I halved the recipe since it's just the two of us, and it turned out well. Following suggestions from other reviewers, I reduced the amount of sugar, and it wasn't overly sweet for our taste.

Amanda Wilson

07/15/2025 06:00:32 PM

I have been making this dish for years, but instead of using all the regular ingredients, I substituted them with Manwich sloppy joe sauce for my hamburger meat. This resulted in a quick and easy dinner that was absolutely delicious. It was so good!

Laura Hall

05/04/2025 12:02:17 AM

This dish is perfect for a special occasion. The presentation is just as impressive as the taste. I used a large can of beef and added celery, carrots, corn, and a can of diced tomatoes (since I didn't have fresh beef or ketchup). The sauce turned out a bit runny, likely due to the vegetables I added, so I followed the recipe's photo guide and removed the excess juices before refrigerating them for another meal. I also made the cornbread recipe printed on the cornmeal container, which was a brilliant idea. I absolutely adore it. Thank you!

Jacob Roberts

08/29/2025 09:13:54 PM

1. Big thanks to the person who recommended skipping the sugar in this recipe! Our first bite was a pleasant surprise, as it turned out sweet enough thanks to using Krusteaz Honey Cornbread & Muffin mix. 2. Opted for brown mustard, which we personally prefer. 3. Used Silk as a substitute ingredient. 4. Swapped out the Vegetable Broth instead of the original option, simply because that's what we had on hand. 5. Prep and serving time exceeded 55 minutes due to chopping everything by hand. Would be much quicker with a processor, but for just one onion and a portion of a pepper? 6. Loved the fact that no additional salt was needed in this recipe! Hooray! Max

Sarah Ramirez

09/01/2025 11:13:05 PM

The meat and sauce combination was enjoyable, and the cornbread with added creamed corn and cheese was excellent. However, we didn't particularly like the overall dish.

Deborah Wilson

08/29/2025 09:39:46 PM

Adapting to various flavors is a breeze with this cornbread mix. I mixed in sharp cheddar and sprinkled extra cheese on top before serving with a selection of sour cream, cheese, and hot sauce. The family absolutely adored it!

Raymond Thomas

07/09/2025 08:22:25 PM

Fantastic taste! I adjusted the proportions by half and it turned out delicious. Just a heads up for anyone doing the same: I suggest using 1.5 lbs of ground meat instead of just 1 lb as I found the cornbread to meat ratio a bit off. Apart from that, we absolutely enjoyed it!

Benjamin Young

07/09/2025 02:09:40 AM

Wow, the combination of cornbread and sloppy Joe is simply heavenly. It was a hit with everyone and every last bit was devoured, despite being slightly on the sweeter side.

David Torres

04/12/2025 04:23:05 PM

A dollop of sour cream on top of each serving adds a nice touch! I just wish the preparation process was a bit simpler.

Jonathan Roberts

03/31/2025 02:38:22 AM

I tried making this for the first time and I'll definitely make it again. It was surprisingly simple and fast. I highly suggest giving it a try at least once.

William Adams

01/31/2025 10:38:53 PM

Excellent! I suggest adding more milk to the cornbread mix for a richer texture.

Donna Roberts

01/26/2025 11:56:02 PM

Tasty! The cornmeal topping was a bit dry but still enjoyable. Next time, I would increase the amount of ground beef mixture and decrease the cornbread topping by half.

Katherine Young

01/21/2025 05:32:04 PM

This recipe was a hit with everyone, including my husband who isn't a fan of Sloppy Joes. He enjoyed it so much that he requested I make it again. The cornbread really added an extra layer of flavor to make this meal truly delicious.