If you’re craving something comfortingly hearty and ridiculously easy to whip up, you’re going to adore this Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe. Combining the nostalgic flavors of classic sloppy joes with the warm, crumbly goodness of cornbread, this dish truly delivers a cozy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. The savory meat sauce layered under a fluffy cornbread topping makes every bite a delightful experience that’s both satisfying and downright addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples, but each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect texture and flavor balance of the Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe. From the rich beef filling to the tender, golden cornbread topping, every component brings something wonderful to the table.
- Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix (2 boxes): This classic mix makes the cornbread topping irresistibly tender and sweet, perfectly complementing the savory filling.
- Large eggs (2): Eggs help bind the cornbread ingredients and add moisture for a light, fluffy texture.
- Milk (⅔ cup): Milk adds the necessary liquid to create a smooth, pourable cornbread batter.
- Ground beef (1 lb): The hearty star of the filling, browned to juicy perfection for a rich and meaty base.
- Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce (1 can, 15 oz): This tangy, sweet sauce brings iconic sloppy joe flavor that perfectly coats the beef filling.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), making sure it reaches the ideal baking temperature by the time your casserole is ready to go in. Grease a generous 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make serving a breeze.
Step 2: Make Cornbread Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Jiffy corn muffin mix with the eggs and milk. Stir everything until it’s just blended — don’t overmix, or the cornbread can become dense. Set this batter aside while you prepare the savory filling.
Step 3: Make Sloppy Joe Filling
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s cooked through with no pink remaining. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming greasy. Pour in the Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce and simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes so all those flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Now for the fun part — spreading! Pour the hot sloppy joe mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Then, gently dollop the cornbread batter on top and carefully spread it into a smooth, even layer. This layered approach creates that classic casserole with the savory filling underneath a comforting cornbread blanket.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your assembled casserole for 20 minutes or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This tells you it’s perfectly cooked, with a tender crumb and bubbly filling beneath.
How to Serve Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions adds a burst of color and a fresh bite that brightens the dish. For an extra indulgent touch, a scattering of shredded cheddar cheese over the top once it’s baked is always a crowd-pleaser.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone but pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple green salad or steamed broccoli. For a little crunch, try serving with classic kettle-cooked chips or roasted vegetables to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe into individual portions by baking it in muffin tins for cornbread “cupcakes” filled with sloppy joe goodness. Or try layering it in a trifle dish for a fun, casual presentation that invites guests to dig right in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your casserole has cooled, cover it tightly with foil or transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making for an easy lunch or quick dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for later, you can freeze the whole casserole before baking or individual portions once it’s cooled. Wrap it well with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will stay good for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To enjoy your leftovers, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. If reheating individual servings, the microwave works fine but be careful not to overcook or dry out the cornbread layer.
FAQs
Can I use a different brand of sloppy joe sauce?
Absolutely! While Manwich is a classic choice that pairs perfectly here, feel free to substitute with your favorite brand or even homemade sloppy joe sauce for a personalized touch.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes, you can swap out ground beef for plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils and still enjoy all the hearty flavor and comforting texture. Just simmer with the sauce as usual.
Can I make the cornbread batter from scratch?
Definitely! If you prefer, use your favorite homemade cornbread recipe for the topping, just make sure it’s a batter that will spread easily over the filling.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
Look for a golden-brown crust on the cornbread and test it by inserting a toothpick in the center — it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours in advance and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just give it a gentle stir before baking if the cornbread batter settles.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish that combines rich meatiness and sweet cornbread in one cozy bite, and this Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe hits that mark beautifully every time. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite that brings smiles and full plates. Give it a try soon — I promise it’ll become one of those meals you can’t wait to make again and again!
Print
Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is a hearty and comforting one-dish meal that combines the savory flavors of classic sloppy joe filling with a sweet and tender cornbread topping. Perfect for a family-friendly dinner, this casserole is easy to prepare with pantry staples and bakes to golden perfection in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Cornbread Batter
- 2 boxes (17 oz each) 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) and 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 set it aside while you prepare the filling.
- Make Sloppy Joe Filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease. Add the Manwich Sloppy Joe sauce to the cooked beef and simmer the mixture gently for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the prepared sloppy joe filling evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish. Pour the cornbread batter over the top of the sloppy joe mixture, spreading it out to form an even layer.
- Bake: Place the assembled casserole into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the excess grease from the ground beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- You can add diced onions or bell peppers to the beef while browning for extra flavor.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to help it set and make serving easier.
- Use a toothpick test to ensure the cornbread is fully baked.
