Go Back
sloppy joe casserole

Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole

5 from 1 vote
Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines the savory flavors of a classic sloppy joe with a fluffy, golden cornbread topping. This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or weeknight meals, offering a hearty, satisfying meal in one pan.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter option
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1 bell pepper chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 box 8.5 oz cornbread mix (plus ingredients as directed on the box, typically 1 egg and 1/3 cup milk)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional, for topping

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spoon or spatula (for stirring)

Method
 

Preheat the Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling
  1. In a big skillet, brown the ground beef (or turkey) over medium heat, thoroughly cooking it through, and using a spoon to break it up as it cooks.
  2. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper and garlic. Cook, stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes or until softened.
  3. Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, brown sugar, salt and black pepper and stir. Allow the mixture to cook for 5-7 minutes until it is thickened slightly. Remove from heat.
Prepare the Cornbread Batter
  1. In a mixing bowl, prepare the cornbread batter according to the instructions on the cornbread mix box (typically add egg and milk). Stir in 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, if desired, for extra flavour.
Assemble the Casserole
  1. Spread the sloppy joe mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
  2. Pour the cornbread batter over the sloppy joe mixture, spreading it out evenly to cover the top. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the cornbread batter, if desired.
Bake
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.
Serve
  1. Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

You can make this casserole in advance. Prepare the sloppy joe mixture and cornbread batter, then refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, simply assemble and cook as directed.
sloppy joe casserole
For a healthier version, substitute ground turkey for ground beef, and opt for a low-sodium tomato sauce and ketchup.
To make it extra cheesy, add a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese to the sloppy joe filling before topping with cornbread batter.
sloppy joe casserole