Sloppy Joe Casserole
Why make this recipe
Sloppy Joe Casserole is a fun and delicious twist on a classic favorite. It’s easy to make and feeds a crowd, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. The flavors combine comfort and nostalgia, and the cornbread topping takes it to a whole new level. With all the great tastes of a Sloppy Joe, plus cheesy goodness, this dish is sure to be a hit!
How to make Sloppy Joe Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20) (Perfect for juiciness)
- 1 large onion, diced (Adds aromatic sweetness)
- 1 large bell pepper, diced (For crunch and color)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (Aromatic bestseller)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce (Base of your sauce)
- 1/4 cup ketchup (Essential in Sloppy Joe tradition)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (Adds a touch of sweetness)
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (For depth of flavor)
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard (Adds delightful tang)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (To balance flavors)
- 1 tsp chili powder (For a hint of warmth)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (Smoky goodness)
- to taste Salt and pepper (The staples)
- 1 box (8.5 oz) cornbread mix (Recommended: Jiffy for convenience)
- 1 large egg (Binds the cornbread)
- 1/3 cup milk (For creaminess)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (A rich touch)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Because cheese makes everything better)
- 1/4 cup corn kernels (Optional, adds lovely texture)
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped (For a burst of freshness)
- to taste Extra cheese for sprinkling on top (Always a good idea)
- to taste Pickled jalapeños (For those who like a spicy kick)
Directions
Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat. Then, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are soft.
Cooking: Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let this mix simmer for about 10 minutes.
Cornbread mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the cornbread mix, egg, milk, and melted butter. Mix until just combined.
Assembly: Spread the beef mixture into a greased baking dish. Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the top. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese, corn kernels, and chopped chives over everything. Add extra cheese if desired.
Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.
Serving: Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with pickled jalapeños if you like a little heat!
How to serve Sloppy Joe Casserole
Serve Sloppy Joe Casserole hot, right from the oven. It’s great on its own, but you can also pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread. Add extra cheese or jalapeños on the side for guests who like customization!
How to store Sloppy Joe Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Just thaw before reheating in the oven or microwave.
Tips to make Sloppy Joe Casserole
- For a vegetarian version, use lentils or plant-based meat instead of ground beef.
- Feel free to customize the spices to your taste or add other veggies like mushrooms or zucchini.
- If you want a richer flavor, you can sprinkle some extra cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Variation
Try adding chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture for an extra kick. You can also swap the cornbread topping for a biscuit or even mashed potatoes for a different take on this comforting dish.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and cornbread separately a day ahead. Just combine and bake when ready to serve.
Can I use another type of meat?
Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative, and they work well in this recipe.
How do I reheat the casserole?
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or in the microwave until heated through. If reheating in the oven, cover it with foil to prevent drying out.
Sloppy Joe Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Then, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are soft.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Let this mix simmer for about 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cornbread mix, egg, milk, and melted butter. Mix until just combined.
- Spread the beef mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese, corn kernels, and chopped chives over everything.
- Add extra cheese if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Top with pickled jalapeños if you like a little heat!
