Go Back

Sloppy Joe Casserole

A fun and delicious twist on a classic favorite, this Sloppy Joe Casserole is easy to make and perfect for family dinners, featuring a cornbread topping and cheesy goodness.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main 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
Cornbread Topping
  • 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

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
  3. Then, add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are soft.
Cooking
  1. Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Let this mix simmer for about 10 minutes.
Cornbread mixture
  1. In a separate bowl, combine the cornbread mix, egg, milk, and melted butter. Mix until just combined.
Assembly
  1. Spread the beef mixture into a greased baking dish.
  2. Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the top.
  3. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese, corn kernels, and chopped chives over everything.
  4. Add extra cheese if desired.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.
Serving
  1. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
  2. Top with pickled jalapeños if you like a little heat!

Notes

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. 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.