Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe

Okay, so have you ever wanted dinner to be super easy and super yummy? That’s what I thought when I first made this Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole. It’s like two favorites in one—sweet cornbread and sloppy joe meat.

I mean, who doesn’t love something warm, cheesy, and full of flavor, right? When I made it, my whole house smelled so good. And let me tell you, it was gone fast—like, really fast!

What I love most? It’s simple. No fancy stuff, just easy things you probably already have. And when that golden cornbread bakes on top? Oh wow, it’s magic!

So, wanna make this with me? Let’s grab what we need and get cooking. You’re gonna love how easy (and tasty) this is!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Family Comfort Food: A wholesome dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Easy and Quick: Made with simple pantry staples, it’s ready in just about an hour.
• One-Pan Meal: Protein, veggies, and bread all layered together — no need to cook separate sides.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Reheats beautifully, making it a great choice for meal prep.
• Kid-Friendly: The slightly sweet cornbread topping pairs perfectly with the savory filling, making it a hit even with picky eaters.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: About 55 minutes

Servings:
Serves 6-8 people, depending on portion size. Want more? Double the recipe and use a larger casserole dish.

Difficulty:
Perfect for beginners but satisfying enough for experienced cooks who want a cozy meal with minimal effort.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you start, make sure you have these kitchen essentials ready:

• Large Skillet: To cook the beef and sloppy joe mixture.
• Mixing Bowl: For stirring together the cornbread batter.
• 9×13-inch Casserole Dish: Ideal for baking the layered casserole.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For stirring and layering ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
• Whisk: Helpful for mixing the cornbread topping smoothly.

Ingredients for Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this casserole together (exact measurements will be listed in the recipe card below):

• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef gives a hearty base without too much grease.
• Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce: A quick and flavorful shortcut for the filling.
• Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix: Classic boxed cornbread mix that bakes up light and fluffy.
• Eggs: Help bind the cornbread topping.
• Milk: Adds moisture to the cornbread.
• Shredded Cheese (Optional but Recommended): For an extra layer of flavor — cheddar or a Mexican blend works well.
• Butter or Oil: To grease the baking dish and prevent sticking.

Optional Add-ins:

• Diced Onion and Bell Pepper: For added flavor and texture in the sloppy joe layer.
• Corn Kernels: Mixed into the cornbread batter for a sweet pop of flavor.
• Hot Sauce or Red Pepper Flakes: To add a bit of heat if you like it spicy.

Variations for Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are some easy ways to switch it up:

• Make It Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños to the cornbread mix or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the sloppy joe mixture.
• Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Add Veggies: Stir in sautéed onions, bell peppers, or corn for added texture and flavor.
• Cheesy Top: Sprinkle shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend on top of the cornbread before baking.
• Double the Meat Layer: Want a thicker, heartier casserole? Double the sloppy joe filling and use a larger pan.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cornbread mix and check that your sloppy joe sauce is gluten-free too.

How to Make Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole — Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish lightly with butter or oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

2. Cook the Sloppy Joe Filling

• Brown the Ground Beef:
  In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks (about 6-8 minutes).
• Drain Excess Fat:
  If your beef is fatty, drain the grease to avoid an oily casserole.
• Add Sauce:
  Pour in Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce and stir well to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, so the flavors meld.
• (Optional) Add diced onions or bell peppers now if using, and cook until softened, about 4-5 more minutes.

3. Make the Cornbread Topping

• In a medium mixing bowl, combine the Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, eggs, and milk.
• Stir until just combined — don’t overmix or it may get tough. A few lumps are okay.
• (Optional) Stir in corn kernels or shredded cheese for extra flavor.

4. Assemble the Casserole

• Layer the Beef:
  Pour the sloppy joe filling evenly into the bottom of your prepared casserole dish. Spread it out so it covers the whole surface.
• Add the Cornbread Batter:
  Pour the cornbread batter right over the beef layer. Spread gently with a spatula to cover all the filling without mixing the layers.
• (Optional) Sprinkle shredded cheese on top if you like a cheesy crust.

5. Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
If the top is browning too quickly before the center is done, cover loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.

6. Rest and Serve

• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing — this helps it set and makes serving easier.
• Serve warm with a side salad, steamed veggies, or enjoy it as a complete meal.

How to Serve Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole

This casserole is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but here are some simple ways to round out dinner:

• Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory casserole.
• Steamed Vegetables: Serve with simple sides like steamed broccoli, green beans, or mixed veggies for balance.
• Pickles or Slaw: A side of tangy pickles or coleslaw helps cut through the richness.
• Hot Sauce or Salsa: For those who love heat, offer hot sauce or salsa on the side.

Storing Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole

• Refrigerator:
  Store leftover casserole in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer:
  To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Reheating:
  Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until hot. If reheating the whole casserole, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overmix Cornbread Batter: Stir until ingredients are just combined. Overmixing makes the cornbread tough.
• Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut and serve.
• Drain the Meat: To avoid a greasy casserole, make sure to drain any excess fat from the ground beef before adding the sauce.
• Add Cheese for Extra Flavor: Sprinkling cheese between the layers or on top gives an extra gooey, savory touch.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Since ovens vary, start checking at 30 minutes. If a toothpick inserted into the cornbread comes out clean, it’s ready.
• Use Cast Iron (Optional): If you like a crispier cornbread edge, you can bake this casserole in a well-greased cast iron skillet for great texture.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 8 servings total):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	390
Protein	22g
Carbohydrates	28g
Fat	21g
Saturated Fat	9g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	7g
Sodium	860mg
Cholesterol	95mg

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and can vary based on ingredients and serving sizes.

Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble it (without baking), cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time if needed.

Can I use homemade sloppy joe sauce?

Absolutely. If you prefer to skip canned sauce, you can make your own using tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and seasonings.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work well. Cheese is optional but adds richness and flavor.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, leftovers freeze beautifully. Cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

Conclusion

Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is a down-to-earth, hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to please. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a casual gathering, or meal prepping for the week, this casserole delivers a satisfying, comforting bite every time. The combination of sweet cornbread and savory sloppy joe filling makes it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.