Name: Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey); 1 can (15 oz) Sloppy Joe sauce (or homemade sauce); 1 box (8.5 oz) Jiffy cornbread mix; 1 egg; ⅔ cup milk; ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

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If you love Sloppy Joes and cornbread, this Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is the perfect mash-up! A sweet and tangy ground beef filling topped with a soft, buttery cornbread crust makes for a hearty, family-friendly dinner. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Super Easy to Make – Minimal prep and simple ingredients.
Sweet & Savory Perfection – The tangy sloppy joe filling pairs perfectly with the slightly sweet cornbread.
Great for Leftovers – Reheats beautifully for an easy next-day meal.

Ingredient Notes

Ground Beef – Use 80/20 for flavor or swap for ground turkey for a lighter version.
Sloppy Joe Sauce – Store-bought canned sauce (like Manwich) works great, or make your own with tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar.
Cornbread Mix – A box of Jiffy cornbread mix makes this super simple, but you can also use homemade cornbread batter.
Egg & Milk – Essential for a light and fluffy cornbread topping.
Cheese – Cheddar or Colby Jack adds extra richness to the casserole.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the Sloppy Joe Filling

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
Stir in 1 can (15 oz) Sloppy Joe sauce (or homemade sauce) and let it simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Prepare the Cornbread Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine:

1 box (8.5 oz) Jiffy cornbread mix
1 egg
⅔ cup milk
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Stir until just combined (don’t overmix!).

4. Assemble the Casserole

Spread the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly into the baking dish.
Pour the cornbread batter on top and spread it gently.

5. Bake Until Golden

Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cornbread is golden brown and set in the center.

6. Cool & Serve

Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes, then slice and serve warm!

Expert Tips for the Best Casserole

Don’t Overmix the Cornbread – Stir until just combined for a light, fluffy texture.
Let It Rest Before Serving – This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
Add Extra Toppings – A sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top before baking adds extra flavor!

Serving Suggestions

With a Side Salad – A crisp coleslaw or simple green salad balances the richness.
Topped with Sour Cream – Adds a cool, creamy contrast.
With a Spicy Kick – Add diced jalapeños to the cornbread batter for heat!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this with homemade cornbread?
Yes! Just use your favorite cornbread batter instead of a mix.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready.

What other meats can I use?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based substitute works great!

Final Thoughts

This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is comfort food at its best—easy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors! Whether for a weeknight meal or a potluck dish, it’s sure to be a hit. Try it out and let me know what you think!