If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that brings together the nostalgic flavors of a classic Sloppy Joe and the buttery goodness of cornbread, you are in for a treat with this Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe. It’s an all-in-one casserole that’s easy to prepare yet packed with rich, savory satisfaction. Whether you’re cooking for family weeknight dinners or inviting friends over for a cozy gathering, this dish combines the sweet, tangy Sloppy Joe sauce with golden, moist cornbread in a way that feels like a warm, delicious hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe is wonderfully straightforward. Each item plays a special role, from the savory beef to the sweet, tender cornbread topping, making this dish as balanced as it is flavorful.
- Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix (2 boxes): The backbone of your cornbread layer, this mix keeps things quick, simple, and perfectly moist every time.
- Large Eggs (2): These bind the cornbread ingredients together, ensuring a nice, fluffy texture.
- Milk (⅔ cup): Adds richness and helps loosen the batter for a tender crumb.
- Ground Beef (1 lb): Creates the hearty, meaty base that turns this casserole into a filling meal.
- Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce (1 can, 15 oz): Infuses the beef with that iconic sweet and tangy flavor that defines a delicious Sloppy Joe.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready to go once your casserole is assembled. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure the casserole won’t stick and will bake evenly with a beautifully golden crust.
Step 2: Mix the Cornbread Batter
In a large bowl, combine the Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, eggs, and milk. Stir these ingredients until they are completely blended, creating a smooth batter that will form the perfect topping layer for your casserole. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the meat.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef
Brown the ground beef over medium heat in a skillet, breaking it up as it cooks for even browning. Once cooked through, drain off excess grease to keep the casserole from getting too oily. Stir in the Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to meld deep into the meat and develop that signature tangy flavor.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Spread the sloppy joe meat mixture evenly into the bottom of your greased baking dish. Then, pour the cornbread batter gently over the top, spreading it out to cover the meat completely. This layering ensures every bite has the perfect balance between meatiness and sweet cornbread.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole at 400°F for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cornbread is beautifully golden brown on top. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean when your casserole is ready to enjoy. Let it cool just slightly before serving to let the flavors settle.
How to Serve Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can elevate your Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe from simple to spectacular. Try sprinkling chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and brightness. A dollop of sour cream or shredded cheddar cheese melted over the hot cornbread adds a creamy, tangy complement to the savory meat.
Side Dishes
This casserole is quite filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp side salad or steamed green beans helps balance the meal. A tangy coleslaw or pickled vegetables also add a refreshing crunch and help cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this casserole family-style in the baking dish right at the table, letting everyone scoop their portions. Alternatively, you can spoon individual servings into cast-iron skillets or ramekins for a rustic, charming presentation that’s perfect for cozy dinners or casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It keeps well and flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a fantastic next-day meal.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully if you want to prepare ahead. Wrap the cooled, unbaked casserole tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake it directly from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the cornbread topping crisp. Alternatively, microwave individual servings, but expect a softer cornbread texture with this method.
FAQs
Can I use a different cornbread mix?
Absolutely! While the Jiffy mix is classic and convenient for this Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe, any good-quality cornbread mix or homemade batter works well. Just keep an eye on baking times as some mixes vary.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Simply substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, textured vegetable protein, or your favorite plant-based ground meat alternative. You can keep the same Sloppy Joe sauce to maintain the classic flavor.
Can I add cheese inside the casserole?
Great idea! Adding shredded cheddar or mozzarella between the meat and cornbread layers makes this casserole extra gooey and delicious. It adds another layer of flavor that’s hard to resist.
How spicy is the Sloppy Joe sauce in this recipe?
The Manwich sauce offers a mild, slightly tangy spice that most palates enjoy. If you like more heat, try adding a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture during cooking.
What can I serve if I want to make this dish for a crowd?
Double the ingredients and bake in a larger casserole dish or two 9×13 pans. Serve alongside simple sides like roasted vegetables and a big green salad to keep everyone happy and full.
Final Thoughts
This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe is like a cozy hug on a plate—easy to whip up, packed with flavor, and sure to become a beloved staple in your meal rotation. Whether you’re new to casseroles or looking for an approachable weeknight dinner, don’t hesitate to try this dish. The combination of tangy beef and fluffy cornbread creates a harmony that’s irresistibly satisfying every single time.
Print
Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole that layers savory ground beef in Manwich sauce with a golden, fluffy cornbread topping. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines classic sloppy joe flavors with the satisfying texture of cornbread baked together in one dish.
Ingredients
For the Cornbread Batter
- 1 (17 oz) box Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix (2 boxes)
- 2 large eggs
- ⅔ cup milk
For the Sloppy Joe Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (15 oz) can Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Make the cornbread batter: In a large bowl, combine the Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, eggs, and milk. Stir the mixture until it is well blended and smooth. Set the batter aside while you prepare the filling.
- Cook the ground beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it is fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease to keep the casserole from being too oily.
- Simmer the sloppy joe sauce: Add the Manwich Sloppy Joe Sauce to the browned beef in the skillet. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to combine flavors and heat through.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread the sloppy joe mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Then pour the cornbread batter over the top, spreading it into an even layer to cover the meat completely.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped onions or green peppers to the beef while browning.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the Manwich sauce during simmering.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking before serving for easier slicing.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated; reheat covered with foil in the oven before serving.
