Description
This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is a delicious, comforting American main course that combines a savory ground beef sloppy joe mixture with a golden, fluffy cornbread topping. Perfect for a family-friendly, easy weeknight dinner, it’s a hearty dish that balances rich flavors with a tender, cheesy crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cornbread Topping
- 1 box (8.5 oz) cornbread mix
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and green bell pepper, sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until fully browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in minced garlic, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Transfer Meat Mixture: Pour the sloppy joe mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Prepare Cornbread Batter: In a medium bowl, combine the cornbread mix with milk and egg according to package instructions. Fold in shredded cheddar cheese if using, mixing until just combined.
- Top and Bake: Spread the cornbread batter evenly over the meat mixture in the baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Add a dash of hot sauce to the meat filling for an extra kick of flavor.
- Ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives work well as substitutes for ground beef.
- Pair with a fresh side salad to create a well-rounded meal.
