Easy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- For the Sloppy Joe filling:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce
- ½ cup (120 ml) ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Cornbread topping:
- 1 cup (150 g) cornmeal
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- ¼ cup (60 ml) melted butter or vegetable oil
- ½ cup (60 g) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Sloppy Joe filling:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and diced bell pepper to the skillet, cooking until they soften, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Cornbread topping:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and sugar.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, and melted butter or oil.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- If using cheese, fold it into the batter for an extra cheesy flavor.
- Assemble the casserole:
- In a lightly greased 9×13-inch (or similar-sized) baking dish, spread the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly across the bottom.
- Pour the cornbread batter over the top of the filling, spreading it evenly to cover the meat mixture.
- Bake:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through (a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean).
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra cheese, if desired.
Tips:
- You can make the Sloppy Joe filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. This will make assembling the casserole faster!
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the Sloppy Joe filling.
- Serve with a side salad or some roasted veggies for a complete meal.
This Easy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the tangy, sweet flavors of Sloppy Joes with the soft, crumbly texture of cornbread. Perfect for a family dinner or gathering, and it’s sure to be a hit!