Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Add the diced onion, green bell pepper (if using), and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes until thickened. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

Spread the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

In another bowl, whisk together the milk, beaten egg, and vegetable oil.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened.

Spoon the cornbread batter over the Sloppy Joe mixture in the baking dish, spreading it out to cover the top evenly.

If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the cornbread batter.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the Sloppy Joe Cornbread Bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Cut into squares and serve hot.