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Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe

Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe

All the cozy Sloppy Joe flavors baked under a golden cornbread lid with melty cheddar. A hearty, family-friendly dinner winner.
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.25 lb ground beef (85–90% lean)
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion
  • 0.75 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 0.5 cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp yellow mustard
  • 1.5 tbsp light brown sugar, packed
  • 1.5 tsp chili powder
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.25 cup beef broth add more as needed to loosen
  • 1.25 tsp fine salt divided, to taste
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 0.75 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.25 tsp baking soda
  • 1 cup milk whole or 2%
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted plus a little for greasing

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Heat oven to 400°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Warm oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the beef, breaking it up, 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
  • Stir in onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  • Mix in tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire, mustard, brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, 1 tsp salt, pepper, and broth. Simmer until thick, 5–7 minutes.
  • Spread the sloppy joe mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup cheddar over the top.
  • Whisk cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
  • Add milk and melted butter. Stir just until combined. Fold in 1/2 cup cheddar.
  • Spoon batter evenly over the meat. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar on top.
  • Bake until the cornbread is golden and set in the center, 20–25 minutes. Rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Try swapping part of the cheddar with pepper jack for a little heat. For meal prep, bake, cool, and refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat covered at 350°F until warm. You can also use ground turkey and add a chopped jalapeño with the peppers.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.