Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole

Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is comfort food at its best with saucy beef tucked under a tender golden Jiffy cornbread crust and gooey melted cheese. This casserole is my answer whenever we crave something cozy but fun for a family dinner.

The first time I made it was on a cold night after soccer practice and everyone scraped their plates clean. Now it is in heavy rotation at our house especially when we want something fuss-free and hearty.

Ingredients

• Lean ground beef: for a rich meaty base always look for bright red beef with very little extra fat
• Diced onions: for a bit of sweetness and essential aromatic depth I like to use yellow onions for this
• Ketchup: for classic sloppy joe tanginess choose one that is not overly sweet
• Worcestershire sauce: adds savory umami look for aged sauce with a deep aroma
• Brown sugar: balances acidity with a mellow sweetness I prefer dark brown sugar for more flavor
• Onion powder: loads of flavor without needing extra chopping make sure your spice is fresh
• Frenchs crispy fried onions: for crunch and a toasty flavor grab a new can to keep them crisp
• Shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend: for gooey melt and a perfect savory top shred cheese fresh if you can for the best melt
• Jiffy cornbread mix: for a tender sweet crust I like to buy the twin pack boxes for convenience
• Eggs: large and fresh to give structure to the cornbread top
• Milk: for moisture in the cornbread whole milk gives the richest crumb

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef and Onions:

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high and add your ground beef and diced onions. Cook for about eight to ten minutes crumbling the beef thoroughly and stirring often until the meat is browned and the onions are soft golden and fragrant. This step builds lots of deep flavor.

Drain and Mix Up Sloppy Joe Sauce:

Once the beef is cooked through remove from the heat and drain excess fat. Add ketchup Worcestershire sauce brown sugar and onion powder right into the skillet. Stir until the ground beef and onions are completely coated and everything is bubbling slightly.

Add Crispy Onions:

Stir in the crispy fried onions making sure they are evenly distributed. This adds texture and a pop of flavor.

Layer in the Baking Dish:

Lightly spray a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture into the bottom of the dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle half the shredded cheese blend over the beef layer for an extra gooey foundation.

Make and Add the Cornbread Topping:

In a large bowl whisk Jiffy cornbread mix eggs and milk until smooth no dry pockets should remain in the batter. Pour this batter over the beef and cheese then gently smooth it with a spatula so every edge is covered.

Bake and Finish with Cheese:

Bake at four hundred degrees Fahrenheit for eighteen to twenty two minutes until the cornbread is beautifully golden brown all over. Pull from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Return to the oven for another two to four minutes just until the cheese melts. Let rest a few minutes before serving so everything sets up beautifully.

Save

One of my favorite ingredients is the crispy fried onions I always sneak a few extra on top just before baking for extra crunch Every time I serve this for casual get togethers someone asks for the recipe and it never lasts long

Storage Tips

This casserole keeps well for up to four days in the fridge Store portions in airtight containers to retain freshness If you want to make ahead simply assemble up to the baking step cover and refrigerate then bake when ready Leftovers reheat best in the microwave or covered in a low oven to keep everything tender

Ingredient Substitutions

If you like a bit of spice try adding diced green bell peppers with the onions or using pepper jack cheese in place of cheddar For a lighter version substitute ground turkey for beef and use low fat cheese Gluten free cornbread mix also works well just check the baking time

Serving Suggestions

Serve the casserole hot and scoop generous portions into bowls or plates It is great with a simple green salad on the side or some steamed green beans If you are feeding a crowd pair it with coleslaw or pickles for some tangy contrast

Cultural Context

Sloppy Joes have been a beloved American comfort dish since the early twentieth century the sweet and tangy beef filling is pure nostalgia for many families Combining it with cornbread and cheese brings together Midwestern casserole tradition with the fun of classic lunch favorites

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ What type of beef works best for this dish?

Lean ground beef is ideal, as it browns up nicely without producing too much grease, resulting in a hearty, flavorful base.

→ How do I achieve a moist, tender cornbread topping?

Combine Jiffy mix with large eggs and milk, stirring just until blended. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cornbread light and fluffy.

→ Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Absolutely. Bell peppers, corn, or even diced celery can be sautéed with the onions to enhance both flavor and nutrition.

→ What cheese blend pairs well with this casserole?

A mix of mozzarella and cheddar delivers both creaminess and sharpness, complementing the savory sauce and sweet cornbread.

→ How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The cornbread topping should be nicely browned and set in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out clean, and cheese should be melted.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the ground beef mixture in advance and refrigerate. Add the cornbread batter and bake just before serving.