Ingredients

For the cornbread base and sloppy joe topping, you’ll need a harmonious blend of simple, wholesome ingredients. This dish is a canvas for creativity, allowing for optional ingredients to tailor it to your family’s preferences.

Cornbread Base

• 1 (8.5oz) package of cornbread mix
• 1 (14.75-oz) can of creamed corn
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (reserve another cup for topping)

Sloppy Joe Topping

• 1½ lb ground beef (substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 (15-oz) can Manwich sloppy joe sauce (or homemade sauce for a personal touch)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for the final topping)

Optional Ingredients

• Chopped green bell peppers or jalapeños for a hint of freshness and heat.
• A dash of Worcestershire sauce or mustard for an added depth of flavor in the sloppy joe mixture.
• Sautéed onions or mushrooms mixed into the beef for additional texture and richness.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Creating this sloppy joe casserole with cornbread involves a straightforward process that brings together a moist, flavorful cornbread layer with a hearty, savory sloppy joe topping, all crowned with melted cheese.

Preparing the Cornbread Base

1. Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC) and lightly grease a 13×9 inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornbread mix, creamed corn, eggs, milk, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Stir until just mixed.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it into an even layer.
4. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to set but the center is still slightly undercooked.

Making the Sloppy Joe Mixture

1. While the cornbread base is partially baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the sloppy joe sauce (and any optional ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, bell peppers, or onions) and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Combining the Layers and Baking

1. Remove the cornbread base from the oven. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture over the partially baked base, spreading it into an even layer.
2. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese over the sloppy joe layer.
3. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cornbread is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing into squares and serving.

This dish is a testament to the simplicity and joy of home cooking, bringing together the comforting flavors of sloppy joes and cornbread in a way that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Whether for a weeknight meal or a casual get-together, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Tips for Perfect Sloppy Joe Casserole with Cornbread

Achieving the perfect sloppy joe casserole with cornbread involves attention to detail, from the cornbread’s texture to the sloppy joe’s flavor. Here are some expert tips:

• Cornbread Texture: For a moist cornbread base, avoid overmixing the batter. Mix just until the dry ingredients are moistened. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture.
• Sloppy Joe Flavor: Enhance the flavor by adding a tablespoon of brown sugar and a splash of apple cider vinegar to the sloppy joe mixture for a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.
• Freezing and Reheating: This casserole freezes beautifully. Cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350ºF oven until warm throughout, about 20 minutes.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Pairing the casserole with the right sides and beverages can elevate the meal:

• Sides: A crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread complement the richness of the casserole well.
• Beverages: For a refreshing counterpoint, serve with iced tea or a light-bodied beer.

FAQs

Can I make sloppy joe casserole with cornbread ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole without baking and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when ready to cook.

Can I use homemade cornbread instead of a mix?

Absolutely. A homemade cornbread adds a personal touch and can be customized for sweetness and texture.

What can I substitute for Manwich sloppy joe sauce?

A homemade mix of ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, and vinegar makes a great substitute, offering control over the flavors.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative and use a vegetarian sloppy joe sauce.

Print

Sloppy Joe Casserole With Cornbread

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• Author: karma
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings

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Description

This Sloppy Joe Casserole with Cornbread combines the tangy, sweet flavors of sloppy joes with the comforting, fluffy texture of cornbread. It’s an easy-to-make, one-dish meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

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Ingredients

• Cornbread Base: Cornbread mix, creamed corn, eggs, milk, shredded cheddar cheese.
• Sloppy Joe Topping: Ground beef, Manwich sloppy joe sauce, additional shredded cheddar cheese.
• Optional: Green peppers, Worcestershire sauce, onions.

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven and prepare cornbread base.
2. Partially bake, then prepare sloppy joe mixture.
3. Layer sloppy joe mix over base, top with cheese, and finish baking.

Notes

• Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
• Homemade cornbread can replace the mix for a customized taste.
• The casserole can be frozen before the final baking for a make-ahead meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: per serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 90mg