Amazing 1 Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole

Oh, hello there! Welcome to my kitchen. I’m Carla, and frankly, I’m thrilled you stopped by today. I know that crushing feeling at 5 PM when you still haven’t figured out what everyone is going to eat, and you really want something that tastes like a hug but only has 40 minutes to cook. Been there, done that, bought the takeout menus! That’s why I live and breathe creating simple, joyful, and reliable recipes that actually work for real life. If you are nodding your head right now, you are in the perfect spot because I have the ultimate solution for your next busy night: the Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole. Forget deciding between hearty meat and comforting sides; this is a glorious mashup where savory, tangy sloppy joe beef gets tucked right under a fluffy, golden cornbread blanket. Trust me, after perfecting heaps of quick, family-approved meals in my own chaotic kitchen, this bake has earned its permanent spot on the rotation.

Why This Cheesy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is Your New Weeknight Hero

I’ve got to spill the beans on why this assembly is pure gold for weeknights. When you’re racing the clock, the last thing you need is a complicated dish. This is truly one of those Easy Ground Beef Casserole recipes that pulls through every single time, leaving you with almost zero stress.

• It’s the ultimate in One Pan Family Meals—you cook the meat, assemble, and bake it, all in the same dish!
• It uses ingredients I bet you already have, which keeps the grocery bill down—hello, budget-friendly comfort!
• It tastes like childhood but feels like a grown-up, satisfying dinner.

Speed and Simplicity: The Ultimate Quick Casserole Recipes

Prep time is only 10 minutes, folks! That’s practically zero effort. We rely on that handy Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix for the topping because life is too short to mix cornmeal from scratch on a Tuesday. It comes out beautifully fluffy, exactly when you need a Quick Casserole Recipes solution.

Hearty Weeknight Dinner Flavor Profile

What really sells this as a Hearty Weeknight Dinner is the filling. That savory, tangy sloppy joe base is perfectly balanced. And because we are adding cheddar cheese both under and into the cornbread, you get that gooey, cheesy factor that kids—and frankly, I—demand!

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Gathering Ingredients for Your Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole

Part of what makes this whole operation so smooth is how simple the ingredient list is. I promise you, you probably have most of this hanging out in your pantry already! We’re leaning into those pantry staples because that’s the secret to quick, stress-free cooking, right? No fancy shopping trips required for this Ground Beef and Cornbread goodness.

Here is what you need to pull together that savory meat base and the fluffy topping. Everything is straightforward, I guarantee it.

• One pound of ground beef (whatever fat content works for you)
• One medium onion, just give it a good chop
• One 15 ounce can of tomato sauce
• One 8 ounce can of tomato sauce (yep, two cans that work together!)
• About 1/2 cup of water
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar, make sure it’s packed down tight in your measuring cup
• Two big tablespoons of yellow mustard—the standard stuff!
• One tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for that depth of flavor
• Spices: Just 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• The cornbread kicker: One 8.5 ounce package of that reliable Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
• One large egg
• 1/3 cup of milk
• And the cheese! One cup of shredded cheddar cheese, but we split this up, so keep it handy.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole

Alright, let’s get cooking! Since this is a quick casserole recipes star, we move fast, but we do things right. Grab your 9×13 inch dish and get that oven preheated to 375 degrees F while we tackle the filling first. Trust me, timing is everything, even in a bake like this!

Preparing the Savory Sloppy Joe Filling

First up, we need that meaty layer. Toss your ground beef and that chopped onion into a large skillet over medium heat. You cook this down until the beef is nicely browned and the onion is translucent and soft. Now, this next part is critical: drain off every bit of excess grease! We want flavor, not a watery mess at the bottom of our casserole.

Once drained, stir in all those sauce components—both tomato sauces, the water, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire, and all your seasonings. Bring that whole glorious mixture to a simmer and let it bubble happily for about five minutes. This wakes up all those sweet and tangy spices. Pour this savory base evenly into your prepared baking dish. Go ahead and sprinkle half of your cheddar cheese—that’s 1/2 cup—right over that hot meat layer.

Mixing and Layering the Jiffy Cornbread Topping Recipes

Now for the magic topping! In a separate bowl, whip up that Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, but pay close attention here: follow the package for Dry ingredients, but substitute the liquid with exactly one large egg and 1/3 cup of milk. Don’t use what the box says for the liquid! Fold the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese right into that batter.

This is important: take that batter and *carefully* spoon it over the meat filling. Do not go in there stirring it up! We want two distinct layers, not a mixed-up clump. Spread it gently so the meat doesn’t peek through too much. Then, it’s off to the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until that cornbread topping is beautifully golden brown.

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Expert Tips for a Flawless Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole

If you want this dish to go from good to absolutely unforgettable, you need to listen to a couple of things I learned the hard way when testing out this savory cornbread topping! The biggest fear people have with casseroles like this is that the bottom layer turns into hot soup. Fear not! We have a couple of tricks up our sleeve to keep that meat layer robust and the cornbread perfectly tender on top.

Achieving a Golden, Non-Soggy Cornbread Casserole Finish

Remember that step where we drained the beef? Do not skip that! Seriously, if you leave any excess grease or watery sauce, your bottom crust will be sad. Another trick I swore by when testing is letting the casserole rest for a full five minutes after it comes out of the oven. It seems tough to wait when you smell that baking goodness, but those 5 minutes let everything firm up and absorb any excess steam. This one small step is HUGE for preventing that dreaded soggy bottom layer in any cornbread casserole ideas recipe!

Flavor Boosts for Your Ground Beef and Cornbread Bake

If you want to take the meat layer from great to amazing, try swapping the plain water for beef broth when you simmer everything down. That little bit of beefy stock deepens the savory notes beautifully against the sweet sauce. Also, don’t be afraid to add a half teaspoon of smoked paprika to your seasoning blend. It gives the whole ground beef and cornbread bake a lovely, subtle smokiness that makes people ask what your secret is!

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Variations on the Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole

I absolutely love that this recipe is so flexible! While the standard version is spectacular, sometimes you just need to shake things up or sneak in an extra vegetable or two. That’s where the creativity comes in, and honestly, that’s half the fun of home cooking, isn’t it?

When I’m making this for a crowd that likes a little kick, I always add some minced jalapeño right in with the onions when I’m browning the beef. It blends right in, adding a nice warmth that plays so well with the sweet cornbread topping. You’re looking for flair, and a little heat definitely delivers that!

If you want to make it even cheesier, go ahead and swap out half of that cheddar for Pepper Jack or even a nice Monterey Jack blend. That extra dairy just melts into the meat layer beautifully. Or, for something a little different in the meat filling itself, try adding a small can of drained, sliced mushrooms or a finely diced green bell pepper when you sauté your onions. You get extra veggies without anyone noticing!

Another fun twist, especially if you are making this for a potluck and want something unique, is playing with the cornbread itself. You can totally jazz up that Jiffy mix. Try mixing in a little dried minced onion or even some fresh, chopped chives into the batter before you top the meat. It turns your topping savory instead of just sweet, which tastes lovely with the tangy meat base underneath.

Serving Suggestions for Your Hearty Weeknight Dinner

Now that you have this glorious, cheesy bake ready to go, we need to make sure the rest of the plate is balanced, right? Because this casserole is so rich, slightly tangy, and wonderfully hearty, you don’t need much else! I almost always pair this with something bright and acidic to cut through the savoriness, which keeps the meal from feeling too heavy.

My absolute favorite companion for this meal is a crunchy side salad dressed simply with vinaigrette. It just snaps everything back into focus! If you want something warm, steamed green beans tossed quickly in butter and garlic are fantastic. And honestly, if you’re feeling like leaning into the barbecue flavor, you can’t go wrong with a creamy-yet-crunchy coleslaw recipe on the side. It’s the perfect fresh contrast to the warm, savory cornbread!

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Leftover Sloppy Joe Bake

The best part about making a big casserole? Leftovers! Seriously, this stuff reheats beautifully, which is a massive bonus when you’re trying to plan for lunches or quick dinners later in the week. Because this bake has two distinct layers—the saucy meat and the golden cornbread—how you store and reheat it makes a difference in maintaining that great texture.

Once the casserole has cooled down slightly after that mandatory five-minute rest, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You can also transfer individual portions into airtight containers—I sometimes do this just so the kids can grab their own lunch the next day! Store it in the refrigerator, and it keeps perfectly well for about three to four days. It’s always a comforting backup to have on hand.

When you’re ready to enjoy those delicious leftovers, you have two main options, and I have a slight preference for one:

Reheating in the Oven for the Best Texture

If you have the whole thing or a large piece, the oven is my favorite way to bring it back to life. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Place your portion (it’s best if you use an oven-safe dish for this, or transfer it to one) and cover it loosely with foil. The foil helps trap the steam so the cornbread doesn’t dry out while the meat warms up underneath.

I usually bake it for about 15 to 20 minutes, checking around the 15-minute mark. You want the center heated all the way through, but you don’t want to cook the cornbread any further. This method keeps that bottom layer from getting chewy, which sometimes happens in the microwave.

Quick Microwave Reheating

Okay, let’s be real. Sometimes it’s 9 PM, and you just need one piece *now*. The microwave is totally fine, but you have to be careful. Place a serving on a microwave-safe plate and cover it loosely with a damp paper towel. I know, a damp paper towel sounds weird, but it creates a little steam tent that keeps the cornbread topping from turning hard as a brick!

Heat it in 45-second bursts, checking in between. Maybe 60 to 90 seconds total, depending on the size of your portion. This is faster, but if you are reheating a full square, expect the cornbread to be a touch softer than when it was first baked. It’s still delicious, though, and you can find even more great tips for using up your tasty leftovers in my other posts!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole

It’s so common to have questions when you’re making a new comfort food favorite! Even though I’ve tried to cover everything in the recipe above, a few things always pop up, especially when we’re talking about a hybrid like this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe. Here are the few I hear most often from readers looking to adapt this!

Can I use Manwich sauce instead of making the sauce from scratch in this Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe?

Oh, absolutely! That’s one of the wonderful things about this dish being rooted in quick casserole recipes—convenience is key! If you have a can of Manwich on hand, you can easily swap it for the tomato sauces and seasonings listed in my recipe. Now, here’s my little tip: Manwich can sometimes be a little thicker or sweeter than the blend I use with the tomato sauce and sugar. If you use a full can of Manwich, you might want to cut back on the recipe’s listed water by about half, just to make sure your base isn’t too loose before you pour on the cornbread. It’s a fantastic ingredient for a super fast comfort food dinners night!

Is this Cheesy Sloppy Joe Bake suitable for freezing?

Yes, this is a great dish for batch cooking, which is essential for busy families! The best way to freeze it, in my opinion, is to assemble the entire casserole—meat layer, cheese sprinkled, and cornbread batter spread on top—but *do not bake it*. Cover the whole thing tightly with plastic wrap and foil, making sure it’s freezer-safe, and freeze it flat. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge, remove the plastic wrap, and bake according to the instructions. If you bake it first, it can get a little texturally weird when thawed, especially the topping, but it still reheats well as I mentioned earlier!

What if my family hates cheese? Can I skip it in this Ground Beef and Cornbread?

Not a problem at all! While I think the cheese adds a lovely richness to the meat layer and a nice golden melt to the topping, you can totally omit it if you need to. You might want to add an extra teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch more chili powder to compensate for the flavor the cheese usually brings to that meat layer, just to keep the savory profile strong. It will still be a fantastic Easy Ground Beef Casserole!

Nutritional Estimates for Your Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole

Now, I always like to be upfront with you, because I’m operating out of my home kitchen, not a commercial lab! These numbers aren’t meant to be exact science, but they give you a good ballpark idea of what you’re serving up when you make this wonderful Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole. They are estimates based on the ingredients list provided, assuming you get about 6 good servings out of the whole bake.

If you’re counting macros or just trying to keep a general eye on things, knowing the basics really helps when planning out the rest of your weeknight meals. Here’s the breakdown:

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: About 450
• Fat: Roughly 22g (with about 10g being saturated fat—that’s the cheese and beef talking!)
• Carbohydrates: Around 40g, thanks to that tasty cornbread topping.
• Protein: A solid 25g per slice to keep everyone feeling full and happy.
• Sodium: This one is a bit higher at 750mg, which is something to be mindful of, considering the sauce ingredients.

Keep in mind that if you skip the cheese, or if you use leaner ground beef, those numbers are going to shift a little! But hey, these estimates prove just how hearty this dish is. It’s definitely a satisfying comfort food dinners classic that packs a good punch for dinner.

Easy Cheesy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole

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This recipe combines savory, tangy sloppy joe filling with a fluffy, cheesy Jiffy cornbread topping for a hearty, one-pan comfort food dinner that is perfect for busy weeknights.

• Author: Carla Davis
• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 30 min
• Total Time: 40 min
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (8.5 ounce) package Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce, 8 ounce can of tomato sauce, water, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper into the skillet with the beef mixture. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is your savory sloppy joe filling.
4. Pour the sloppy joe filling evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the meat layer.
5. In a medium bowl, prepare the Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix according to the package directions, but use 1 large egg and 1/3 cup milk instead of the amounts listed on the box. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the batter.
6. Carefully spoon the cornbread batter over the meat mixture in the baking dish, spreading it gently to cover the filling. Do not stir the layers together.
7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before cutting and serving. This helps prevent a soggy bottom.

Notes

• To prevent a soggy bottom layer, make sure you drain the beef well after browning and allow the cornbread batter to sit for one minute before spooning it over the hot filling.
• For extra flavor, substitute the water with 1/2 cup of beef broth when simmering the sloppy joe mixture.
• This recipe is a great potluck casserole idea because it reheats well.
• If you prefer a sweeter topping, increase the brown sugar in the cornbread batter by 1 tablespoon.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 15
• Sodium: 750
• Fat: 22
• Saturated Fat: 10
• Unsaturated Fat: 12
• Trans Fat: 0.5
• Carbohydrates: 40
• Fiber: 3
• Protein: 25
• Cholesterol: 75