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sloppy joe cornbread casserole

This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole combines a rich, savory ground beef sloppy joe filling with a fluffy golden cornbread topping. It's an easy family-friendly comfort food dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, and potlucks.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Sloppy Joe Filling
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • For the Cornbread Topping
  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • Optional
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Chopped parsley for garnish
  • Sliced green onions for garnish

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  5. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  6. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
  7. Transfer the sloppy joe mixture to the prepared baking dish.
  8. If using cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the meat mixture.
  9. In a bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
  10. In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
  11. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
  12. Spread the cornbread batter evenly over the sloppy joe filling.
  13. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  14. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
  15. Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired.

Notes

  • Do not overmix the cornbread batter to keep it light and fluffy.
  • Ground turkey or ground chicken can be substituted for ground beef.
  • Add corn, mushrooms, or diced carrots for extra flavor and texture.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze cooled portions for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm larger portions in the oven until heated through.
  • For a richer casserole, add shredded cheddar cheese between the filling and cornbread layers.