Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole

Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic Sloppy Joe, combining the rich, savory flavors of the beloved sandwich with the comforting, slightly sweet taste of cornbread. This hearty casserole features a layer of homemade Sloppy Joe filling, made with ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and spices, topped with a golden, fluffy cornbread crust. It’s an easy-to-make, all-in-one meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Serve this satisfying dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and delicious dinner that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

For the Sloppy Joe Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cornbread Topping:

• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Sloppy Joe filling: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened.
3. Add the sauce ingredients: Stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, yellow mustard, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Make the cornbread batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, vegetable oil, and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Assemble the casserole: Spread the Sloppy Joe filling evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cornbread batter over the top of the filling, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
6. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Enjoy your Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole as a comforting and flavorful meal that’s sure to become a family favorite, bringing together the best of both worlds in every bite.