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Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe


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4.2 from 28 reviews

  • Author: Diane
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Description

This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole combines the classic flavors of savory sloppy joe with the comforting warmth of cheesy cornbread. Ground beef cooked with onions, bell peppers, and a tangy Manwich sauce is layered over a creamy cornbread base made with sweet corn and cheddar cheese, then topped with more melted cheese for a hearty and satisfying casserole perfect for family dinners.


Ingredients

Cornbread Base

  • 1 teaspoon oil (or nonstick cooking spray)
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
  • 14.75 oz can cream-style sweet corn
  • 8.5 oz box Jiffy cornbread mix
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon white granulated sugar (optional)

Sloppy Joe Mixture

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
  • 15 oz can Manwich sloppy joe sauce
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional or dried parsley flakes)


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400° F to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Prepare Baking Dish: Oil a 9x13-inch baking dish with 1 teaspoon of oil or use nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking, then set it aside.
  3. Make Cornbread Batter: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, the entire can of cream-style sweet corn, the Jiffy cornbread mix, milk, eggs, and optional sugar. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated into a smooth batter.
  4. Bake Cornbread Base: Pour the cornbread batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to start the cornbread cooking process.
  5. Cook Sloppy Joe Filling: While the cornbread bakes, heat a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef, finely chopped onion, and bell pepper. Cook and crumble the beef until it is browned thoroughly and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
  6. Add Sauce and Simmer: Stir in the Manwich sloppy joe sauce with the cooked beef and vegetables. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
  7. Top Cornbread with Filling: Remove the cornbread base from the oven after 20 minutes. Spread the sloppy joe mixture evenly over the baked cornbread.
  8. Add Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the sloppy joe layer for a cheesy top.
  9. Bake Again: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and optionally sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley flakes on top before serving to add a fresh herbal touch.

Notes

  • Using nonstick spray instead of oil makes cleanup easier.
  • The sugar in the cornbread batter is optional depending on your sweetness preference.
  • You can substitute the Manwich sauce with your favorite sloppy joe sauce or homemade tomato-based sauce for variation.
  • For added texture, try mixing in chopped jalapeños or corn kernels into the beef mixture.
  • This casserole reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American