Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe with Cornbread Topping

homemade sloppy Joe casserole recipe featured image

Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe with Cornbread Topping

With homemade sloppy joe sauce and from-scratch cornbread topping, this easy ground beef casserole recipe is a budget-friendly meal that's sure to be a hit at your house.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword Sloppy Joe Bake, Sloppy Joe Casserole, Sloppy Joe Casserole Recipe, Sloppy Joe Casserole with Cornbread, Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole, Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 500kcal

Author Faith Gorsky

Ingredients

Cornbread Layer:

3/4 cup fine yellow cornmeal
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup granulated white sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup canned creamed corn
1 large egg at room temperature
1/2 cup buttermilk at room temperature
1/3 cup avocado oil or vegetable oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly

Sloppy Joe Layer:

1 1/2 pounds 90% lean ground beef
1 medium yellow onion peeled and chopped
1 medium green bell pepper de-seeded and chopped
1 medium red bell pepper de-seeded and chopped
8 large cloves garlic peeled and crushed
1 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons yellow mustard
1 tablespoon light brown sugar lightly packed
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional; or more to taste

Other:

Olive oil cooking spray
2 scallions green and white parts, thinly sliced (optional; for garnish)

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Make the Cornbread Layer:

Prep. Preheat the oven to 400F. Spray the inside of a 9 by 13-inch casserole dish with olive oil cooking spray.
Make the batter. Whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a medium-large bowl. Whisk together the creamed corn, egg, buttermilk, oil, and melted butter in a small-medium bowl. Add the wet ingredients to the dry, and stir to combine, being careful not to over-mix.
Rest the batter. Set the cornbread batter aside for now, and immediately start making the sloppy joe mixture.

Make the Sloppy Joe Layer:

Cook the beef and vegetables. Add the ground beef to a large, deep skillet over medium-high to high heat. Use a wooden spoon to spread it out in an even layer. Add the onion, bell peppers, and garlic on top of the ground beef. Cook (uncovered) until the meat is browned, about 10 minutes. Let it cook without stirring for about 5 to 6 minutes so the beef can sear, and then use a wooden spoon to stir the mixture and break up the meat.
Add the seasonings and thicken. Stir in the ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire, mustard, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Continue cooking until thickened, about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

To Assemble and Bake:

Bottom layer. When the sloppy joe mixture is cooked, immediately (carefully!) transfer it to the prepared casserole dish and spread it out in an even layer (we want it hot).
Top layer. Carefully pour the cornbread batter on top of the sloppy joe mixture, and spread it out as evenly as you can.
Bake. Bake until the cornbread is puffed and golden, and a toothpick inserted in the cornbread comes out clean or with just a couple crumbs, about 20 to 25 minutes.

Serve:

Let the casserole sit for a few minutes to cool before cutting, and then serve topped with sliced scallion or any toppings you like.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Sloppy joe casserole is also a good freezer meal! You can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition