Sloppy Joe Cornbread Bake combines the hearty, tangy flavors of classic Sloppy Joes with a golden, slightly sweet cornbread topping for a comforting and satisfying casserole dish. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a twist on traditional Sloppy Joes, offering a one-dish meal that’s both easy to prepare and delicious. It’s great for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion when you need a warm, filling meal that’s sure to please a crowd.
Why You’ll Love Sloppy Joe Cornbread Bake
- Hearty and Flavorful: The savory Sloppy Joe mixture paired with sweet cornbread creates a perfect balance of flavors.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish comes together quickly.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to include your favorite veggies or adjust the seasonings to taste.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults, making it a great option for family meals.
Ingredients Notes
- Ground Meat: Beef is traditional, but turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter option.
- Sloppy Joe Sauce: You can use a store-bought can for convenience or make your own with tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, and vinegar for a homemade touch.
- Vegetables: Onions and bell peppers are classic, but feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
- Cornbread Mix: Use your favorite boxed cornbread mix for ease, or prepare a simple homemade batter with cornmeal, flour, milk, and eggs.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese adds a melty, cheesy layer between the Sloppy Joe mixture and cornbread topping.
Recipe Steps
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Start by preheating your oven and greasing a baking dish.
- Cook the Sloppy Joe Mixture: In a skillet, cook the ground meat with onions and bell peppers until the meat is browned. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the Sloppy Joe sauce and any additional seasonings. Simmer until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Layer in Baking Dish: Spread the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese over the top.
- Prepare Cornbread Topping: Mix the cornbread batter according to package instructions or your recipe. Gently spread the batter over the cheese layer in the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven until the cornbread topping is golden and cooked through, and the Sloppy Joe mixture is bubbly.
- Serve: Let the bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or additional cheese if desired.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if the Sloppy Joe mixture seems dry.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Cornbread Bake
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450g)
- Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Green bell pepper: 1, diced (optional)
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Tomato sauce: 1 can (15 oz)
- Ketchup: 1/2 cup
- Brown sugar: 2 tablespoons (adjust to taste)
- Mustard: 1 tablespoon
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper: to taste
For the Cornbread Topping:
- Cornmeal: 1 cup
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup
- Sugar: 1/4 cup
- Baking powder: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Milk: 1 cup
- Egg: 1, beaten
- Vegetable oil: 1/3 cup
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1/2 cup (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion, green bell pepper (if using), and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes until thickened. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Spread the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Cornbread Topping:
- In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, beaten egg, and vegetable oil.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Spoon the cornbread batter over the Sloppy Joe mixture in the baking dish, spreading it out to cover the top evenly.
- If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the cornbread batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Serve:
- Let the Sloppy Joe Cornbread Bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Cut into squares and serve hot.