This Cheesy Cornbread Sloppy Joe Casserole brings together two beloved comfort food classics into one irresistible, oven-baked dish. With a fluffy cornbread base, a rich, tangy Sloppy Joe meat layer, and a golden blanket of melted cheddar and mozzarella, this one-pan meal is hearty, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers all the nostalgic flavor of traditional Sloppy Joes with the added comfort of a warm, cheesy cornbread casserole. The layered structure ensures a perfect bite every time—moist cornbread underneath, savory beef in the center, and gooey cheese on top. It’s family-friendly, budget-conscious, and requires just a handful of pantry staples. Plus, it’s all made in one dish for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cornbread Layer:
- 1 box Jiffy cornbread mix (8.5 oz)
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup milk
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Sloppy Joe Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish and set aside. - Make the Cornbread Base:
In a medium bowl, combine the Jiffy mix, egg, milk, and optional shredded cheddar. Mix until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Bake for 10 minutes only—this is a partial bake to give the base a head start without overbaking. - Prepare the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
While the cornbread is baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
Stir in minced garlic, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, until the mixture thickens and flavors blend. - Assemble the Casserole:
Remove the partially baked cornbread from the oven.
Spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly over the top.
Sprinkle with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. - Bake Again:
Return the dish to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the cornbread is cooked through. - Serve:
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, straight from the dish.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 40–45 minutes
Variations
- Add Vegetables: Mix in diced bell peppers, corn kernels, or jalapeños for extra texture and flavor.
- Make It Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or use pepper jack cheese in the topping.
- Different Meats: Substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option.
- Homemade Cornbread: Use a homemade cornbread batter if you prefer not to use boxed mix.
- BBQ Twist: Swap the ketchup with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, or microwave individual servings on medium power until hot.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare all components, assemble the casserole (without baking), and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve, adding 5–10 extra minutes if baking from cold.
Can I use homemade Sloppy Joe sauce?
Absolutely. If you have a preferred homemade sauce, feel free to substitute it for the ketchup-based mixture provided.
Is it okay to use another type of cornbread mix?
Yes, any brand of cornbread mix will work as long as it yields roughly the same amount. Adjust the liquid and baking time accordingly.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes. Use a gluten-free cornbread mix and ensure that your ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard are certified gluten-free.
How can I tell when the casserole is done?
The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the cornbread should be fully cooked (a toothpick inserted into the edge of the cornbread should come out clean).
What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar provides sharp flavor, and mozzarella adds meltiness. You can also use Monterey Jack, Colby, or a cheese blend.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch dish. Increase baking time slightly and check doneness in the center.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based cheese alternatives and a dairy-free cornbread mix or homemade version using almond milk or similar substitutes.
What sides go well with this casserole?
A simple green salad, steamed green beans, or coleslaw pair well to balance the richness of the casserole.
Can I use leftover Sloppy Joe filling?
Yes. If you already have prepared Sloppy Joe meat, skip the stovetop step and proceed to assembling the casserole.
Conclusion
Cheesy Cornbread Sloppy Joe Casserole is a cozy, all-in-one meal that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. With its soft, golden cornbread base and savory, cheesy meat topping, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re feeding a weeknight crowd or looking for a twist on a classic, this casserole hits every comfort food note in one hearty dish.
PrintCheesy Cornbread Sloppy Joe Casserole
This Cheesy Cornbread Sloppy Joe Casserole combines two comfort food classics in one delicious, hearty dish. A layer of fluffy cornbread is topped with savory Sloppy Joe beef and a generous layer of gooey melted cheddar and mozzarella—perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 1 box Jiffy cornbread mix (8.5 oz)
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for cornbread layer)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine Jiffy cornbread mix, egg, milk, and optional cheddar cheese. Pour batter into the prepared dish and bake for 10 minutes (partially baked).
- Meanwhile, in a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add minced garlic, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
- Evenly spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture over the partially baked cornbread layer.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving warm.
Notes
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for extra heat.
- Ground turkey or plant-based meat can be substituted for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Can be made in a larger dish—double ingredients for a 9×13-inch pan.
- Leftovers store well and taste great the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 85mg