Sloppy Joe Casserole
A warm, cheesy dish combining the rich flavors of Sloppy Joes in a delightful casserole form, perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 450kcal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20) Perfect for juiciness
- 1 large onion, diced Adds aromatic sweetness
- 1 large bell pepper, diced For crunch and color
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Aromatic bestseller
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce Base of your sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup Essential in Sloppy Joe tradition
- 2 tbsp brown sugar Adds a touch of sweetness
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce For depth of flavor
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard Adds delightful tang
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar To balance flavors
- 1 tsp chili powder For a hint of warmth
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika Smoky goodness
- to taste Salt and pepper The staples
Cornbread Topping
- 1 box (8.5 oz) cornbread mix Recommended: Jiffy for convenience
- 1 large egg Binds the cornbread
- 1/3 cup milk For creaminess
- 2 tbsp melted butter A rich touch
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Because cheese makes everything better
- 1/4 cup corn kernels Optional, adds lovely texture
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped For a burst of freshness
- to taste Extra cheese for sprinkling on top Always a good idea
For Serving
- to taste Pickled jalapeños For those who like a spicy kick
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9"x13" baking dish.
- Dice your onions and bell pepper in advance.
Cooking
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef for about 6-8 minutes.
- Add diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, vinegar, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Spread the Sloppy Joe mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornbread mix, egg, milk, and melted butter until just combined. Fold in cheddar cheese and corn if desired.
- Dollop the cornbread batter over the Sloppy Joe mixture.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cornbread is golden brown. Optionally, sprinkle cheese on top during the last 5 minutes.
Serving
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
Add spice with red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Switch up the cheese with pepper jack or mix for depth. Sneak in chopped zucchini or carrots for nutrition. Substitute ground beef with plant-based alternatives for vegetarian options.