Description
A hearty and comforting Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole that combines rich ground beef in a tangy tomato sauce topped with a fluffy golden cornbread layer. Perfect for a family dinner, this easy one-dish meal bakes ground chuck with savory aromatics and classic Sloppy Joe flavors, finished with a moist homemade cornbread topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Sloppy Joe Mixture
- Cooking spray
- 2 pounds ground chuck
- 2 cups finely chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1½ cups ketchup
- 3 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Cornbread Topping
- 2 (8.5-ounce) packages corn muffin mix (such as Jiffy)
- â…” cup whole milk
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground chuck, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it’s almost fully browned, approximately 4 minutes. Add the finely chopped onion and green bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Make the Sloppy Joe Mixture: Stir in the tomato paste and cook while stirring constantly until it darkens slightly, around 2 minutes. Add the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits at the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Stir in the ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the sauce thickens and bubbles, roughly 7 minutes. Transfer this Sloppy Joe mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the Cornbread Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together the corn muffin mix, whole milk, baking powder, and eggs until the batter is smooth and thoroughly combined. Spoon the cornbread batter evenly over the hot Sloppy Joe mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly for a few minutes before serving to let flavors meld and for easier slicing. Enjoy your comforting Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add some chopped jalapeños to the bell pepper and onions.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use low-sodium ketchup and beef broth to reduce sodium content.
- If you prefer a tangier flavor, consider adding a splash of vinegar or hot sauce to the Sloppy Joe mixture.
- The cornbread topping can be made from scratch using cornmeal if preferred instead of muffin mix.
