Description

This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole combines a classic sloppy joe filling made with ground beef, onions, and bell peppers in a rich, tangy tomato-based sauce, topped with a fluffy cornbread batter and baked to golden perfection. It’s a comforting, hearty casserole perfect for a family meal or casual gathering, bringing together the flavors of a traditional sloppy joe with the satisfying texture of baked cornbread.

Ingredients

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For the 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

For the Cornbread Topping

2 (8.5-ounce) packages corn muffin mix (such as Jiffy)
⅔ cup whole milk
1½ teaspoons baking powder
2 large eggs

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
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, about 4 minutes. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper, cooking together until vegetables soften, approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
Make the Sloppy Joe Mixture: Stir in the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, until it darkens slightly, about 2 minutes. Add beef broth while scraping the skillet to loosen any browned bits for added flavor. Then stir in ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until the sauce thickens and bubbles, about 7 minutes. Transfer this flavorful mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Prepare the Cornbread Topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together corn muffin mix, whole milk, baking powder, and eggs until the batter is smooth and well combined. Spoon the batter evenly over the Sloppy Joe mixture in the baking dish, spreading gently if needed.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to set. Then enjoy your hearty Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole!

Notes

Use a 9×13-inch baking dish for even cooking and proper thickness of the casserole.
Ground chuck with around 15-20% fat content works best for flavorful and juicy meat mixture.
If you prefer a spicier casserole, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture.
The cornbread topping can be made with your favorite corn muffin mix if Jiffy is unavailable.
Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to make serving easier.