I’m so excited to share this Hearty Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole with you today.
There’s something magical about the combination of tangy, savory sloppy joe filling topped with sweet, fluffy cornbread that just speaks to my comfort-food-loving soul.
It’s like two childhood favorites decided to get together and create the ultimate dinner mashup.
Wonder what makes this casserole a standout on busy weeknights? Or how you can customize it to please even your pickiest eaters? Let me tell you…
Why You’ll Love This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole
- Family-Friendly Comfort Food – This hearty casserole combines the beloved flavors of sloppy joes with sweet cornbread, creating a satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults, making dinnertime stress-free.
- Simple One-Dish Preparation – Perfect for busy weeknights when you’re managing school activities and soccer practice, this casserole comes together easily and bakes in one dish, minimizing cleanup time.
- Sneaky Nutrition Boost – The savory meat base provides protein while offering the perfect opportunity to hide vegetables under that golden cornbread topping, ensuring even picky eaters get their nutrients.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients – Made with affordable staples like ground beef, cornmeal, and pantry basics, this filling casserole feeds the whole family without breaking the bank.
- Highly Customizable – Easily adapt the recipe to your family’s preferences by adjusting spice levels, adding different vegetables, or incorporating leftover ingredients, making it a versatile go-to meal.
Using a premium food processor can help you quickly prep vegetables and create uniform cornmeal texture for the perfect casserole topping.
What Ingredients are in A Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole?
This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole brings together two beloved comfort foods in one delicious dish. The ingredients list is straightforward and features many items you probably already have in your pantry and refrigerator.
I love how this recipe allows me to incorporate local Wisconsin products, from farm-fresh ground beef to locally-milled cornmeal, giving the dish that authentic Midwest flavor my kids can’t get enough of.
For the Sloppy Joe Base:
- 1½ pounds ground beef (preferably locally-raised Wisconsin beef)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded Wisconsin cheddar cheese (divided)
For the Cornbread Topping:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal (locally-milled if available)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained (or 1½ cups fresh Wisconsin sweet corn in summer)
When shopping for ingredients, consider your family’s spice tolerance—my 5-year-old prefers milder flavors, so I sometimes reduce the chili powder.
Feel free to substitute ground turkey or even plant-based meat alternatives if you’re looking for a lighter option. During summer months, nothing beats using fresh sweet corn cut straight from the cob instead of canned, and the farmers’ markets here in Wisconsin offer amazing produce that really elevates this simple dish.
The cornbread topping can also be adjusted to your preference—add a bit more sugar if your family likes it sweeter, or stir in some diced jalapeños for a kick that complements the savory base.
How to Make This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole
Making this Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is straightforward, even on busy weeknights when my daughters are tugging at my apron strings asking when dinner will be ready. The beauty of this dish lies in its two distinct layers that come together in perfect harmony.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and grabbing a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1½ pounds of ground beef, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Once the meat is no longer pink, add the finely diced medium onion and chopped green bell pepper, cooking until they’re softened, about 5 minutes. Toss in 2-3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until that wonderful aroma fills your kitchen.
Now for the flavor boost—stir in 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 15 ounces of tomato sauce, ¼ cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of yellow mustard, and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Wisconsin winter evenings practically demand this kind of simmering comfort food on the stove, don’t they?
While the meat mixture is simmering, prepare the cornbread topping. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of yellow cornmeal, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of milk, ⅓ cup of vegetable oil, and 2 large eggs, beating until well mixed. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined—overmixing is the enemy of tender cornbread. Fold in the drained can of corn kernels (or fresh sweet corn if you’re making this in summer).
Once the meat mixture has thickened, sprinkle half of the shredded Wisconsin cheddar cheese (about ½ cup) over the top, then carefully pour the cornbread batter over everything, spreading it to the edges. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving, though keeping little hands away from it during that time might be the most challenging part of the recipe.
Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole: Substitutions and Variations
Why limit yourself to just one version of this family-pleaser when so many delicious variations await?
Swap ground beef for turkey or venison—my Wisconsin neighbors often share their hunting bounty, and it’s spectacular in this dish. For vegetarians, lentils or plant-based crumbles work beautifully.
The cornbread layer loves customization, too.
Fold in shredded cheddar, diced jalapeños, or corn kernels for texture and flavor. My daughters each have their preferences—my 7-year-old insists on extra cheese while my 9-year-old wants bell peppers mixed into the meat.
Make it yours, that’s what cooking’s all about.
For best results, prepare this hearty casserole in a premium cast iron skillet for even heating and a perfectly crispy cornbread crust.
What to Serve with Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole
A complete meal extends beyond just the main dish, and my Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole deserves worthy companions.
I recommend a crisp garden salad with Wisconsin-grown veggies and local buttermilk dressing. Nothing balances that hearty casserole like fresh greens, right?
For sides, consider tangy coleslaw, roasted seasonal vegetables, or sweet potato fries. My daughters always beg for the fries—kids have impeccable taste sometimes.
During summer, grab some corn on the cob from local farms. In winter? Warm applesauce made from Wisconsin apples makes a perfect complement. Simple, seasonal, delicious.
For the perfect Wisconsin pairing, serve with a cold Spotted Cow ale from New Glarus Brewing—its smooth, farmhouse flavor complements the casserole beautifully.
Alternatively, crumble some sharp Wisconsin cheddar on top or serve cubes of aged cheese alongside for an extra dose of local flavor.
For those who enjoy making their ground meat, a KitchenAid meat grinder attachment helps create the freshest Sloppy Joe mixture possible.
Final Thoughts
After enjoying this hearty Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole with my family countless times, I’ve come to appreciate how it brings everyone to the table with smiles.
There’s something magical about the way the sweet cornbread complements the savory sloppy joe mixture—a combination that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts.
I love how this dish celebrates Wisconsin’s farm-fresh ingredients while giving a nod to classic American comfort food.
It’s unpretentious yet impressive, simple yet satisfying.
Whether for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this casserole delivers every time.
Using premium kitchen appliances can elevate this comfort food favorite to new heights of culinary excellence.
Isn’t that what good cooking is all about?
