Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction to Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole
Are you looking for a dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of sloppy joes with the comforting texture of cornbread? Look no further than this Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole! It’s a delightful fusion that brings together the best of both worlds, perfect for family dinners or any gathering. With its hearty ingredients and satisfying taste, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your household.
A Personal Story Behind My Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Journey
Growing up, my family had a tradition of gathering around the dinner table for hearty meals that warmed our hearts. Sloppy joes were a staple, often served on busy weeknights. I remember my mother experimenting in the kitchen, and one day she decided to add cornbread to the mix. The result was a delightful casserole that not only satisfied our hunger but also brought smiles to our faces. Since then, this Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole has become a cherished recipe that I love to share with my friends and family.
What Makes This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe Special?
This casserole is not just another dinner recipe; it’s a comforting dish that embodies love and warmth. The combination of seasoned ground beef, sweet and tangy ketchup, and fluffy cornbread creates a delightful contrast in flavors and textures. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weekdays or a cozy weekend gathering. Plus, it’s a hit with both kids and adults, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied!
The Full Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 3/4 cup ketchup
- 3 tsp light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- Ground black pepper and sea salt, to taste
- 8.5 oz Jiffy cornbread mix (1 box)
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Grease an 8×8 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and diced bell pepper until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being too greasy.
- Add garlic powder, yellow mustard, ketchup, light brown sugar, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Pour in 1/2 cup of water and mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Transfer the cooked sloppy joe mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cornbread mix, egg, and milk until smooth. Spoon this mixture over the sloppy joe layer, spreading it carefully to cover the entire surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown. You can use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole
This casserole is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it even further! Serve it with a side salad for added freshness or pair it with some pickles for a crunchy contrast. You can also customize the flavor by adding shredded cheese on top before baking for a cheesy twist! If you want to spice things up, consider adding jalapeños to the beef mixture for a kick.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the sloppy joe mixture and cornbread topping in advance, then combine and bake when you’re ready to eat.
How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to reheat thoroughly before enjoying.
Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative, but the cooking times and flavors may vary slightly.
This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is sure to be a hit with your family! Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish that brings everyone together around the dinner table.
Recipe Stats
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 350
- Servings: 6
Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole
Equipment
- 8x8 casserole dish Greased with non-stick spray.
- Skillet For cooking the beef and vegetables.
- Mixing bowl For combining cornbread ingredients.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 0.5 cup yellow onion, chopped
- 0.5 cup green bell pepper, diced
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 0.75 cup ketchup
- 3 tsp light brown sugar
- 0.5 cup water
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 8.5 oz Jiffy cornbread mix (1 box)
- 1 large egg
- 0.33 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Grease an 8x8 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and diced bell pepper until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being too greasy.
- Add garlic powder, yellow mustard, ketchup, light brown sugar, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Pour in 1/2 cup of water and mix well to combine all the flavors.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Transfer the cooked sloppy joe mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cornbread mix, egg, and milk until smooth. Spoon this mixture over the sloppy joe layer, spreading it carefully to cover the entire surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown. You can use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean.