Sloppy Joe Cornbread Bake

Sloppy Joe Cornbread Bake is the ultimate comfort food mash-up, combining the tangy, savory flavors of sloppy joe with the sweet, buttery goodness of cornbread. This family-friendly casserole is easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this perfect for busy nights.
• Kid-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with even the pickiest eaters.
• Customizable: Add veggies or spices to suit your taste.
• One Dish Wonder: Everything bakes together in a single pan for easy cleanup.
• Comfort Food Classic: A hearty, satisfying dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cornbread Base

• 1 box JIFFY cornbread mix
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup milk
• 2 cups corn (frozen, canned, or cream-style)
• 1 cup shredded cheese

For the Sloppy Joe Topping

• 1–1.5 lbs ground beef
• 1 can sloppy joe sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheese

Directions

1. Prepare the Cornbread Base

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• In a large bowl, mix the JIFFY cornbread mix, eggs, milk, corn, and 1 cup of shredded cheese until well combined.
• Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.

2. Cook the Sloppy Joe Mixture

• While the cornbread is baking, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
• Stir in the sloppy joe sauce and let the mixture simmer on low heat for 5–10 minutes.

3. Assemble the Bake

• Remove the cornbread from the oven after 20 minutes.
• Spoon the sloppy joe mixture evenly over the top of the cornbread.
• Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese over the sloppy joe layer.

4. Bake Again

• Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Serve

• Allow the dish to cool slightly before cutting into squares. Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6–8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños to the cornbread batter or a pinch of cayenne to the sloppy joe mixture.
• Veggie-Packed: Stir diced bell peppers, onions, or zucchini into the sloppy joe mixture.
• Turkey Option: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner version.
• BBQ Style: Swap sloppy joe sauce for your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
• Mexican-Inspired: Add taco seasoning to the ground beef and top with salsa and sour cream.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade sloppy joe sauce?

Yes, homemade sauce works beautifully and lets you control the sweetness and spices.

2. Can I use a different cornbread mix?

Absolutely. Any cornbread mix will work, but you may need to adjust the liquid according to the package instructions.

3. Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, assemble the dish up to the second bake, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

4. What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend all work well. Feel free to use your favorite.

5. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free cornbread mix and ensure your sloppy joe sauce is gluten-free.

6. Can I add beans to the sloppy joe layer?

Yes, black beans or kidney beans can be added for extra protein and texture.

7. What can I serve with this dish?

Pair it with a green salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger baking dish or prepare two 9×13-inch pans for larger gatherings.

9. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, bake the dish completely, cool, and freeze in portions. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

10. Can I make this vegetarian?

Use plant-based ground meat or lentils as a substitute for the ground beef.

Conclusion

Sloppy Joe Cornbread Bake is a deliciously nostalgic and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. With its savory sloppy joe filling, cheesy cornbread crust, and endless customization options, this recipe is destined to become a family favorite. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a casual potluck, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table!

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