If you’re craving a dish that perfectly blends comforting, hearty flavors with a touch of nostalgia, this Sloppy Joe Cornbread Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine the saucy, savory goodness of classic sloppy joes layered over a moist, cheesy cornbread base, all baked to golden perfection. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s simple to make, yet so satisfying and crowd-pleasing, ideal for family dinners or casual get-togethers where everyone wants something warm and delicious on their plates.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this Sloppy Joe Cornbread Bake Recipe truly shine. Each component is simple yet essential, contributing distinct flavors and textures that come together beautifully.
- Cornbread mix: The foundation that creates a tender, slightly sweet base for the bake.
- Creamed corn: Adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to keep the cornbread wonderfully soft.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together for a perfect texture.
- Milk: Enhances the batter, making it smooth and rich.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Divided to mix into the cornbread and melt beautifully on top, adding sharp, gooey goodness.
- Ground beef (1½ lb): The hearty, protein-packed base for the sloppy joe layer.
- Manwich sloppy joe sauce: Provides that classic tangy, tomatoey sloppy joe flavor that we all love.
How to Make Sloppy Joe Cornbread Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 400ºF and greasing a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This ensures your bake won’t stick and will come out of the dish cleanly once cooked. Having the oven ready and the dish prepped sets the stage for a smooth cooking experience.
Step 2: Mix and Bake the Cornbread Base
In a large bowl, combine the cornbread mix, creamed corn, eggs, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mixing these together creates a rich, moist cornbread batter that has bursts of cheesy flavor. Pour this mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish and bake for 20 minutes, letting it start to set and develop a slight golden crust.
Step 3: Cook the Beef Mixture
While your cornbread begins baking, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep things from getting greasy. Then stir in the Manwich sloppy joe sauce, simmering for about five minutes to let all those robust, tangy flavors meld together. This sloppy joe meat layer is where the familiar, beloved taste really shines.
Step 4: Assemble the Bake and Finish Cooking
Once the cornbread has baked its first 20 minutes, carefully spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over the top. Then sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese all over the beef layer. Pop the dish back in the oven for another 20 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and slightly brown, sealing all the flavors into one irresistible bake.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
After baking, let your Sloppy Joe Cornbread Bake rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This short cooling period helps it set, making it easier to cut into neat squares without falling apart. This is the moment to admire your handiwork before eagerly diving in.
How to Serve Sloppy Joe Cornbread Bake Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten each square and add an extra layer of freshness, try garnishing with chopped fresh parsley or green onions. A dollop of sour cream or a few pickles on the side can also complement the rich, tangy sloppy joe flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs well with simple, crisp sides like a fresh garden salad or steamed green beans to balance the rich cornbread bake. For heartier meals, consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables or even some tangy coleslaw to add crunch and zest.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the bake in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for single servings that look charming and keep portions perfect. You can also turn leftover portions into Sloppy Joe sliders by scooping some filling onto slider buns for a handheld treat that’s perfect for casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Sloppy Joe Cornbread Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it well-covered preserves moisture and flavor so every bite remains just as comforting as freshly baked.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place the whole dish tightly covered with foil in the freezer. Frozen leftovers stay at their best for up to 2 months, making this dish an easy option for meal prep or busy nights.
Reheating
When reheating, warm portions in the microwave or oven until heated through. Cover with foil if reheating in the oven to prevent the cornbread from drying out. A few minutes under the broiler can bring back that lovely melted cheese top if desired.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cornbread mix for this Sloppy Joe Cornbread Bake Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade cornbread mix works great and gives you full control over sweetness and texture. Just make sure your batter is the right consistency similar to the package instructions for best results.
Is ground turkey or chicken a good substitute for beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used if you prefer a leaner option. Just be mindful that white meats have less fat, so you might want to add a little extra seasoning or a splash of broth to keep the sloppy joe mixture moist.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, swap out the cornbread mix for a gluten-free version and double-check the sloppy joe sauce ingredients to ensure it’s gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same delicious flavors without worry.
How spicy is the Manwich sloppy joe sauce?
Manwich sauce is typically mild with a classic tangy tomato flavor. If you like things spicier, feel free to add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes to tailor it to your taste.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just use a larger baking dish or two standard dishes to accommodate the doubled portions. Be sure to adjust baking times slightly, checking for doneness as you go.
Final Thoughts
This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Bake Recipe is a wonderful way to bring together beloved flavors into one cozy, satisfying dish. It’s straightforward, delicious, and sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try and experience the joyous magic of comfort food made easy and irresistible.
Print
Sloppy Joe Cornbread Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sloppy Joe Cornbread Bake combines the classic flavors of a Sloppy Joe with a cheesy cornbread base, baked to perfection. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that layers a savory ground beef mixture topped with cheddar cheese over moist, cheesy cornbread, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Cornbread Base
- 1 (8.5 oz) package cornbread mix
- 1 (14.75 oz) can creamed corn
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Sloppy Joe Mixture
- 1½ lb ground beef
- 1 (15 oz) can Manwich sloppy joe sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (remaining, divided)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Lightly coat a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the cornbread doesn’t stick. Set the dish aside while you prepare the cornbread mixture.
- Make Cornbread Batter and Bake: In a large bowl, combine the cornbread mix, creamed corn, eggs, milk, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated. Pour this batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20 minutes until the cornbread is just set and slightly golden on top.
- Cook Ground Beef: While the cornbread bakes, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it is browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the skillet for a leaner dish.
- Add Sloppy Joe Sauce: Stir the Manwich sloppy joe sauce into the cooked ground beef. Let this mixture cook together for 5 more minutes on medium heat to blend the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
- Assemble and Bake Again: Once the initial cornbread baking time is up, remove the baking dish from the oven. Evenly spread the hot beef mixture over the baked cornbread layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 to 10 minutes after removing it from the oven to let it set. Then cut into squares and serve warm, enjoying the perfect blend of cheesy cornbread and hearty Sloppy Joe flavors.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheesy flavor.
- Make sure to drain the ground beef well to avoid excess grease in the casserole.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
