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
Scale
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.
