Name: One Skillet Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 onion, diced; 1/2 green bell pepper, diced; 15 oz sloppy joe sauce; 7 oz sweet yellow cornbread muffin mix; 1/2 cup milk; 1 egg, lightly beaten; 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

I love how this One Skillet Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole brings together sweet, savory, and cheesy flavors in one hearty pan. I get the rich, tangy sloppy joe base topped with fluffy, golden cornbread all baked together in a single skillet. It’s the kind of comforting, homestyle meal I turn to when I want something filling, simple, and family-friendly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it keeps everything in one skillet, which makes cleanup easy and stress-free. I get the bold, saucy flavor of sloppy joes paired with a slightly sweet cornbread topping that bakes up tender and golden. The melted cheddar adds just the right amount of richness.

I also appreciate how budget-friendly and practical this dish is. I can make it on a busy weeknight, and it still feels like a comforting, sit-down family dinner. The balance of savory beef, sweet cornbread, and gooey cheese always makes it a crowd-pleaser in my kitchen.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground beef

1/2 onion, diced

1/2 green bell pepper, diced

15 oz sloppy joe sauce

7 oz sweet yellow cornbread muffin mix

1/2 cup milk

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, I place an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat on the stovetop.

I add the ground beef, diced onion, and diced green bell pepper to the skillet. I cook everything together until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables are tender. Then I drain any excess fat.

Next, I stir in the sloppy joe sauce and let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to blend the flavors. I remove the skillet from the heat once it’s slightly thickened.

In a small bowl, I whisk together the cornbread muffin mix, milk, and lightly beaten egg until just combined. I gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese.

I carefully pour the cornbread batter evenly over the sloppy joe mixture in the skillet. Then I transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cornbread is lightly golden on top and cooked through.

I let it cool slightly before slicing and serving it warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: Approximately 432 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes swap the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken when I want a lighter option. If I want extra heat, I add diced jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes to the meat mixture.

When I’m in the mood for more vegetables, I mix in corn kernels or black beans with the sloppy joe layer. For a cheesier finish, I sprinkle extra cheddar or even a blend of cheeses on top of the cornbread batter before baking.

If I prefer a slightly less sweet topping, I use a cornbread mix that’s more savory instead of sweet.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When I reheat it, I usually place a portion in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes until warmed through.

If I want to keep the cornbread texture a bit firmer, I reheat it in a 350°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes. I cover it loosely with foil to prevent the top from over-browning.

I can also freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. I thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

I sometimes prepare the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When I’m ready to bake, I mix the cornbread batter fresh, assemble, and bake as directed.

Can I use homemade sloppy joe sauce?

I absolutely can use homemade sloppy joe sauce. I find that it gives me more control over sweetness and spice levels, and it works perfectly in this recipe.

What kind of skillet should I use?

I prefer using a cast-iron or any oven-safe skillet. If I don’t have one, I transfer the meat mixture to a greased baking dish before adding the cornbread topping.

How do I know when the cornbread is done?

I check for a golden top and insert a toothpick into the center of the cornbread layer. If it comes out clean, I know it’s fully cooked.

Can I add more cheese?

I often add extra cheese on top because I enjoy a cheesier finish. I just sprinkle it over the batter before baking, and it melts beautifully.

Conclusion

I find this One Skillet Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole to be the perfect combination of convenience and comfort. I get bold, savory flavors from the sloppy joe base and a soft, cheesy cornbread topping all in one satisfying dish. Whenever I want an easy, hearty meal that brings everyone to the table, this is one of my favorite recipes to make.

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