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Cheesy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole: Quick Weeknight Comfort

A close-up slice of sloppy joe cornbread casserole with a thick layer of seasoned ground beef and melted cheese on top.
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Create this easy, one-pan Cheesy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole for a family-friendly dinner. This recipe combines a savory ground beef filling with a sweet, fluffy cornbread topping for a satisfying, budget-friendly meal ready fast.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 (8.5 ounce) box cornbread mix (like Jiffy)
  • Ingredients required for cornbread mix (typically milk and eggs)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking dish or similar 2-quart casserole dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Stir in the tomato sauce, water, brown sugar, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper into the skillet with the meat mixture. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is your hearty hamburger casserole base.
  4. Spread the sloppy joe meat mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the meat layer.
  5. Prepare the cornbread batter according to the package directions, using the liquid and eggs specified on the box. Do not overmix the batter.
  6. Gently pour or spoon the prepared cornbread batter over the cheese layer, spreading it carefully to cover the filling completely. This step helps prevent a soggy bottom layer.
  7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving this sloppy joe bake with topping.

Notes

  • To prevent sogginess, ensure your meat filling is simmering but not overly liquid before topping with batter.
  • For a sweeter cornbread topping, use a mix labeled as ‘sweet’ or add 1 tablespoon of extra sugar to the batter.
  • This dish works well as a budget friendly family meal when served with a simple side salad.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/sloppy-joe-cornbread-casserole-recipe/