Name: Sloppy Joe Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium white onion (diced); 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder; ¾ cup ketchup; 15 ounce can tomato sauce; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 8.5 ounce package Jiffy cornbread mix; ⅓ cup whole milk; 1 large egg

My famousSloppy Joe Casseroleis packed with bold southern flavor. This rich and hearty twist on classic sloppy joes takes just 20 minutes to prepare and is sure to please any crowd!

Enjoy the buttery fluffiness of homemade cornbread and the smoky sweetness of sloppy joes in one dish with my sloppy joe casserole. Made with simple ingredients, this easy, 40-minute casserole is the perfect weeknight dinner or potluck entrée! The simple spices and tomatoes add life to the beef, while the oven crisps and perfects the cornbread topping. Plus, the Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and onion add the perfect amount of savory richness to round out the sweetness of the brown sugar.

Sloppy Joe Casserole

The simple spices and tomatoes add life to the beef, while the oven crisps and perfects the cornbread topping. Plus, the Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and onion add the perfect amount of savory richness to round out the sweetness of the brown sugar.

We Love This Recipe Because It’s…

Easy and quick to prepare.
Perfect when paired with your favorite veggie or side dish.
Sweet, savory, hearty, and rich.
Packed with protein to keep you full for hours.
Easily stored in the fridge and reheated later.

Ingredient Notes

Ground Beef—85/15 works really well for this recipe, but any type of ground beef will do.
Cornbread Batter—Creates a sweet, buttery topping for this casserole. Whip up a packaged mix with milk and an egg or your favorite cornbread recipe.
White Onion—Diced.
Tomato Sauce—Canned.
Ketchup—Adds a sweet and tangy kick.
Worcestershire Sauce—Packs a punch of savory and salty flavor.
Brown Sugar—Light or dark will add the perfect amount of sweetness to this dish.
Garlic Powder—Or a couple of cloves of fresh garlic.

How to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole

Cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink.
Add the diced onion and garlic powder. Continue cooking.
Mix in the tomato sauce, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce until boiling.
Whisk in the brown sugar until fully dissolved.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with the cornbread batter.
Bake until the meat mixture is bubbling and the cornbread is lightly browned and crispy.
Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving and enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are sloppy joes the same as Manwich?

Manwich is a marketed version of sloppy joe mix that you can find in the grocery store. You can use Manwich sauce as a replacement for the meat mixture, but this recipe is so quick and delicious as-is, that I don’t recommend it.

What are some good sides for sloppy joes?

This rich and meaty sloppy joe casserole pairs well with all of your traditional potluck side dishes. Try pairing it with some baked beans, potato chips, tater tots, fries, potato salad, fresh fruit, or cooked vegetables.

Why are my sloppy joes watery?

Every time I make this casserole, it turns out perfectly thick and scoopable. However, if you find that your meat mixture is a bit runny, you can thicken it using some cornstarch, flour, or potato starch. You also want to make sure that you give your meat mixture ample time to simmer and reduce.

How to Store Leftover Sloppy Joe Casserole

Any leftover sloppy joe casserole can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It is best reheated in the microwave for about 1- 1½ minutes in a microwave-safe bowl. I recommend adding a damp paper towel as a covering to moisten the cornbread and protect your microwave from tomato splashes.

How to Upgrade Sloppy Joes

Put your own twist on this easy casserole by adding unique ingredients and garnishes!

Like your sloppy joes on the richer side? Try adding some shredded cheese to the meat mixture.
Give this casserole a bit of heat by adding some chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture or the cornbread batter.
Not a big fan of cornbread? Top this sloppy joe casserole with a can of your favorite flaky biscuit dough instead.
Sneak some extra veggies into this meal by adding peas, carrots, or green beans to the meat sauce.
Top your finished casserole with some sour cream, shredded cheese, hot sauce, sliced avocado, coleslaw, or pickles for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Expert Tips and Tricks:

While the aroma of this casserole is going to make you want to dive in the second it gets out of the oven, letting it cool a little bit allows the cornbread to finish cooking and helps the flavors in the dish settle before you serve it. Good things come to those who wait!
Make this dish a little healthier by swapping out the refined brown sugar for a natural coconut or maple sugar.
Add some texture to your cornbread topping by tossing in a few corn kernels or crushed corn chips.

sloppy joe meat and sauce layered into a baking dish

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Sloppy joe casseroleis a recipe that will be in your regular rotation from now on. It is quick, easy and tastes like a good home cooked meal.