Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One Skillet Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table fast. It takes the nostalgic flavors of a classic sloppy joe and turns them into a cozy, oven-baked casserole topped with fluffy, golden cornbread. I love this recipe because it is made entirely in one skillet, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy dinner. The savory beef filling is rich, slightly sweet, and saucy, while the cornbread topping bakes up tender with crisp edges that soak up all that flavor underneath. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or when you want something filling and comforting without a lot of prep. It is simple, satisfying, and made with everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand.
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One Skillet Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole – Easy, Hearty Comfort Food
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A hearty one-skillet comfort meal featuring classic sloppy joe filling topped with fluffy cornbread and baked until golden—easy, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sloppy joe sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef, onion, and bell pepper; cook until beef is browned.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add sloppy joe sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper; simmer 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Whisk in milk, egg, and melted butter until smooth.
- Spread cornbread batter evenly over the meat mixture.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top if using.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until cornbread is set and golden.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Serve with a green salad or steamed vegetables.
- Let rest 5 minutes for easier slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef forms the hearty base of the sloppy joe layer, providing rich, savory flavor.
Onion adds sweetness and depth to the meat mixture as it cooks.
Garlic enhances the overall flavor with savory aroma.
Ketchup creates the classic sloppy joe sauce with tangy sweetness.
Tomato sauce adds moisture and balances the ketchup for a smoother sauce.
Worcestershire sauce deepens the flavor with a subtle savory note.
Brown sugar adds mild sweetness that defines traditional sloppy joe flavor.
Salt balances and enhances all the ingredients.
Black pepper adds gentle heat and seasoning.
Cornbread mix forms the easy topping, baking up fluffy and golden.
Milk helps hydrate the cornbread mix for the right consistency.
Egg binds the cornbread batter and helps it rise.
Shredded cheddar cheese is optional but adds richness and melty texture.
Directions
Preheat the oven and place a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened and fragrant. Stir in the ketchup, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened and well combined.
If using cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the sloppy joe mixture. In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread batter by mixing the cornbread mix, milk, and egg until just combined.
Carefully spread the cornbread batter over the sloppy joe mixture, smoothing the top gently. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the cornbread is cooked through and golden on top.
Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest briefly before serving.
Equipment needed
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, baking time is about 25 minutes, and resting time is 5 minutes before serving.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Cover when reheating in the oven to prevent the cornbread from drying out.
Variations and Customizations
One Skillet Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is easy to adapt based on preference. For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. If you prefer a smokier flavor, stir in a bit of smoked paprika.
You can also swap ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option. I tested this with ground turkey, and it worked very well while still delivering classic sloppy joe flavor.
For added texture and nutrition, mix corn kernels or diced bell peppers into the sloppy joe layer. You can also use a honey cornbread mix for a slightly sweeter topping. These variations make the dish flexible while keeping its comforting, family-friendly appeal.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein (g) | 26 |
| Carbs (g) | 48 |
| Fat (g) | 26 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 10 |
| Fiber (g) | 4 |
| Sugar (g) | 14 |
| Sodium (mg) | 880 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use an oven-safe skillet
This keeps everything in one pan from stovetop to oven.
Do not overmix cornbread
Mix just until combined to keep the topping tender.
Let it rest
A short rest helps the layers set for easier serving.
Adjust sweetness
Add or reduce brown sugar based on your preference.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the meat layer ahead and add the cornbread topping just before baking.
What if I do not have an oven-safe skillet?
Transfer the sloppy joe mixture to a baking dish before adding the cornbread topping.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free cornbread mix and check sauce labels.
Does this freeze well?
Yes, freeze fully cooked and cooled casserole for up to two months.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, bell peppers, corn, or zucchini work well in the meat layer.
What should I serve with this casserole?
A simple green salad or steamed vegetables pair nicely.
Conclusion
One Skillet Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly meal that delivers big flavor with minimal cleanup. With its saucy beef base and fluffy cornbread topping, it is a dependable recipe for busy nights when you want something hearty, homemade, and deeply satisfying.
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