Name: One Skillet Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup tomato sauce; 1/2 cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 box (8.5 oz) cornbread mix; 1 egg; 1/3 cup milk

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Savory sloppy joe filling topped with fluffy golden cornbread all baked together in One Skillet Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole meal. I love how the rich, saucy beef base pairs perfectly with the slightly sweet cornbread topping, creating a comforting and hearty dinner that feels both classic and satisfying.

One Skillet Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole

Ingredients

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

1 lb ground beef

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 green bell pepper, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup tomato sauce

½ cup ketchup

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 box (8.5 oz) cornbread mix

1 egg

⅓ cup milk

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) so it is ready once the skillet is assembled.

In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, I cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. If there is excess grease, I carefully drain it off.

Next, I add the chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic directly into the skillet. I cook everything for about 3 to 4 minutes, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.

I stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. I let the mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes so it thickens slightly and the flavors blend together.

Once thickened, I sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sloppy joe mixture.

In a separate bowl, I whisk together the cornbread mix, egg, and milk until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

I pour the cornbread batter evenly over the beef mixture in the skillet and gently spread it to cover the surface.

I transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until the cornbread is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

After baking, I let it cool slightly before scooping and serving it warm straight from the skillet.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 420 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes swap the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version. If I want a little heat, I add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sloppy joe mixture. For extra richness, I mix some Monterey Jack cheese with the cheddar. I also like stirring a handful of corn kernels into the beef mixture for added texture and sweetness. If I want a smoky twist, I use barbecue sauce in place of part of the ketchup.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm individual portions in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through. If I want to maintain the cornbread texture, I reheat it in a 350°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes. I can also freeze portions for up to 2 months and thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

I can prepare the sloppy joe mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When I am ready to bake, I prepare the cornbread topping fresh and bake as directed.

Can I use homemade cornbread batter instead of boxed mix?

Yes, I can use my favorite homemade cornbread recipe. I just make sure the batter quantity is similar to an 8.5 oz boxed mix so the topping bakes evenly.

What size skillet works best?

I find that a 10- to 12-inch oven-safe skillet works best to hold all the filling and topping comfortably.

How do I know when the cornbread is fully cooked?

I insert a toothpick into the center of the cornbread layer. If it comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs, I know it is done.

Can I add vegetables to the filling?

I can easily add vegetables like corn, diced tomatoes, or even finely chopped carrots to boost flavor and nutrition without changing the structure of the dish.

Conclusion

I find this One Skillet Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole to be the perfect blend of hearty, cheesy, and comforting flavors. The rich sloppy joe base combined with fluffy golden cornbread makes it a satisfying all-in-one meal. I love how simple it is to prepare while still delivering big, homestyle flavor that everyone at the table enjoys.

📖 Recipe:

One Skillet Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Halal

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Description

A hearty one-skillet dinner featuring savory sloppy joe beef filling topped with fluffy golden cornbread and melted cheddar cheese, baked together for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
Add the chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornbread mix, egg, and milk until just combined.
Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the beef mixture and gently spread to cover.
Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool slightly before serving warm directly from the skillet.