SLOPPY JOE CORNBREAD CASSEROLE

Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the classic flavors of Sloppy Joes with a sweet and savory cornbread topping. This hearty casserole features a rich and tangy meat filling made with ground beef, onions, and bell peppers, all simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce. Topped with a layer of golden cornbread, this dish is easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd or serving as a satisfying family meal. With its irresistible combination of textures and flavors, Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients

For the Sloppy Joe Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Cornbread Topping:

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the Sloppy Joe filling: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
3. Simmer the sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Prepare the cornbread batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, vegetable oil, and egg, and mix until well combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese if using.
5. Assemble the casserole: Spread the Sloppy Joe filling evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cornbread batter over the filling, spreading it evenly to cover the meat mixture.
6. Bake the casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice and enjoy.

Enjoy your Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole as a comforting and satisfying meal that brings together the classic flavors of Sloppy Joes with the sweetness of cornbread, making it a perfect dish for family dinners or gatherings.