Modified: Nov 12, 2025 · Published: Nov 5, 2025 by LaKita · This post may contain affiliate links.

Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe (with Cornbread Base + Video)

This hearty and comforting Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is easy to make and sure to satisfy the whole family. It's loaded with sloppy joe beef, sweet cornbread, and shredded cheddar cheese.

Updated November 2025 to include new step-by-step tips, serving suggestions, and a FAQ section. Originally posted April 9, 2015.

Overhead view of finished casserole in white baking dish topped with fresh chopped parsley.

If you've just dragged yourself home after a long day and still need to get dinner on the table, this Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole has your back. It layers a sweet Jiffy-style cornbread base, saucy sloppy joe beef, and plenty of melted cheddar into one bubbly, comforting bake that feeds a hungry table with minimal effort.

I've been making some version of this casserole for years, and it's become one of the most-loved recipes on Simply LaKita. Just check out the comments and star ratings from readers who've added it to their regular dinner rotation. It uses budget-friendly pantry staples, leans on box cornbread mix for speed, and still brings that cozy, made-from-home taste my family grew up with. (You can also browse more easy casseroles and cornbread recipes in the links below the recipe card.)

Let's get started!

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Before You Cook, Read This
📖 Recipe
Recipe Tips & Tricks
Storage Tips
What to Serve with Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole
Recipe FAQs

Before You Cook, Read This

Overhead view of ingredients needed to make casserole in separate bowls and containers.

The Vibe

Think weeknight sloppy joes, but baked as a cozy casserole with a sweet cornbread base and a cheesy, saucy topping. It's kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and feels like a mash-up of a skillet dinner and a potluck favorite.

What You Gotta Know

Layered, not mixed: The cornbread bakes first, so it can set before you add the meat and cheese. This keeps the base from getting soggy.
A little sweet, a little savory: The cream-style corn and Jiffy-style mix add sweetness that balances the savory sloppy joe sauce and cheddar.
Pan size matters: The recipe is written for a 9x13-inch dish. Using a smaller dish will change the bake time and thickness of the cornbread layer.
Use lean ground beef: Draining excess fat keeps the topping saucy without turning greasy.

Tools You'll Need

1 large mixing bowl for the cornbread batter
1 large skillet or braiser for the sloppy joe mixture
1 9x13-inch baking dish for layering and baking the casserole

Overhead view of sloppy joe casserole in white baking dish topped with chopped parsley.

Best Bite Alert

The best bites are from the center where the cornbread has soaked up some of the sloppy joe sauce, but still has a little crust around the edges. Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving so it slices cleanly and the layers hold together.

📖 Recipe

Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole Recipe

LaKita Anderson

Make this easy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole with a sweet cornbread base, saucy ground beef, and melted cheddar. A cozy, family-friendly weeknight dinner.

4.83 from 17 votes

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Video

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 273 kcal

Equipment

1 large mixing bowl
1 large skillet or braiser
1 9x13-inch rectangle baking dish

Ingredients

1 8.5 ounces cornbread mix
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
⅓ cup whole milk
1 large egg
1 can cream-style sweet corn (14.75 ounces)
1 24 ounces sloppy joe sauce, divided in half
1 tablespoon butter
½ cup yellow or white onion, diced
1 large green bell pepper, chopped into smaller pieces
1 pound lean ground beef
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Begin the casserole recipe by preheating the oven to 400 degrees F. and lightly spraying a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
In a medium-sized bowl, add the 8.5 ounce box of Jiffy mix, ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, ⅓ cup whole milk, 1 large egg, and a (14.75 ounces) whole can of cream-style corn. Stir well until combined.
Pour into the prepared baking dish. Place it into the preheated oven to bake for about 15 minutes, until it begins to softly set.
While the cornbread base is baking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the 1 tablespoon butter. Once the butter has melted, add the ½ cup diced onion and 1 large bell pepper.
Cook until it begins to soften, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the pound of ground beef to the skillet and cook until the beef is no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat/oil if necessary.
Add half of the 24 ounce can of sloppy joe sauce to the pan, about 12 ounces along with the 1 pound beef and cook until it is heated thoroughly. Carefully remove the golden brown cornbread from the oven and use a fork to prick holes all over the top of the cornbread.
Pour the remaining half (12 ounces) of the sloppy joe sauce evenly over the top of the cornbread. Evenly add the ground beef mixture over the baked cornbread and top with 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese.
Return the casserole to the oven to bake for about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve the sloppy joe casserole while it is still warm. Enjoy!

Notes

You may use an 8.5-ounce box of cornbread mix for a thinner base or a 15-ounce mix for a thicker layer. If using the larger box, the cornbread may need an extra couple of minutes in the oven during the first bake.
Sloppy joes are traditionally made with ground beef, but ground turkey or chicken can be substituted using the same amount.
If your sloppy joe sauce is very thick, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of water to loosen it slightly before layering it over the cornbread.

Calories: 273kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 21gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 92mgSodium: 406mgPotassium: 374mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 498IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 228mgIron: 2mg

The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

Keyword sloppy joe casserole

Tried This Recipe?Leave a comment below or tag @simplylakita on social!

Recipe Tips & Tricks

Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet casserole, use a more savory cornbread mix or swap the cream-style corn for regular canned corn (drained).
Make it a little spicy: Stir a pinch of cayenne, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños into the sloppy joe mixture for a gentle kick.
Bulk it up with veggies: Add finely chopped carrots, celery, or mushrooms to the onion and bell pepper to stretch the meat and sneak in extra veggies.
Try different proteins: Lean ground beef is classic, but ground turkey or chicken also work well. Just don't skip seasoning and tasting as you go.
Let it rest before serving: Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes so the layers set and cutting neat squares is easier.

Overhead view of baked casserole in white dish on black tile surface.

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Storage Tips

Storage: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the casserole, covered, in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Freezing: This casserole can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven. Have a little extra sloppy joe sauce on hand to add moisture if needed.

What to Serve with Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole

This casserole is rich and hearty, so simple sides work best. Try it with:

A crisp green salad or coleslaw
Steamed or roasted vegetables
Green beans, corn, or a simple side salad
A light dessert like fruit or cookies to finish the meal

Black plate with serving of casserole on it by a fork on black tile surface.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes. You can bake the cornbread base, cool it completely, and cover the dish tightly. Prepare the sloppy joe mixture and store it separately in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, layer the sauce, meat, and cheese over the cornbread and bake until hot and bubbly.

Can I use homemade sloppy joe sauce instead of canned?

Absolutely. Use about 24 ounces (3 cups) of your favorite homemade sloppy joe sauce in place of the canned sauce.

How do I keep the cornbread from getting soggy?

Be sure to par-bake the cornbread until it's softly set before adding the sloppy joe sauce. Also, drain any excess grease from the ground beef so the topping stays saucy, not oily or watery.

Can I halve the recipe?

Yes. You can halve all of the ingredients and bake the casserole in an 8x8-inch or 9x9-inch dish. The bake time may be slightly shorter, so keep an eye on it.

How spicy is this casserole?

As written, it's mild and kid-friendly. To add heat, stir in cayenne, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños to the sloppy joe mixture.

Close up overhead view of serving of casserole on black plate with fork in it.

If you try this Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole, be sure to let me know how it turns out! Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and a comment below, or snap a photo and tag @simplylakita so I can see your cozy casserole night.

Looking for more comfort food with soul? Try my Chicken and Broccoli Casserole and Southern Baked Beans next.

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Comments

4.83 from 17 votes (4 ratings without comment)