Craving a comfort food explosion that'll make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds? Get ready to meet the ultimate weeknight dinner champion: Sloppy Joes Cornbread Casserole! This mouthwatering marvel combines the classic messy goodness of sloppy joes with the irresistible sweetness of cornbread, creating a one-pan wonder that's about to become your new obsession. Imagine a dish so delicious, it transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that'll have everyone at the table fighting for the last bite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup sloppy joe sauce
- 1 package cornbread mix
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Cook, breaking the meat apart with a spatula, until the beef is browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Once the beef is cooked, stir in the sloppy joe sauce. Mix well and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- While the beef mixture is simmering, prepare the cornbread mix according to the package instructions in a separate bowl. This usually involves combining the mix with water and possibly an egg, depending on the brand.
- In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread the sloppy joe mixture evenly across the bottom.
- Pour the prepared cornbread batter over the sloppy joe mixture, spreading it gently to cover the entire surface.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top of the cornbread batter. This will create a delicious cheesy crust as it bakes.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set a little and make it easier to cut.
- Serve the Sloppy Joes Cornbread Casserole warm, garnished with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your hearty, flavorful dish!
Tips
- Drain excess fat from the ground beef to prevent a greasy casserole and ensure a cleaner, more concentrated flavor.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Use a high-quality cornbread mix for the best texture and taste. Some brands produce fluffier results than others.
- Make sure to spread the cornbread batter evenly to create a consistent golden-brown top.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make cutting easier.
- For a lighter version, you can use lean ground beef or even ground turkey.
- Experiment with different types of cheese – cheddar, Mexican blend, or pepper jack can add exciting variations to the dish.
- If you like a bit of heat, add a dash of hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 65mg
