This One Skillet Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dinner that brings together the classic taste of Sloppy Joes with a golden, cheesy cornbread topping. Made in just one pan, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal with minimal cleanup. Sweet, savory, and satisfying, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pan meal: Everything cooks in the same skillet for easy prep and even easier cleanup.
Sweet and savory combo: Sloppy Joe filling with sweet cornbread creates the perfect flavor balance.
Quick to prepare: From stovetop to oven to table in just 40 minutes.
Cheesy cornbread topping: Melted cheddar adds richness and depth.
Customizable: Use store-bought or homemade Sloppy Joe sauce, and adjust veggies or spices as desired.
Kid-friendly: A comforting, familiar dish that’s easy to serve and eat.

Ingredients

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

1 lb ground beef
½ onion, diced
½ green bell pepper, diced
15 oz Sloppy Joe sauce (*see below for homemade option)
7 oz Martha White Sweet Yellow Cornbread muffin mix
½ cup milk
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Homemade Sloppy Joe Sauce (optional):

¾ cup ketchup
½ cup beef broth
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F.
In an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion and green bell pepper until the beef is browned and cooked through.
Drain the excess fat from the skillet.
Stir in the Sloppy Joe sauce (store-bought or homemade). Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
In a small bowl, mix the cornbread muffin mix with milk, egg, and shredded cheese until just combined.
Pour the cornbread mixture evenly over the top of the beef mixture in the skillet.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.
Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: Approximately 432 kcal per serving

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken: A lighter protein option with the same great flavor.
Spice it up: Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper, or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
Different cheese: Try pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend for a new twist.
Add beans: Mix in black beans or pinto beans for extra heartiness and fiber.
Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free cornbread mix if needed.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing:
Freeze fully baked and cooled casserole portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Reheat in the microwave in 30–60 second intervals or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make this without an oven-safe skillet?

Yes. Cook the filling in a regular skillet, then transfer it to a greased baking dish before adding the cornbread topping and baking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready, assemble with the cornbread topping and bake.

What vegetables can I add?

Chopped mushrooms, corn, or shredded zucchini are great additions to bulk up the dish.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free cheese alternative and a plant-based milk in the cornbread topping.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not inherently. It has a sweet and tangy flavor from the Sloppy Joe sauce, but you can spice it up with added chili or hot sauce.

What if I don’t have cornbread mix?

You can make a quick homemade version using flour, cornmeal, baking powder, sugar, and milk. Or use your favorite cornbread recipe.

Can I use BBQ sauce instead of Sloppy Joe sauce?

Yes, BBQ sauce can be used in a pinch for a smoky twist on the flavor.

Will the cornbread be soggy?

No — it bakes up golden and fluffy on top while slightly absorbing the flavorful meat mixture below, creating a moist but not soggy topping.

How do I know when the cornbread is done?

The top should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch baking dish. You may need to extend the bake time slightly.

Conclusion

One Skillet Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole is the ultimate weeknight comfort meal — warm, satisfying, and packed with flavor. The sweet and savory Sloppy Joe base paired with a cheesy golden cornbread topping makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious. Serve it straight from the skillet for a no-fuss, all-in-one dinner that everyone will ask for again.