Sloppy Joe Casserole Cheesy Family Dinner Recipe

Name: Sloppy Joe Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box cornbread mix (8.5 ounces); ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese; ⅓ cup whole milk; 1 large egg; 1 can cream-style sweet corn (14.75 ounces); 1 tablespoon butter; ½ cup diced onion; 1 large green bell pepper, finely chopped; 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 can sloppy joe sauce (24 ounces, divided); 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

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“Ever crave that messy, saucy Sloppy Joe flavor without the sandwich hassle?” That’s exactly how this Sloppy Joe Casserole was born in my kitchen one busy weeknight. It’s hearty, cheesy, and loaded with comfort in every bite, perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or turning leftovers into something special. Imagine the classic flavors you love baked into a creamy, golden casserole that feeds everyone with ease.

If you loved my Cheesy Cheeseburger Pie Casserole, this Sloppy Joe Casserole will be your next favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something extra satisfying about this Sloppy Joe Casserole that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. It’s the perfect mix of comfort and convenience, blending rich flavors with a simple, foolproof method.

Here’s why it stands out:
• Quick and easy to prepare, ideal for busy evenings when time is short.
• Uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients you probably already have at home.
• One-pan preparation makes cleanup effortless and stress-free.
• Customizable with homemade sauce, extra veggies, or your favorite level of spice.
• Family-friendly and freezer-ready for meal prep or leftovers.
• Delivers that classic Sloppy Joe taste in a creamy, cheesy baked form that feels like pure comfort food.

Ingredients Needed

Everything you need for this Sloppy Joe Casserole comes together easily using pantry staples and a few fresh additions.

Ingredients for Sloppy Joe Casserole including beef, cheese, corn, bell pepper, and cornbread mix — Fresh and colorful ingredients for making Sloppy Joe Casserole

For the Cornbread Base:
• 1 box of cornbread mix, about 8.5 ounces
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese for extra flavor
• ⅓ cup whole milk to keep the texture moist
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 can of cream-style sweet corn, 14.75 ounces

For the Filling:
• 1 tablespoon butter to sauté the vegetables
• ½ cup diced onion, yellow or white
• 1 large green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 pound lean ground beef for a hearty base
• 1 can sloppy joe sauce, 24 ounces, divided in half

For the Topping:
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, or more to taste

These simple ingredients create a casserole that’s rich, cheesy, and bursting with flavor in every bite.

How to Make Sloppy Joe Casserole

Follow these simple steps to create a comforting and cheesy Sloppy Joe Casserole that brings everyone to the table happy and full.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray. This ensures the cornbread base won’t stick and helps you serve perfect slices later.

Step 2: Mix the Cornbread Base

In a medium bowl, add the cornbread mix, shredded cheddar cheese, whole milk, egg, and cream-style corn. Stir until the batter is smooth and evenly combined.

Mixing cornbread base with cheese, corn, milk, and egg for Sloppy Joe Casserole — Prepare the cornbread base by mixing ingredients until smooth

Step 3: Bake the Base

Pour the cornbread mixture into your prepared baking dish. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes until the top begins to firm up but is still slightly soft in the center. This creates the flavorful base for your casserole.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

While the cornbread base bakes, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Add the diced onion and chopped green bell pepper. Cook for two to three minutes until softened and aromatic. This builds the flavor foundation for the filling.

Step 5: Cook the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish light and balanced.

Ground beef, onions, and bell peppers cooking in a skillet for Sloppy Joe Casserole — Sauté vegetables and brown the ground beef to build flavor for the casserole

Step 6: Add the Sauce

Stir in half of the sloppy joe sauce, about twelve ounces, and cook until the mixture is hot and the sauce thickens slightly. The beef should be well coated with a glossy, rich sauce.

Step 7: Assemble the Casserole

Remove the baked cornbread from the oven and use a fork to gently prick holes all over the top. Pour the remaining sloppy joe sauce evenly over the cornbread. Spread the beef mixture evenly on top to cover the surface.

Step 8: Add the Cheese and Bake Again

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for ten to fifteen minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite of this hearty family favorite.

Baked Sloppy Joe Casserole with melted cheddar cheese ready to serve — Serve the hot, cheesy Sloppy Joe Casserole straight from the oven

Homemade Sloppy Joe Sauce (Optional)

If you prefer to skip the canned version and make your own sauce from scratch, this simple homemade Sloppy Joe sauce adds a fresh, balanced flavor that complements the casserole beautifully. It’s sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of savory.

Ingredients for the Sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce or ketchup
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make It

Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, then sauté for two to three minutes until softened and fragrant.
Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and smoked paprika. Mix well until the ingredients are fully combined.
Simmer the sauce for five to seven minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors blend together.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

This sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to one week. It’s also perfect for burgers, sandwiches, or other casseroles that need a bold, tangy kick.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Sloppy Joe Casserole is incredibly versatile, making it a great fit for family dinners, parties, or even meal prep. Here are some creative ways to serve it and fun variations to try.

Serving Ideas

Serve your casserole straight from the oven while it’s warm and bubbly. Pair it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It also goes beautifully with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted corn, or garlic bread.
For a casual dinner, scoop generous portions into bowls and top with a spoonful of sour cream or a sprinkle of green onions.

Make It Spicy

If you love a little heat, stir in chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper when cooking the ground beef. A drizzle of hot sauce on top before baking adds an extra punch of flavor.

Add Extra Veggies

Sneak in more nutrition by adding diced carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms to the beef mixture. They blend in easily with the sauce and add extra texture and color.

Try a Different Cheese

Switch things up by using pepper jack, mozzarella, or Colby cheese instead of cheddar. Each one melts beautifully and gives a new flavor twist to the dish.

Make It with Turkey or Chicken

For a lighter version, replace the ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken. It keeps the same great flavor while cutting down on fat.

Turn It into Mini Casseroles

Bake the mixture in individual ramekins or muffin tins for a fun party version. These single servings are perfect for potlucks or game day gatherings.

Whether you serve it family-style or in smaller portions, this Sloppy Joe Casserole always delivers comfort, flavor, and plenty of melted cheese in every bite.

Storage, Make-Ahead, and Freezing

One of the best things about this Sloppy Joe Casserole is how easy it is to prepare in advance and store for later meals. Proper storage keeps the casserole fresh and delicious.

Refrigerate

After baking, allow the casserole to cool slightly. Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for three to four days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Freeze

This casserole freezes exceptionally well. Assemble the casserole without baking it, or freeze leftovers after cooking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven at 350°F.

To ensure your Sloppy Joe Casserole stays safe while frozen, follow proper storage guidelines as outlined by the FDA’s food safety guidelines for potentially hazardous foods.

Make-Ahead

You can prepare the casserole up to three days in advance. Assemble all layers, cover it with foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake. When it’s time to cook, allow it to sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes, then bake at 350°F until bubbly and heated through.

This flexibility makes it ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd without the stress of last-minute cooking.

Conclusion

This Sloppy Joe Casserole is the ultimate weeknight comfort dish. It combines hearty ground beef, savory sauce, melty cheese, and a soft cornbread base into one delicious, family-friendly meal. Whether you are feeding a hungry crowd or preparing a cozy dinner for your loved ones, this casserole is simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to please.

Not only is it quick and easy to make, but it’s also perfect for meal prep, make-ahead dinners, or freezing for later. The creamy, cheesy texture paired with the classic Sloppy Joe flavors makes every bite comforting and memorable.

If you tried this recipe, leave a comment and a star rating to let us know how it turned out. Share your favorite variations on Pinterest, Facebook, or Instagram and tag us. We would love to see how you made this casserole your own. What ingredients or twists did you try? Let us know below.

FAQs

What is the difference between sloppy joes and sloppy jane?

Sloppy Joes are typically made with ground beef in a sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce served on a hamburger bun. Sloppy Janes use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative but follow the same flavor profile. The substitution makes the dish lower in fat while still maintaining the classic saucy texture.

What is in cowboy casserole?

Cowboy casserole usually includes ground beef, corn, beans, cheese, and a tomato-based sauce baked together. It often features a cornbread or mashed potato topping. The flavors are hearty and slightly smoky, making it a popular comfort food for family dinners.

What is a NJ style sloppy joe?

A New Jersey style Sloppy Joe is different from the traditional version. It consists of thinly sliced deli meats, Swiss cheese, coleslaw, and Russian dressing, usually served on a soft sandwich roll. The flavor is tangy and layered rather than the saucy ground beef typical of the classic Sloppy Joe.

How do you make old fashioned sloppy joes?

Old fashioned Sloppy Joes are made by browning ground beef with diced onions and sometimes bell peppers, then simmering it in a tomato-based sauce with ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Serve them on hamburger buns for the classic messy, saucy sandwich experience.