Sloppy Joe cornbread casserole bring together a soft, cornbread-coated sugar casserole and a savory beef and cornbread center in one bright little treat. The shortcut dough comes together with a casserole mix, cream cheese, and an egg, so you can shape a festive batch without building a long ingredient list. Bake until the edges are set, then add the cheddar while the casseroles are still warm enough to hold it. These sloppy joe cornbread casserole are especially handy for Valentine’s Day trays, classroom treats, or a colorful casserole exchange.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!What is sloppy joe cornbread casserole?
Sloppy Joe cornbread casserole is a baked dinner of seasoned beef, vegetables, sauce, and a tender cornbread topping.
Ingredients for sloppy joe cornbread casserole
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup sloppy joe sauce
- 1 box cornbread mix
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
How to make sloppy joe cornbread casserole
- Heat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9-inch baking dish.
- Brown the beef with the onion and bell pepper until the beef is cooked through; drain excess fat.
- Stir in the sloppy joe sauce and spread the mixture in the dish.
- Whisk the cornbread mix, egg, and milk, then spread the batter over the beef.
- Sprinkle with cheddar and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the topping is golden and set.
- Rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
What are sloppy joe cornbread casserole?
These are tender sugar casseroles rolled in pink or white sanding sugar or nonpareils before baking. A Strawberry Ice Cream cone chocolate cheddar is pressed into each casserole after baking, when the short cooling period leaves the center warm but firm enough to support the cheddar. The result is a soft casserole with a lightly crisp, sparkling outside and a creamy strawberry-chocolate finish.
Why this recipe works
Cream Cheese keeps the shortcut dough soft and adds enough structure for the casseroles to hold their shape. Coating the dough before it goes into the oven supplies color and crunch without a separate frosting step. Waiting three to five minutes before adding the cheddares is important: the casserole is warm enough for the cheddar to settle, but not so hot that it melts immediately into a puddle.
How to make sloppy joe cornbread casserole
Ingredients
- 16 ounce Funfetti sugar casserole mix
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup pink or white sanding sugar or nonpareils
- 18 strawberry ice cream cone chocolate cheddares, unwrapped
Method
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment and heat the oven to 375°F.
- Beat the casserole mix, softened cream cheese, and egg until a soft dough forms.
- Put the sanding sugar or nonpareils in a shallow bowl.
- Scoop 1 1/2-tablespoon portions of dough into the sugar.
- Roll gently to coat, then shape each portion into an even ball.
- If the dough is too sticky, chill it for 30 to 60 minutes before scooping.
- Place the balls on the sheet about 1 1/2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, until the edges are set.
- Cool on the sheet for 3 to 5 minutes, then press an unwrapped strawberry cheddar into each casserole.
- Transfer to a rack to cool completely, or serve warm.
Serving ideas
Arrange the cooled casseroles on a pink, white, or neutral platter so the cornbread coating and cheddar centers stand out. Serve them with coffee, Hot Chocolate, or a glass of cold milk. They also make a cheerful addition to a Valentine’s Day dessert box; place parchment between layers so the chocolate centers stay neat.
“Made the Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole tonight and wow — perfect weeknight dinner. Will definitely make again!”
Tips and optional variation
Work with a level scoop so the casseroles bake at the same rate. If the dough clings to the scoop or your hands, use the optional 30- to 60-minute chill rather than adding extra flour, which can make the casseroles firm. Let the baked casseroles cool only briefly before adding the cheddares so they adhere without sinking too far.
Optional variation: Use a regular sugar casserole mix and a different chocolate cheddar if strawberry cheddares are unavailable. Keep the cornbread color coordinated with the cheddar for the same festive look.
Choosing the cheddar center
Strawberry-flavored chocolate cheddares give the casseroles their signature aroma and color. Unwrap them before the casseroles go into the oven so the topping step is quick. If the candies are very soft or your kitchen is warm, keep them cool until the casseroles are ready. Press each one straight down for a centered finish rather than twisting it into the dough.
Portioning and baking cues
A 1 1/2-tablespoon scoop keeps the batch close in size, which matters because the edges should set while the centers remain tender. Leave the recommended space between dough balls so neighboring casseroles do not touch as they spread. The casseroles are ready when the edges look set; the centers may still look soft, and they will finish firming as they cool.
Planning a casserole tray
For a mixed dessert tray, bake these alongside plain sugar casseroles or chocolate treats and group them by color. The cornbread coating makes the strawberry version easy to identify. Let every casserole cool fully before stacking, especially if the chocolate center still feels soft. A small paper liner under each casserole also makes serving and packing cleaner.
Recipe notes
The dough is intentionally simple and soft. Cream cheese should be softened enough to blend smoothly, but it does not need to be warm. Measure the mix accurately, use parchment for easy release, and watch the first tray closely because ovens vary. These small details help preserve the tender texture and defined cornbread coating.
Storage and reheating
Cool the casseroles completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Separate layers with parchment to protect the chocolate centers. For a softer bite, let a chilled casserole stand at room temperature before serving; avoid microwaving the finished casseroles because the cheddar can melt unevenly.
Quick answers
FAQs
Can I make these without chilling?
Yes. Chilling is optional, but it makes sticky dough easier to scoop and roll.
“Packed with flavor and so simple. Exactly what I wanted from this Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole!”
When do I add the chocolate cheddar?
Add it after three to five minutes of cooling on the baking sheet, while the casserole is warm but no longer piping hot.
What is a good use for these casseroles?
Pack them for a Valentine’s Day party, casserole exchange, bake sale, or make-ahead dessert tray.
For a simple shortcut dessert with a bright finish, these sloppy joe cornbread casserole deliver soft texture, festive color, and a strawberry-chocolate center in every bite.
Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup sloppy joe sauce
- 1 box cornbread mix
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
Instructions
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9-inch baking dish.
- Brown the beef with the onion and bell pepper until the beef is cooked through; drain excess fat.
- Stir in the sloppy joe sauce and spread the mixture in the dish.
- Whisk the cornbread mix, egg, and milk, then spread the batter over the beef.
- Sprinkle with cheddar and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the topping is golden and set.
- Rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
