Sloppy Joe's on Cornbread

Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this creative twist on a classic comfort food: Sloppy Joe's on Cornbread. Tender, savory ground beef is simmered with a tangy, slightly sweet sauce made from ketchup, tomato paste, and a touch of brown sugar, then elevated with the rich flavors of garlic, onion, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Instead of the traditional hamburger bun, this hearty mixture is served atop golden, buttery cornbread—baked fresh with a hint of sweetness for the perfect balance. With just 15 minutes of prep and ingredients you likely already have on hand, this recipe combines the rustic charm of Southern cooking with the bold, comforting flavors of Sloppy Joe's. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish is a crowd-pleasing way to serve up something both familiar and unexpected.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound Ground beef (80/20 lean)
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 Garlic cloves, minced
• 0.75 cup Ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 0.25 cup Beef broth
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.75 cup Cornmeal
• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons Granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon Baking powder
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt (for cornbread)
• 1 cup Milk
• 1 Eggs
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter, melted

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish for the cornbread.

Step 2

In a bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, combine the milk, egg, and melted butter, mixing until well combined.

Step 4

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5

Pour the cornbread batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6

While the cornbread bakes, heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.

Step 7

Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 8

Add the ketchup, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, beef broth, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper to the skillet. Stir well.

Step 9

Reduce the heat to low and simmer the Sloppy Joe mixture for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

Step 10

Once the cornbread has cooled slightly, cut it into squares and serve warm, topped with generous spoonfuls of the Sloppy Joe mixture.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1520.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3147.3

Total Fat 156.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 70.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 653.1mg	0%
Sodium 4866.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 324.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.1g	0%
Total Sugars 87.0g
Protein 117.3g	0%

Vitamin D 176.5IU	0%
Calcium 480.4mg	0%
Iron 19.7mg	0%
Potassium 2209.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.4%

Protein: 14.8%

Carbs: 40.8%