Why You’ll Love these Cheesy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Stacks
Three incredible reasons make these Cheesy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Stacks an absolute game-changer for your dinner rotation. First, they combine two comfort food classics—sloppy joes and cornbread—into one irresistible dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. The melty Monterey Jack and cheddar blend creates that perfect cheese pull with every bite.
Second, they’re surprisingly simple to prepare. Just brown your beef with onions and garlic, mix up the cornbread batter with those sweet corn kernels (both creamed and whole for amazing texture), and layer it all together. Magic happens in the oven.
Finally, talk about versatile! Need a casual weeknight dinner? Done. Looking for something to impress at potlucks? This is it. Who can resist that golden-brown cornbread edge?
What Ingredients are in Cheesy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Stacks?
The Cheesy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Stack combines hearty ground beef in a tangy sauce with sweet cornbread and melty cheese for a comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone at your dinner table. This casserole-style dish layers savory sloppy joe mixture with a moist cornbread base, creating a delicious contrast of flavors and textures that work perfectly together.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (1 3/4 ounce) package Manwich sloppy joe mix
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1 (8 ounce) box cornbread mix
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 (14 3/4 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 (14 ounce) can creamed corn
- 8 ounces Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese blend, shredded
When shopping for these ingredients, keep in mind that you can customize this recipe to your taste preferences. Want a spicier version? Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture. Not a fan of Monterey Jack? You could substitute with all cheddar or another melty cheese of your choice. The cornbread mix provides convenience, but if you prefer to make cornbread from scratch, that’s an option too—just make sure you have the basic cornmeal, flour, and leavening agents on hand. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to what you might already have in your pantry.
How to Make these Cheesy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Stacks
Start by preparing the sloppy joe mixture, which forms the heart of this delicious stack. In a large skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef along with 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves until the meat is no longer pink. Once browned, add the 1¾ ounce package of Manwich sloppy joe mix, 1¼ cups water, and 6 ounces of tomato paste. Let this simmer according to the package directions until you have a thick, flavorful meat sauce that’s just begging to be layered.
While your meat mixture is cooking, prepare the cornbread batter by combining an 8-ounce box of cornbread mix with 2 beaten eggs, ½ cup melted butter, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Now, here’s where the magic happens—fold in both a 14¾ ounce can of drained whole kernel corn and a 14-ounce can of creamed corn. This double corn approach creates a moist, flavorful cornbread that’s simply divine.
Pour this mixture into a prepared 9×13-inch casserole dish, then top with your meat mixture. Sprinkle 8 ounces of shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese blend over the top—because honestly, is there anything that cheese doesn’t make better? Bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes, or until the edges of the cornbread begin to brown and the center is set. The aroma wafting through your kitchen might just make you want to camp out in front of the oven, timer in hand. For even more convenience, you could use a slow cooker multi cooker to prepare the sloppy joe mixture while you focus on the cornbread.
Cheesy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Stacks Substitutions and Variations
Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe, let’s explore how you can personalize these mouthwatering stacks to suit your taste preferences or pantry situation.
Don’t have Monterey Jack and cheddar blend? No problem. Try pepper jack for heat, mozzarella for stretch, or even a smoky gouda. The meat mixture is just as flexible—ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work beautifully.
For a zestier flavor profile, add diced jalapeños, bell peppers, or a dash of hot sauce to your sloppy joe mix.
Can’t find cornbread mix? I like making it from scratch with cornmeal, flour, and baking powder. And those canned corns? Fresh or frozen kernels can pinch-hit in a time crunch. Just adjust your liquid ratios slightly to maintain that perfect cornbread consistency.
What to Serve with Cheesy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Stacks
Choosing perfect side dishes for your Cheesy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Stacks turns this hearty main into a complete meal worth remembering. I always think about balancing flavors and textures when pairing sides with this robust dish.
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. Try mixed greens with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light lemon dressing. Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts add color and nutrition.
For something cooler, consider coleslaw with a tangy dressing or a simple cucumber salad. Pickles work wonderfully too, their acidity contrasting with the savory meat and sweet cornbread. Can you imagine dill pickle spears alongside that cheesy goodness?
Whatever you choose, keep it light—this stack is quite filling on its own!
Final Thoughts
Three key elements make these Cheesy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Stacks a standout family meal in my kitchen rotation. First, the comforting combination of savory meat sauce and sweet cornbread creates that perfect flavor balance we all crave. Second, the versatility—you can adjust the spice level, swap proteins, or add extra veggies based on what’s in your fridge.
Third, the presentation. Who doesn’t love food that looks as good as it tastes?
What I appreciate most about this recipe is how it transforms humble ingredients into something special. The layers of textures, from the crispy cornbread edges to the gooey cheese and hearty meat filling, create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Comfort food at its finest, don’t you think?
