Why You’ll Love these Cheesy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Stacks
Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner or a fun twist on two comfort food classics, these Cheesy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Stacks are about to become your new favorite. The combination of savory, slightly sweet cornbread with that tangy, meaty sloppy joe filling creates the perfect flavor marriage.
What makes this recipe so special? For starters, it’s incredibly versatile. Serving a picky family? No problem—everyone can customize their stack. Plus, that melty layer of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese brings everything together in gooey harmony.
I’m particularly fond of how the cornbread base soaks up just enough of the sloppy joe sauce without getting mushy. And can we talk about that contrast of textures? Tender meat, fluffy cornbread, and stretchy cheese in every bite. Comfort food perfection.
What Ingredients are in Cheesy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Stacks?
Creating a delicious Cheesy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Stack is easier than you might think. This comforting dish combines the savory, slightly tangy flavor of sloppy joe meat with sweet cornbread and gooey cheese for a meal that’s sure to please even picky eaters. It’s basically a flavor explosion that happens to look pretty impressive when it all comes together on your plate.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 package (1¾ ounce) Manwich sloppy joe mix
- 1¼ cups water
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1 box (8 ounce) cornbread mix
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 can (14¾ ounce) whole kernel corn, drained
- 1 can (14 ounce) creamed corn
- 8 ounces Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese blend, shredded
When shopping for these ingredients, you might consider choosing a leaner ground beef if you’re watching fat content, though the 80/20 mix will give you more flavor. For the cheese, pre-shredded works fine, but grating your own usually results in better melting.
And don’t skimp on the cornbread layer—it’s what makes this dish so special. The combination of both whole kernel and creamed corn gives it an amazing texture that perfectly complements the saucy meat mixture.
How to Make these Cheesy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Stacks
To start making these mouthwatering stacks, you’ll want to brown 1 pound of ground beef with 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves in a large skillet. This aromatic base is what gives our sloppy joe mixture its deep, savory flavor. Once the beef is no longer pink, add the 1 ¾ ounce package of Manwich sloppy joe mix, 1 ¼ cups water, and 6 ounces of tomato paste. Let this simmer until you’ve got that perfect thick, tangy sauce that clings to your spoon. The fragrance alone will have everyone wandering into the kitchen asking when dinner’s ready.
While your meat mixture is cooking, prepare the cornbread batter by combining the 8-ounce box of cornbread mix with 2 beaten eggs, ½ cup melted butter, and ¼ teaspoon salt. The secret to extra moist cornbread? Fold in a 14 ¾ ounce can of drained whole kernel corn and a 14-ounce can of creamed corn. This double-corn approach creates the most tender, flavorful base for our stacks.
Pour this mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, top with your sloppy joe mixture, and then sprinkle generously with 8 ounces of shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese blend. Using a quality gourmet cookware set will ensure even heating and perfect results every time. Pop it into a 350°F oven for about 45 minutes, or until you notice the edges of the cornbread turning that beautiful golden brown. The aroma of cheesy, corny, beefy goodness will fill your kitchen, making those 45 minutes feel like forever. Worth the wait? Absolutely.
Cheesy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Stacks Substitutions and Variations
Many home cooks find themselves wondering what to do when they’re missing an ingredient or craving a twist on this hearty dish. Let me help you customize these stacks to suit your taste! You can swap ground beef for turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter option. No Manwich mix? No problem. Create your own sauce using ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of vinegar.
The cheese is totally flexible too—pepper jack adds a nice kick, while colby creates a milder flavor profile. Can’t do dairy? Dairy-free shredded alternatives melt surprisingly well here. For the cornbread layer, adding diced jalapeños or green chiles brings welcome heat. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try subbing half the water with buttermilk for extra-tender cornbread. So many possibilities!
What to Serve with Cheesy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Stacks
While these Cheesy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Stacks shine as the star of your dinner table, they deserve supporting players that complement their hearty, savory-sweet profile. I love pairing them with a crisp garden salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Think fresh greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta.
Need something more substantial? Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts make excellent companions. Their caramelized edges add textural contrast to the soft cornbread and saucy beef.
For a cooling element, consider a simple coleslaw with a light, creamy dressing. The crunch works wonders against the tender casserole. And honestly, who can resist some dill pickles or pickle spears on the side? Their acidity brightens each bite perfectly.
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Sloppy Joe Cornbread Stacks have become my go-to recipe whenever I need comfort food that satisfies the whole family. The combination of savory beef with tangy Manwich sauce, layered with sweet cornbread and topped with gooey cheese, creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
I love how this casserole transforms a classic sandwich into something more substantial, more shareable. Don’t you think there’s something magical about cornbread soaking up all those sloppy joe juices? The beauty is in its simplicity—familiar ingredients coming together in a new way.
Whether you’re feeding picky kids, entertaining guests, or just treating yourself after a long day, this dish delivers. It’s comfort food elevated, but not complicated. Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that feel like a warm hug.