This Sloppy Joe Veggie Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the classic flavors of a sloppy joe with the wholesome goodness of a veggie-packed casserole. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe offers a delicious twist on the traditional sloppy joe by layering a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef and vegetables under a blanket of golden, cheesy cornbread. The result is a satisfying, all-in-one meal that is sure to please both meat lovers and veggie enthusiasts alike. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, this casserole is a fantastic way to enjoy a beloved classic with added nutrition.
Ingredients:
- For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Cornbread Topping:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into crumbles. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, zucchini, mushrooms, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Cornbread Topping:
- In a mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Assemble and Bake the Casserole:
- Pour the Sloppy Joe filling into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Pour the cornbread batter over the top of the filling, spreading it out to cover the entire surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve:
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this hearty dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal!
