Introduction
Take your childhood favorite to the next level with this Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich – all the messy, saucy goodness you love, transformed into an easy-to-serve baked masterpiece. Imagine layers of savory Manwich-seasoned beef, melty cheese, and buttery cornbread topping that bakes up golden and crisp. This is weeknight comfort food at its finest, ready in just 40 minutes from start to finish!
Why This Casserole Beats Regular Sloppy Joes
No more messy buns – all the flavor without the drips
Perfect texture contrast – crispy top, saucy middle
Feeds a crowd – easily doubles for potlucks
Kid-approved with familiar flavors
The magic happens when the cornbread topping soaks up just enough of that signature Manwich sauce while baking, creating the perfect balance between moist and crispy in every bite.
Ingredients for Comfort Food Bliss
For the Sloppy Joe Layer
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
- 1 can Manwich sauce (15 oz)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
For the Cornbread Topping
- 1 box cornbread mix (8.5 oz)
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Pro Tip: Use 85/15 ground beef for ideal fat content
Step-by-Step Assembly
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Grease 9×13″ baking dish
2. Make the Sloppy Joe Base
- Brown beef with onion and pepper in skillet
- Drain excess fat
- Stir in Manwich sauce and Worcestershire
- Simmer 5 minutes
- Spread evenly in prepared dish
3. Prepare Cornbread Topping
- Whisk cornbread mix with egg and milk
- Fold in ½ cup cheese
- Drop spoonfuls over meat mixture
- Gently spread to cover
4. Bake to Perfection
- Top with remaining cheese
- Bake 20-25 minutes until golden
- Let stand 5 minutes before serving
Chef’s Secrets for Best Results
Sauté veggies first for deeper flavor
Add jalapeños for spicy version
Layer cheese – some mixed in, some on top
Broil last 2 minutes for extra crispiness
Serving Suggestions
Classic Pairings:
- Crisp green salad
- Pickle spears on the side
- Potato chips for crunch
Make It a Meal:
- Serve with roasted veggies
- Add baked beans
- Top with sour cream and chives
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overmixing cornbread (makes it tough)
Skipping the rest time (helps set layers)
Using lean beef (loses flavor)
Overbaking (dries out cornbread)
Creative Variations
For Different Tastes:
- Tex-Mex: Add taco seasoning and corn
- BBQ twist: Mix in barbecue sauce
- Vegetarian: Use plant-based crumbles
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Assemble unbaked, refrigerate up to 24 hours.
Q: How to store leftovers?
A: 3-4 days refrigerated – reheat in oven.
Q: Can I use homemade cornbread?
A: Absolutely! Prepare your favorite recipe.
Q: What if I don’t have Manwich?
A: Make your own with ketchup, mustard, and spices.
Conclusion
This Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich takes all the nostalgic flavor of your childhood favorite and transforms it into an easy, shareable baked dish. With its perfect balance of saucy meat and golden cornbread, it’s comfort food that feels fresh and new.
Print
Sloppy Joe Casserole with Manwich: A Comfort Food Classic Reinvented
- Total Time: 40 mins
Description
Combine the classic flavors of Sloppy Joes with the comforting warmth of a casserole in this delicious and easy-to-make dish. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this Sloppy Joe Casserole is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 can (15 oz) Manwich Sloppy Joe sauce
1 can (8 oz) crescent roll dough
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup frozen corn, thawed
1/2 cup diced onions
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and green bell pepper, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the Manwich Sloppy Joe sauce and thawed corn. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture is well combined and heated through.
Pour the Sloppy Joe mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Unroll the crescent roll dough and layer it over the Sloppy Joe mixture, covering the entire surface.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crescent roll dough is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
