Prices might have increased slightly, especially the hamburger meat. That being said you should still be able to make this for around $20, even in 2026.
When you need to feed a hungry family without emptying your wallet, creativity in the kitchen is your best friend. In the latest edition of Tasty Tuesdays on a $20 Budget, we are leaning into some classic Midwestern and Southern comfort by combining two all-time favorites: Sloppy Joes and Cornbread.
The best part? This entire hearty meal feeds 4 to 6 people and rings in at under $15 for the core ingredients (and well under $20 even if you need to buy a few pantry staples!). It’s sweet, savory, a little bit smoky, and guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table.
Lets break down how to make this comforting skillet meal right at home.
The Budget Breakdown (Under $15! As of Sept, 2025)
Shopping smart makes all the difference. Here is quick look at what was picked up for this recipe:
- Ground Beef (approx. 2 lbs): $8.36
- Shredded Cheese: $1.97
- Ketchup: $1.37
- Tomato Sauce (15 oz): $0.78
- Sweet Yellow Cornbread Mix: $0.78
- Green Bell Pepper: $0.48
- Yellow Onion: $0.37
- Grand Total: $14.76
Note: You will also need a few everyday pantry staples like an egg, a splash of milk, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and your favorite seasonings.
Ingredients
For the Cornbread:
- 1 package Sweet Yellow Cornbread Mix (such as Martha White)
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 1 Egg, beaten
For the Sloppy Joe Mix:
- 2 lbs Ground Beef
- 1 Yellow Onion, diced
- 1 Green Bell Pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) Tomato Sauce
- Approx. 1/2 cup Ketchup
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Seasonings to taste: Salt, black pepper, paprika, red pepper flakes, or your favorite BBQ rub
- Shredded cheese for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Cornbread
- Preheat your oven or outdoor grill (like a Pit Boss) to 400 degrees.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the beaten egg and milk. Gently stir in the cornbread mix until the batter is nice and smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 8-inch baking pan.
- Bake for about 8 minutes (or until golden brown and cooked through). Once done, flip it out of the pan and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef & Veggies
- Heat up a large cast-iron skillet. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Toss in your diced onion and green bell pepper. Cook the vegetables with the meat until they begin to soften.
Step 3: Build the Sloppy Joe Sauce
- Lower the heat and pour in the 15 oz can of tomato sauce and the ketchup.
- Add the brown sugar and a few generous splashes of Worcestershire sauce to bring in that perfect balance of sweet and tangy depth.
- Stir in your spices: salt, pepper, paprika, a dash of red pepper flakes for heat, and a bit of BBQ rub to elevate the flavor profile.
- Let the mixture simmer together so all the flavors meld into a thick, rich sauce.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve!
- Top the simmering Sloppy Joe mixture with a generous layer of shredded cheese.
- Slice your golden cornbread into squares and place them right on top of the cheesy skillet mix.
- Scoop deep into the skillet to get a perfect spoonful of saucy meat, melted cheese, and sweet cornbread in every single bite!
Pro-Tip for Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover cornbread the next day, try the classic Oklahoma way of enjoying it: crumble it up into a glass, pour cold milk over it, and eat it with a spoon. It completely soaks up the milk and makes for an amazing, nostalgic treat!