Description
Hearty cowboy cornbread casserole combines savory ground beef with sweet cornbread in a comforting Southern-style dish. Generous layers of flavor and texture invite home cooks to enjoy a classic meal that satisfies hunger and warms hearts.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Vegetables and Beans:
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 ounces / 285 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies
Dairy, Cheese, and Baking Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters / 113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 box (8.5 ounces / 241 grams) cornbread mix
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) milk
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a sizzling 400F (200C), creating the perfect environment for a hearty casserole.
- In a hot skillet, transform ground beef into crispy, browned morsels over medium heat, carefully draining away excess fat.
- Awaken the meat’s flavor by incorporating zesty taco seasoning, juicy diced tomatoes, sweet corn kernels, and robust black beans. Simmer the mixture briefly to marry the ingredients.
- Gently transfer the robust beef medley into a generously greased 9×13-inch baking vessel, creating an even foundation.
- Cascade a blanket of shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, ensuring complete coverage of the beef mixture.
- Craft the cornbread topping by blending the mix with egg and milk according to package instructions, creating a smooth, pourable batter.
- Artfully spread the cornbread mixture over the cheese layer, creating a uniform golden blanket that will transform during baking.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 20-25 minutes until the cornbread turns a delectable golden brown and becomes perfectly set.
- Pause briefly, letting the casserole rest and settle for 5 minutes before serving, allowing flavors to harmonize and making it easier to portion.
Notes
- Customize the heat level by choosing mild or spicy taco seasoning to match your preference.
- Transform this dish into a vegetarian option by replacing ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans.
- Boost nutrition by adding diced bell peppers or zucchini to the beef mixture for extra vegetables.
- Enhance flavor by topping the finished casserole with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg