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Tasty Cowboy Cornbread Casserole Recipe

Tasty Cowboy Cornbread Casserole Recipe


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4.7 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty cowboy cornbread casserole brings southwestern comfort to dinner tables across America. Spicy ground beef, sweet corn, and golden cornbread create a satisfying meal that connects people through delicious home cooking.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning

Vegetables and Beans:

  • 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) corn, drained
  • 1 can (10 ounces / 283 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies

Cornbread and Cheese:

  • 1 box (8.5 ounces / 241 grams) cornbread mix
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • 2/3 cup milk

Optional Toppings:

  • Sour cream
  • Chopped green onions
  • Diced jalapenos

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to a sizzling 400°F (200°C), preparing a welcoming environment for this hearty southwestern-inspired dish.
  2. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, ensuring a thorough cook and carefully draining away any excess fat to maintain a lean texture.
  3. Infuse the meat with robust flavor by stirring in taco seasoning, then gently fold in black beans, sweet corn kernels, and zesty diced tomatoes, allowing the mixture to simmer and meld together for 5 minutes.
  4. Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the seasoned beef mixture, creating an even layer as the robust foundation of the casserole.
  5. Sprinkle a blanket of sharp cheddar cheese across the meat mixture, ensuring complete coverage for maximum cheesy goodness.
  6. Prepare the cornbread batter according to package directions, whisking together eggs and milk until smooth and well-incorporated.
  7. Carefully pour and spread the golden cornbread mixture over the cheese and meat layer, creating a beautiful, even topping that will transform into a crisp, golden crust.
  8. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown cornbread surface that signals perfect doneness.
  9. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, letting the flavors settle and making it easier to serve.
  10. Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or sliced green onions for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, vegetarian-friendly version that keeps the hearty flavor intact.
  • Customize heat levels by choosing mild or spicy taco seasoning, allowing you to control the dish’s overall zestiness for different taste preferences.
  • Prepare casserole ahead of time by assembling everything except the cornbread topping, then refrigerate and add batter just before baking to maintain crisp texture.
  • Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutritional value and create a more complex flavor profile without changing the core recipe.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 377 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 540 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg