Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish packed with savory flavors. It combines seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and a deliciously sweet and savory cornbread topping. Perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings, this one-pan meal is easy to make and loved by all.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A complete meal in one dish
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Perfect for family dinners or meal prep
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Customizable with different meats, beans, and toppings
- Comfort food at its best
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Diced tomatoes
- Black beans
- Corn kernels
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Salt and pepper
- Cornbread mix
- Eggs
- Milk
- Shredded cheese
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread batter according to package instructions, adding eggs, milk, and cheese.
- Pour the cornbread batter over the beef mixture, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder for more heat.
- Different Meats: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or sausage.
- Extra Veggies: Mix in bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Cheesy Delight: Add more shredded cheese between layers for extra richness.
- Southwestern Twist: Use taco seasoning instead of chili powder and cumin.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
How do I know when the cornbread is fully cooked?
Insert a toothpick into the cornbread layer. If it comes out clean, it’s done.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
Can I use homemade cornbread instead of mix?
Absolutely! Use your favorite homemade cornbread batter instead.
What sides pair well with this dish?
A simple salad, roasted vegetables, or coleslaw work well.
Can I use a different type of bean?
Yes, pinto beans or kidney beans are great alternatives.
Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook the meat mixture first, then add the cornbread batter and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free cornbread mix and check ingredient labels.
What cheese works best in this recipe?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack cheese add great flavor.
Can I add a layer of sour cream?
Yes, spread a layer of sour cream over the beef mixture before adding cornbread batter.
How do I prevent the cornbread from getting soggy?
Let the beef mixture cool slightly before adding the cornbread batter to prevent excess moisture.
Conclusion
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a delicious, comforting dish that brings together bold flavors in a simple one-pan meal. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, potluck, or meal prep, this casserole is sure to be a hit. With plenty of variations to suit different tastes, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
PrintCowboy Cornbread Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines a savory ground beef filling with a sweet and fluffy cornbread topping. Packed with bold flavors, it’s the perfect one-pan meal for busy nights or potlucks!
Ingredients
For the Meat Filling
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (or tomato sauce)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Cornbread Topping
- 1 box (8.5 oz) cornbread mix (such as Jiffy)
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped jalapeños (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Filling: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease if needed. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Season & Simmer: Stir in the diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, taco seasoning, and barbecue sauce. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Make the Cornbread Batter: In a mixing bowl, prepare the cornbread mix according to the package instructions by combining it with the egg and milk. Stir in ½ cup of shredded cheese and jalapeños (if using).
- Assemble & Bake: Pour the meat mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread the cornbread batter evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Serve: Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with sour cream, salsa, or fresh cilantro on top!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili powder.
- Swap out ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken for a fun variation.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *