Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

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

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
  4. Stir in diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes.
  5. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
  6. In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread batter according to package instructions, adding eggs, milk, and cheese.
  7. Pour the cornbread batter over the beef mixture, spreading evenly.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.
  9. 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.
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

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.

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Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

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  • Author: Kimberly
  • 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

Units Scale

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

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