Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

This Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines flavorful ground beef with a golden, fluffy cornbread topping. It’s a one-pan meal that’s easy to make, perfect for family dinners, or casual gatherings. Packed with bold flavors, textures, and topped with melty cheese, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole offers the ultimate comfort food experience with its savory ground beef filling, seasoned to perfection, paired with a soft and delicious cornbread topping. The mix of black beans, corn, salsa, and green chiles adds a punch of flavor to the dish, while the cheesy layer makes it extra satisfying. It’s quick to prepare, bakes in just 40 minutes, and can be easily customized with your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, or salsa. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a gathering with friends and family, this casserole is sure to hit the spot.

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef

• 1 cup diced onion

• 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (or 1 store-bought packet)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 (14.5-ounce) can black beans, drained

• 1 (14.5-ounce) can corn, drained

• 24-ounce jar thick salsa

• 4-ounce can green chiles

• 2 cups shredded cheese (pepper jack and cheddar are great options)

For the Cornbread Topping:

• 1 (8.5-ounce) box Jiffy cornbread muffin mix

• 1 (14-ounce) can creamed corn

• 2 tablespoons milk

• 1 egg

• ¼ cup sour cream

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onions, cooking until the beef is browned, about 6-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

3. Add the taco seasoning, salt, pepper, salsa, corn, beans, and green chiles to the skillet. Mix until well combined and turn off the heat.

4. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the beef mixture.

5. In a medium bowl, combine the Jiffy cornbread mix, creamed corn, milk, egg, and sour cream. Mix until smooth.

6. Spread the cornbread topping evenly over the beef and cheese in the skillet.

7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is cooked through and golden brown.

8. Serve with your favorite taco toppings, such as sour cream, avocado, or salsa.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or tomatoes to the beef mixture for more flavor and texture.

• Spicy Kick: For some heat, add diced jalapeños to the beef filling or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking.

• Make it Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for black beans, lentils, or a plant-based protein to make this casserole vegetarian.

• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend to customize the flavor.

• Salsa Varieties: Try different types of salsa—like mango or pineapple salsa—for a sweet twist on the dish.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Cowboy Cornbread Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings or place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, until heated through. The cornbread topping may lose some of its crispiness after reheating, but it will still be delicious!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cornbread mix?

Yes, you can use any cornbread mix you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the ingredients based on the instructions of the brand you’re using.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve, adding an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if necessary.

3. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. To freeze, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

4. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken works great as a leaner option. The flavor will still be delicious with the seasoning and toppings.

5. How do I make this casserole spicier?

You can add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or use a spicy salsa to increase the heat.

6. Can I make this dish in a regular casserole dish?

Yes, you can use a 9×13-inch casserole dish instead of an oven-safe skillet. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if necessary, as some casserole dishes may cook faster.

7. Can I add sour cream to the filling?

Yes, you can stir a little sour cream into the beef filling for a creamier texture and added tang.

8. What can I serve with Cowboy Cornbread Casserole?

This casserole pairs perfectly with a simple side salad, guacamole, or extra salsa for dipping.

9. Can I use fresh corn instead of canned corn?

Yes, fresh or frozen corn can be used in place of canned corn. Just be sure to cook it first if using fresh corn.

10. Can I make this casserole without the salsa?

If you don’t have salsa, you can substitute with diced tomatoes and a bit of chili powder or taco seasoning for the same flavor profile.

Conclusion

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is the perfect comfort food that combines savory beef, seasoned vegetables, and a fluffy cornbread topping. It’s easy to make, bursting with bold flavors, and can be enjoyed by the whole family. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this casserole is sure to become a favorite! Enjoy it with your favorite taco toppings and make it your own!

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