Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a rich, savory, and slightly sweet dish that’s loaded with bold flavors. This one-pan meal features seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and a cheesy cornbread topping for the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re making a cozy weeknight dinner or a dish for a potluck, this satisfying casserole will be a hit!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Servings: 6-8
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend – see notes)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
For the Cornbread Topping:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Making the Filling:
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened (about 3 minutes).
- Add the seasonings: Stir in the taco seasoning, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
- Combine the ingredients: Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese over the filling and stir to combine.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Making the Cornbread Topping:
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and melted butter.
- Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in cheese: Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
- Spread over filling: Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the beef mixture in the baking dish.
Baking:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or avocado slices.
- Enjoy warm!
Tips for the Best Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
- Use Sweet Cornbread: If you prefer a sweeter topping, increase the sugar to ½ cup.
- Make It Spicier: Add diced jalapeños to the cornbread batter or extra cayenne pepper to the filling.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a twist, swap ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Thicker Cornbread Layer: Double the cornbread batter if you want a more prominent cornbread topping.
Creative Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef and add extra beans or mushrooms for a meat-free version.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Add an extra layer of cheese between the filling and the cornbread topping.
- Slow Cooker Version: Cook the filling on low for 4-6 hours, then add the cornbread topping and cook for another 30-45 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes! Assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze Cowboy Cornbread Casserole? Absolutely! Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F for best results.
This Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is the perfect mix of hearty, cheesy, and satisfying flavors. Try it for your next family meal and enjoy a dish that’s both comforting and easy to make!
