This hearty Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is the perfect combination of savory and comforting. It layers flavorful ground beef, corn, and taco seasoning, topped with a golden cornbread crust and melted cheddar cheese. It’s an ideal dish for busy weeknights or when you need something hearty for a family meal or potluck. It’s simple to prepare and delivers a satisfying taste in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes this Cowboy Cornbread Casserole so irresistible is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The savory beef mixture with corn, tomato sauce, and taco seasoning provides a deliciously spiced base. Topping it off with cornbread batter creates a fluffy, golden crust, and the melted cheddar cheese adds the finishing touch. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish that’s quick to prepare and makes plenty for a crowd or for leftovers. Whether I’m serving it for a family dinner or a casual get-together, it’s always a hit!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup milk
1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1/2 cup sour cream (optional for serving)
1 packet taco seasoning (or 1 tablespoon homemade taco seasoning)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 box (8.5 oz) cornbread mix (such as Jiffy)
1large egg
1 tablespoon olive oil
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the corn, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
While the beef mixture is simmering, prepare the cornbread topping: In a medium bowl, combine the cornbread mix, milk, and egg. Stir until just combined—do not overmix.
Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cornbread batter over the top of the beef, spreading it out with a spatula to cover evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the cornbread batter.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden and cooked through, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Optionally, serve with a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
Vegetarian Option: Skip the ground beef and substitute with a plant-based meat alternative, like lentils or textured vegetable protein (TVP).
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for some extra heat, or sprinkle a bit of cayenne pepper in the cornbread batter.
Cornbread Flavor: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheese directly into the cornbread mix for a cheesier topping.
Toppings: Feel free to top the casserole with sour cream, fresh cilantro, or salsa for an extra burst of flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
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FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat-free option like black beans or lentils.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate it. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach for extra veggies. Just sauté them with the onions for a few minutes before adding the ground beef.
How do I know when the cornbread is done?
The cornbread is done when it turns golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Conclusion
Easy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It combines all the flavors I love, with the savory beef mixture and cheesy cornbread topping that come together perfectly in one dish. It’s simple to prepare, makes a great family meal, and is always a crowd-pleaser at gatherings. Whether I’m enjoying it for dinner or sharing it with friends, this casserole is sure to satisfy.
📖 Recipe:
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Easy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With layers of savory ground beef, corn, and taco seasoning topped with a fluffy cornbread crust and melted cheddar cheese, it’s a comforting one-pan meal that everyone will love. Simple to prepare and packed with flavor, this casserole is an easy go-to for a satisfying dinner or potluck dish.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 packet taco seasoning (or 1 tablespoon homemade taco seasoning)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 box (8.5 oz) cornbread mix (such as Jiffy)
1/4 cup milk
1 large egg
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup sour cream (optional for serving)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat.
- Stir in corn, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a separate bowl, prepare cornbread topping: combine cornbread mix, milk, and egg. Stir until just combined.
- Spread beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour cornbread batter over the top and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of cornbread.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until cornbread is golden and cooked through. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
- Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Optionally, serve with sour cream.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Freeze the casserole after baking for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Variations: Try ground turkey or plant-based options like lentils. Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper for extra heat. Top with fresh cilantro or salsa for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 350 kcal
