Description
Easy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a hearty, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing dish made with layers of savory beef, beans, and corn, all topped with a sweet and fluffy cornbread layer. This one-pan meal is simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, or any time you crave comfort food!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Beef Layer:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel), undrained
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup (60g) shredded cheddar cheese
For the Cornbread Topping:
- 1 box (8.5 oz) cornbread mix (e.g., Jiffy)
- 1/3 cup (80ml) milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup (60g) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a large oven-safe skillet.
- Cook the Beef Mixture:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and bell pepper until the beef is browned and the vegetables are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain excess fat, if needed. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and taco seasoning. Mix well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Prepare the Cornbread Topping:
- In a medium bowl, prepare the cornbread mix according to package instructions, usually by combining the cornbread mix, milk, and egg.
- Stir in the additional 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, if using.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the beef mixture, spreading it gently with a spatula to cover the filling.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños, if desired.
Notes
- Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or the cornbread batter.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils.
- Add-ins: For extra flavor, add a can of drained pinto beans or a handful of diced cooked bacon.