Description
This Easy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a hearty and comforting one-dish meal that combines a savory ground beef and corn filling with a fluffy cornbread topping, finished with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole offers a delicious blend of Tex-Mex flavors and satisfying textures all baked together in a single dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 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)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cornbread Topping
- 1 box (8.5 oz) cornbread mix (such as Jiffy)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
Toppings and Serving
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, setting it aside for later use.
- Cook the Onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Cook, breaking the meat apart, for about 6-8 minutes or until fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add the Filling Ingredients: Stir in the drained corn kernels, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
- Prepare the Cornbread Batter: In a separate bowl, combine the cornbread mix, milk, and egg. Stir just until combined; avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the beef and corn filling evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the filling, spreading gently to cover all areas.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the cornbread batter.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Optionally, serve with a dollop of sour cream on the side for added creaminess.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter version.
- Add diced jalapeños to the filling for extra spice.
- If you prefer a moister topping, drizzle a bit of melted butter over the cornbread batter before baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free cornbread mix.
