Description
Hearty cowboy cornbread casserole delivers comfort with ground beef, corn, and cheesy goodness. Midwestern flavors meld in this satisfying one-pan meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Beans and Vegetables:
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 ounces / 283 grams) diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
Cornbread and Cheese:
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 box (8.5 ounces / 241 grams) cornbread mix
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup milk
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until completely browned, thoroughly draining any accumulated fat.
- Incorporate taco seasoning into the meat, then gently fold in black beans, corn kernels, and diced tomatoes, ensuring uniform distribution.
- Carefully transfer the seasoned meat mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer across the bottom.
- Generously distribute shredded cheddar cheese over the meat mixture, covering the surface completely.
- Prepare cornbread batter according to package directions, whisking together required liquid and egg until smooth.
- Delicately pour cornbread mixture over the cheese and meat layer, using a spatula to spread evenly to the edges.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown cornbread topping and checking with a toothpick for doneness.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help set the layers and improve cutting.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that maintains the hearty flavor profile.
- Add diced jalapeños or green chiles to the beef mixture for an extra kick of spice and southwestern flair.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make slicing easier, preventing the filling from becoming too runny.
- Top with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or sliced green onions just before serving to add brightness and additional layers of flavor to the dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg