Description
Hearty cowboy cornbread casserole blends savory southwestern flavors into one comforting dish perfect for family dinners. Spicy ground beef, sweet corn, and cheesy cornbread create a delicious meal that will satisfy hungry appetites with its rustic southwestern charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
Vegetables and Beans:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) corn, drained
Seasoning and Dairy:
- 1 can (10 ounces or 280 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel), undrained
- 1 packet (1 ounce or 28 grams) taco seasoning mix
- ½ cup (60 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
Cornbread Topping Ingredients:
- 1 box (8.5 ounces or 240 grams) cornbread mix (e.g., Jiffy)
- ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) milk
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup (60 grams) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Heat the oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C), ensuring an ideal environment for baking.
- Transform ground beef into a flavorful base by sautéing with diced onions and bell peppers in a large skillet. Allow the meat to brown thoroughly and vegetables to soften, creating a robust foundation. Introduce minced garlic and cook briefly to release its aromatic essence.
- Enhance the beef mixture by incorporating black beans, corn kernels, zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies, and robust taco seasoning. Stir ingredients carefully, letting them meld together with a gentle simmer to develop complex flavors.
- Distribute the hearty beef mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer. Scatter a generous sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese over the surface, adding a creamy dimension to the base.
- Craft the cornbread topping by blending cornbread mix with milk and egg until smooth. Fold additional cheddar cheese into the batter, creating pockets of cheesy goodness throughout the mixture.
- Delicately pour the cornbread batter over the beef layer, using a spatula to ensure complete and even coverage. Aim for a consistent thickness that will transform into a golden, crisp topping.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake until the cornbread turns a rich golden brown and a testing utensil emerges clean when inserted into the center.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest momentarily. Garnish with fresh cilantro, a dollop of tangy sour cream, or spicy jalapeño slices to elevate the dish’s visual and flavor profile.
Notes
- Customize the protein by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a leaner or vegetarian version.
- Dial down the heat by using mild taco seasoning and omitting green chilies if serving to kids or those sensitive to spice.
- Create make-ahead magic by preparing the beef mixture and cornbread batter separately, then assembling and baking just before serving to maintain optimal texture and freshness.
- Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like diced zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to the beef mixture without compromising the casserole’s hearty flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg