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Easy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole for Busy Weeknights

Two stacked squares of cowboy cornbread casserole showing a thick layer of savory ground meat filling between golden cornbread layers.
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Make this hearty Cowboy Cornbread Casserole when you need a filling, budget-friendly meal. It layers seasoned ground beef, corn, beans, and a cheesy cornbread topping for a comforting, one-pan dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
  • 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), drained
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 box (8.5 ounces) cornbread mix (prepared according to package directions, often requiring milk and egg)
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned. Drain off any excess fat.
  3. Return the beef to the skillet. Stir in the drained black beans, drained corn, drained diced tomatoes and green chilies, and the taco seasoning mix. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
  4. Remove the skillet mixture from the heat. Stir in half (1/2 cup) of the shredded cheddar cheese. Spread this beef mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
  5. Prepare the cornbread mix according to the package directions. Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the beef layer in the baking dish.
  6. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cornbread is set and lightly golden brown.
  7. Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the hot cornbread. If using, brush the melted butter lightly over the cornbread crust.
  8. Return the casserole to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Let the Cowboy Cornbread Casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For a richer cornbread topping, stir 1/4 cup of sour cream or plain yogurt into the prepared cornbread batter before pouring it over the meat mixture.
  • Serve this comfort food casserole with toppings like salsa, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream for a Tex Mex casserole flavor.
  • You can prepare the beef filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Assemble and bake when ready to eat.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://fooddexterity.com/cowboy-cornbread-casserole/