Easy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

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!

Easy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

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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!

• Author: Chef Megan

Ingredients

• For the Beef Layer:
• For the Cornbread Topping:

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a large oven-safe skillet.
2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a large oven-safe skillet.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Drain excess fat, if needed. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
6. Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and taco seasoning. Mix well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
7. Transfer the beef mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
8. 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.
9. In a medium bowl, prepare the cornbread mix according to package instructions, usually by combining the cornbread mix, milk, and egg.
10. Stir in the additional 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, if using.
11. Assemble the Casserole:Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the beef mixture, spreading it gently with a spatula to cover the filling.
12. Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the beef mixture, spreading it gently with a spatula to cover the filling.
13. 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.
14. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
15. Serve:Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños, if desired.
16. 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.