Description
This Easy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a hearty and flavorful one-dish meal featuring a savory ground beef and corn filling topped with a golden, cheesy cornbread crust. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this dish combines the bold tastes of taco seasoning and melted cheddar cheese with the sweet crunch of corn, baked to perfection in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 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)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cornbread Topping
- 1 box (8.5 oz) cornbread mix (such as Jiffy)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Serving
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside for later use to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Onion: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook it for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes softened and translucent, releasing its aroma.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Break the meat apart with a spatula and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until it is fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add Corn and Seasonings: Stir in the drained corn kernels, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the flavors meld together.
- Prepare Cornbread Batter: In a separate bowl, combine the cornbread mix, milk, and egg. Stir the ingredients together just until combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the batter light.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the prepared beef mixture evenly in the greased baking dish. Pour the cornbread batter over the top, spreading it out to form a smooth, even layer.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the cornbread batter to create a delicious golden crust once baked.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Optionally, serve with a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess and tang.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use low-fat cheese and milk to reduce calories.
- Leftovers store well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or microwave.
- The sour cream topping is optional but adds a nice creaminess to balance the spices.
