EASY COWBOY CORNBREAD CASSEROLE
This Easy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish with layers of cornbread, seasoned ground beef, black beans, and melted cheese. It’s an all-in-one comfort meal, perfect for a crowd or as a simple weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can 8.5 oz cornbread mix (such as Jiffy)
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 1 tablespoon homemade taco seasoning
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking beef
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x9-inch or 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned. Drain excess fat, if needed.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, and corn. Cook for 2-3 more minutes until heated through. Remove from heat.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread batter by following the instructions on the cornbread mix package (typically combining the cornbread mix, milk, and egg).
- Layer the beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour the cornbread batter over the top, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the cornbread batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a diced jalapeño to the beef mixture or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this casserole.
- Add more vegetables like bell peppers or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
- To make it vegetarian, replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat alternative or add extra beans and vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.