Description
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and spicy diced tomatoes, all topped with melted cheddar cheese and a golden cornbread crust. Perfect for an easy family dinner, this casserole is bursting with southwestern flavors and requires just one pan and a baking dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping and Batter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (8.5 oz) box cornbread mix
- 1/3 cup milk (or as directed on cornbread mix)
- 1 egg (or as directed on cornbread mix)
- Optional: chopped scallions or jalapeños for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and no longer pink inside. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and become fragrant.
- Add Beans and Seasonings: Stir in the black beans, drained corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend the flavors well.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture to create a melty, cheesy layer.
- Prepare Cornbread Batter: In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread mix according to package instructions, typically by mixing in the milk and egg until smooth.
- Top with Cornbread: Pour the cornbread batter gently over the cheese layer. Spread it carefully with a spatula to cover the entire casserole evenly.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through when tested.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with optional chopped scallions or jalapeños if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of chili powder or adding extra jalapeños.
- For a lower fat option, use lean ground turkey instead of ground beef.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free cornbread mix.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding a layer of sour cream or guacamole on top before serving can enhance creaminess and flavor.
