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Cowboy Cornbread Casserole Recipe

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4.2 from 14 reviews

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and tomatoes topped with a moist and fluffy cornbread layer. This oven-baked casserole brings classic Southwestern flavors together in one pan, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southwestern, American

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 medium onion, diced
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 (15.5 ounce) can pinto beans, drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
  • 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, do not drain

Seasoning and Cheese

  • 1 ounce taco seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese

Cornbread Topping

  • 1 (8.5 ounce) box Jiffy corn muffin mix
  • 1 cup creamed corn
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Sauté Onion: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
  3. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up into small pieces using a spatula. Cook it until it’s no longer pink, then drain off and discard any excess grease.
  4. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, drained pinto beans, drained corn, diced tomatoes with their juice, and shredded cheese. Mix well to combine evenly.
  5. Add Seasoning: In a small bowl, whisk together the taco seasoning, water, and garlic powder. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetable mix. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasoning evenly.
  6. Layer Filling: Transfer the beef mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
  7. Prepare Cornbread Batter: In a medium bowl, mix the Jiffy corn muffin mix, creamed corn, and heavy cream using a spatula until smooth. Scoop this cornbread batter in portions over the beef mixture and gently spread it evenly across the top.
  8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center of the cornbread comes out clean and the top is starting to turn golden brown.
  9. Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with green onions, extra cheese, or sour cream if desired for added flavor and creaminess.

Notes

  • Use a 9×13 inch baking dish for best results to ensure even cooking.
  • Drain excess grease from the cooked ground beef to avoid a soggy casserole.
  • Feel free to substitute pinto beans with black beans for a different flavor profile.
  • Additional toppings like sliced jalapeños or chopped cilantro can add freshness and heat.
  • This casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just increase baking time slightly if baking from cold.