Description
Hearty cowboy cornbread casserole delivers pure comfort with southwestern flair, blending spicy ground beef and sweet corn into a delicious one-pan meal. Rustic flavors and creamy textures make this dish perfect for family dinners you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Meat:
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
Vegetables and Beans:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 ounces / 285 grams) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
Seasonings and Cheese:
- 1 packet (1 ounce / 28 grams) taco seasoning mix
- ½ cup (60 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
Cornbread Topping:
- 1 box (8.5 ounces / 240 grams) cornbread mix
- ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) milk
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup (60 grams) shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to a robust 400F (200C), then lovingly coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a protective layer of grease.
- In a sizzling skillet, transform ground beef with vibrant onions and bell peppers, coaxing the meat to a rich, caramelized brown while vegetables soften and release their aromatic essence. Eliminate any excess lipids, then introduce minced garlic for a brief aromatic dance.
- Elevate the beef foundation by incorporating black beans, golden corn kernels, zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies, and a spirited taco seasoning. Allow the mixture to harmonize and bubble gently, creating a robust flavor landscape.
- Seamlessly transfer the savory mixture into the prepared baking dish, creating an even terrain. Cascade a generous sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese across the surface, creating a molten golden blanket.
- Craft the cornbread crown by whisking together cornbread mix with milk and egg, folding in additional cheddar to amplify the cheesy complexity.
- Delicately pour and spread the cornbread batter, ensuring a uniform coverage that embraces the robust filling beneath.
- Slide the assembled masterpiece into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 20-25 minutes until the top achieves a golden, crisp perfection and a test probe emerges clean.
- After a brief resting period, unveil your creation. Embellish with fresh cilantro, a dollop of cooling sour cream, or fiery jalapeño slices to complete this rustic culinary journey.
Notes
- Customize the heat level by adjusting the taco seasoning or adding diced jalapeños for extra spiciness.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version of the dish.
- Enhance the cornbread topping by mixing in diced green chilies or corn kernels for added texture and flavor.
- Prepare the casserole ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg