Description
This Easy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines savory ground beef, sweet corn, and tangy tomato sauce under a golden, cheesy cornbread topping. Perfect for a family meal, it’s quick to prepare and bakes 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)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
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 (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the drained corn kernels, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
- Prepare Cornbread Batter: In a separate bowl, combine the cornbread mix, milk, and egg. Stir just until mixed; do not overmix to keep the batter light.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread the beef mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the top of the beef layer, spreading it gently.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the cornbread layer evenly.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through. Check doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center—it should come out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. For added creaminess, serve with a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Notes
- Drain excess fat after browning the beef to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- The taco seasoning can be homemade or store-bought depending on your preference.
- Make sure not to overmix the cornbread batter to ensure a tender crust.
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; increase baking time slightly if baking from cold.
