Easy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Easy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish combining seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and a fluffy cornbread topping. It’s perfect for family dinners and packs bold, satisfying flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 14 oz canned corn, drained
• 14.5 oz canned kidney beans, drained
• 2 cups salsa
• 1 oz taco seasoning
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese
• 8.5 oz Jiffy corn muffin mix
• 8.25 oz creamed corn
• 2 tbsp milk
• ¼ cup sour cream

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
2. Step 2: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain the excess grease to avoid a greasy casserole.
3. Step 3: Add the drained corn, kidney beans, salsa, taco seasoning, water, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Step 4: Pour the beef mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish sprayed with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the beef mixture for a melty topping.
6. Step 6: In a medium bowl, mix the corn muffin mix, creamed corn, milk, and sour cream until just combined to form a thick batter.
7. Step 7: Spoon the cornbread batter evenly over the cheese layer, spreading it to cover the entire surface.
8. Step 8: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. Step 9: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to let it set for easier slicing.

Tips & Variations

• For extra spice, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
• Use sharp cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend for more intense flavor.
• Swap kidney beans for black beans or pinto beans as preferred.
• To make it vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to retain the cornbread texture without becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake when ready.

Can I freeze leftover casserole?

Yes, freeze leftovers in a suitable container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Easy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 141 reviews

This Easy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a hearty, flavorful one-dish meal combining seasoned ground beef, corn, beans, and salsa topped with melty cheese and a moist cornbread crust. Perfect for family dinners, it’s simple to prepare and bakes to golden perfection, delivering comforting Southwestern flavors in every bite.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southwestern

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 14 oz canned corn, drained
• 14.5 oz canned kidney beans, drained
• 2 cups salsa
• 1 oz taco seasoning
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese

Cornbread Topping

• 8.5 oz Jiffy corn muffin mix
• 8.25 oz creamed corn
• 2 tbsp milk
• ¼ cup sour cream

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures even baking for the casserole and helps avoid uneven cooking.
2. Browns the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too greasy.
3. Add Vegetables and Seasoning: To the cooked ground beef, add the drained corn, kidney beans, salsa, taco seasoning, water, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir thoroughly to evenly combine all ingredients and blend the flavors.
4. Pour into Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Transfer the beef mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
5. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the ground beef mixture. This will provide a delicious, melty topping once baked.
6. Prepare Cornbread Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the Jiffy corn muffin mix, creamed corn, milk, and sour cream. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the topping.
7. Spoon Cornbread Topping: Spoon the cornbread batter evenly over the cheese layer in the baking dish. Spread it carefully to ensure consistent baking and texture.
8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and cooked through. Insert a toothpick in the center to check doneness; it should come out clean.
9. Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to portion.
10. Store Leftovers: Cover leftovers and refrigerate in an airtight container to keep the casserole fresh and moist.

Notes

• Preheating the oven is crucial for even cooking and prevents uneven baking.
• Draining the ground beef’s grease results in a less greasy casserole.
• Use nonstick spray to prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish and for easier serving.
• Mix the cornbread batter until just combined to avoid a tough topping.
• Use a toothpick to check cornbread doneness — it should come out clean.
• Cool the casserole slightly before serving to allow it to set.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and moisture.

Keywords: cowboy casserole, cornbread casserole, ground beef casserole, easy casserole, southwestern recipe, one dish meal