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cowboy cornbread casserole

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole – Hearty, Cheesy, and Downright Comforting

When you want a dinner that’s hearty, flavorful, and feeds the whole family, this Cowboy Cornbread Casserole does it all. Juicy ground beef, savory beans, and sweet corn are smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce and topped with a golden layer of cornbread. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and comforting — a true Southern-style classic that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Casserole, Dinner
Cuisine: Southern, Tex-Mex
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Beef Mixture:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 15 oz can corn, drained
  • 1 15 oz can black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
  • 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Cornbread Topping:
  • 1 8.5 oz box Jiffy cornbread mix
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 large egg

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • 9x13-inch baking dish:
  • Spatula or Wooden Spoon:

Method
 

Preheat the Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Cook the Beef
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
Add the Veggies & Sauce
  1. Stir in corn, beans, diced tomatoes with chiles, tomato sauce, taco seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, then stir in half of the cheese.
Assemble the Casserole
  1. Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Mix the Cornbread Topping
  1. In a small bowl, prepare the cornbread mix according to package directions (with milk and egg). Spoon the batter evenly over the top of the beef layer.
Bake
  1. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and cooked through.
Serve
  1. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop generous portions and enjoy warm!

Notes

Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese.
Add veggies: Bell peppers or zucchini mix in perfectly.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.