Cowboy Cornbread Casserole Recipe
Description:
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a hearty and satisfying one-dish meal that brings together savory ground beef, vibrant vegetables, black beans, and sweet corn, topped with a fluffy and golden cornbread crust. This casserole is packed with bold flavors and perfect for feeding a crowd or serving as a comforting weeknight dinner. The combination of ground beef and cornbread gives it a uniquely southwestern twist that everyone will love. It’s a great dish for potlucks, family dinners, or any time you want a delicious, easy meal in one pan!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) of corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 package (about 8.5 oz) of cornbread mix
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tsp chili powder or cumin for extra flavor
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Beef and Veggies: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the Beans and Corn: Drain any excess fat from the skillet and stir in the drained corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes. If you like a bit of heat, you can also add 1 tsp of chili powder or cumin at this stage. Stir until well combined and heated through.
- Prepare the Cornbread Batter: In a bowl, prepare the cornbread mix according to the instructions on the package. Usually, this involves adding an egg, milk, and oil to the mix and stirring until smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Then, pour the cornbread batter over the top of the beef mixture, spreading it out as evenly as possible.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the cornbread batter.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and fully cooked through (check by inserting a toothpick into the cornbread, it should come out clean).
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before cutting into squares. Serve hot and enjoy!
Variations:
- Mexican-Style: Add 1/2 cup of salsa and 1/2 tsp of cumin to the beef and vegetable mixture for a southwestern twist. You can also use Mexican cheese blend instead of cheddar.
- Vegetarian: Skip the ground beef and replace it with 1 cup of cooked quinoa, lentils, or plant-based ground “beef” for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a can of green chilies to the beef mixture for an extra spicy kick.
- BBQ Style: Stir in 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce into the beef mixture and top with a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a BBQ-flavored casserole.
- Breakfast Casserole: Use breakfast sausage instead of ground beef and add in a few scrambled eggs before baking.
Serving Tips:
- Serve with a side of sour cream and chopped cilantro for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Pair with a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.
- For extra heat, serve with hot sauce or pickled jalapeños on the side.
- Add a dollop of guacamole or salsa on top for a burst of freshness.
- Serve with cornbread on the side for an extra indulgent, cornbread-packed meal.
- Pair with a chilled, crisp drink like iced tea or lemonade to balance the richness of the casserole.
20 FAQs:
-
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of the casserole. -
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it. Just bake it the next day, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. -
Can I use frozen corn instead of canned?
Yes, frozen corn works perfectly. Just thaw and drain it before using. -
What type of cornbread mix should I use?
You can use any standard cornbread mix, but if you prefer homemade cornbread, you can make your own from scratch. -
Can I freeze the casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Simply let it cool completely, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat it in the oven when ready to serve. -
How long will leftovers keep in the fridge?
Leftovers will stay fresh for about 3-4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. -
Can I use other types of beans?
Yes, you can use kidney beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas in place of black beans. -
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add zucchini, spinach, or even mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra vegetables. -
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, just be sure to chop them up and remove any excess moisture. -
Can I add cheese to the beef mixture?
Yes, feel free to add cheese to the beef mixture if you like. A handful of shredded cheese will melt beautifully in the filling. -
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend. -
Can I make this casserole spicy?
Yes, add chili powder, jalapeños, or cayenne pepper to spice it up. -
Can I use a different baking dish size?
If you don’t have a 9×13-inch baking dish, you can use an 8×8-inch or 10×10-inch dish. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. -
Can I make this casserole without beans?
Yes, you can omit the beans if you prefer, though they add both flavor and protein. -
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Most cornbread mixes are gluten-free, but check the packaging to be sure. You can also make your own gluten-free cornbread mix. -
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, use a plant-based meat substitute or additional beans and veggies for a vegetarian version. -
Can I use homemade cornbread instead of cornbread mix?
Yes, you can use homemade cornbread batter, just make sure it’s the right consistency to bake on top of the filling. -
Can I add eggs to the cornbread batter?
Follow the instructions on the cornbread mix for the correct amount of egg, or add one egg if you’re making your own cornbread from scratch. -
How can I make this casserole more flavorful?
Experiment with adding spices like cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika to the beef mixture. -
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can cook the beef and vegetable mixture in a slow cooker and then top it with cornbread batter, finishing the dish in the oven for the cornbread to bake.
20 Best Tips to Make It:
- Preheat your oven to ensure the casserole cooks evenly.
- Use a lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- Drain and rinse the black beans to remove excess sodium.
- Pat the corn dry before adding it to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
- Consider using a cast-iron skillet for cooking the beef for better flavor.
- Add a bit of garlic or onion powder to the cornbread mix for extra flavor.
- For added texture, top the casserole with crushed tortilla chips before baking.
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for the best flavor.
- For a smoother casserole, mash some of the beans or vegetables before adding them to the beef mixture.
- Check the casserole at the 25-minute mark to ensure the cornbread is golden and fully cooked.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before cutting to allow it to set.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt when serving for extra creaminess.
- Use a mix of cheeses to give the casserole a complex flavor.
- Top the casserole with chopped green onions or cilantro before serving for a fresh finish.
- You can substitute the cheddar with pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
- For added heat, add jalapeños or a can of diced green chilies to the beef mixture.
- Stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste for a deeper tomato flavor.
- Make sure not to overmix the cornbread batter to keep it light and fluffy.
- If using homemade cornbread, ensure it’s not too dense to bake properly.
- Serve with a side of avocado slices or guacamole for a fresh, creamy contrast.
Enjoy this Cowboy Cornbread Casserole as a filling and flavorful meal that’s sure to please everyone!
