Easy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Featured in Delicious Main Course Recipes for Every Occasion.

This Easy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole combines the best of two comfort foods into one satisfying dish. The bottom layer features seasoned ground beef mixed with corn, kidney beans, and taco spices to create a hearty, Tex-Mex inspired base. What makes this casserole special is the golden cornbread topping, made extra moist and flavorful with the addition of creamed corn and sour cream. The contrasting textures and flavors - savory spiced beef against sweet, tender cornbread - create a perfect balance in every bite. Simple to prepare with mostly pantry ingredients, this casserole is ideal for busy weeknights but satisfying enough for weekend dinners. The recipe is also highly adaptable, allowing you to adjust the spice level, swap ingredients based on what you have on hand, or customize with your favorite taco toppings.
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Updated on Tue, 25 Feb 2025 15:56:45 GMT
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Easy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole transforms simple pantry ingredients into a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that brings together the best of Tex-Mex flavors in one convenient dish. This satisfying casserole features a savory ground beef layer seasoned with taco spices and studded with beans and corn, all topped with a fluffy, slightly sweet cornbread crust. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

After serving this at our neighborhood potluck, three different families requested the recipe before leaving. My teenage son who typically avoids casseroles claimed it was "the only casserole worth eating."

Essential Elements

  • Lean ground beef: Creates hearty, protein-rich base
  • Taco seasoning: Provides perfect Southwestern flavor profile
  • Kidney beans: Add protein and heartiness
  • Sweet corn: Brings natural sweetness and texture
  • Salsa: Delivers instant flavor and moisture
  • Jiffy corn muffin mix: Creates perfect sweet-savory topping
  • Creamed corn: Ensures moist, tender cornbread layer
  • Shredded cheese: Forms melty layer between filling and topping
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Creating Perfect Casserole

Filling Preparation:
Brown beef completely for best flavor development. Drain thoroughly to prevent greasy results.
Seasoning Balance:
Combine ingredients carefully, allowing flavors to meld. Taste and adjust before assembling.
Layering Technique:
Create even distribution of components for consistent flavor in every serving.
Topping Application:
Spoon cornbread mixture gently over filling, spreading to edges without mixing into filling.

My grandmother always said casseroles should be "hearty enough to satisfy but interesting enough to enjoy." This recipe perfectly balances both requirements.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this robust casserole with a crisp green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette for fresh contrast. Add sliced avocado, extra sour cream, or fresh cilantro as toppings. For special occasions, start with a simple queso dip and tortilla chips.

Creative Variations

Experiment with black beans instead of kidney beans for a different flavor profile. Try adding a layer of sliced jalapeños beneath the cheese for extra heat, or incorporate diced bell peppers into the filling for more vegetables.

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Storage Success

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually improve overnight as they meld together. Freeze individual portions for easy future meals.

After perfecting this recipe through countless family dinners, I've found that success lies in the details - properly draining the beans and corn, ensuring the beef is well-seasoned, and giving the casserole adequate time to bake until the cornbread is perfectly golden. Whether you're feeding a hungry family or looking for comfort food with a Southwestern twist, this Cowboy Cornbread Casserole delivers satisfaction in every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef layer up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Add the cornbread topping just before baking, though you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if the beef layer is cold from the refrigerator.
→ How can I make this healthier?
Use extra lean ground beef or substitute ground turkey. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the meat mixture. Reduce the cheese or use a reduced-fat variety.
→ Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free cornbread mix instead of Jiffy and check that your taco seasoning is gluten-free (or make your own with spices).
→ What can I serve with this casserole?
This is truly a one-dish meal, but a simple green salad or steamed vegetables make great side dishes. Garnish with fresh toppings like diced avocado, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream.
→ Why is my cornbread topping still gooey in the middle?
This could happen if your oven temperature is too high (causing the outside to brown before the inside cooks) or if the batter was unevenly spread. Try lowering the oven temperature by 25 degrees and baking a bit longer, or ensure the batter is evenly distributed over the filling.

Easy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

A hearty one-dish meal featuring seasoned ground beef, beans and corn topped with a moist, golden cornbread layer - perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Ground Beef Filling

01 2 pounds lean ground beef
02 14 ounce can canned corn, drained
03 14.5 ounce can canned kidney beans, drained
04 2 cups salsa
05 1 ounce packet taco seasoning
06 1 cup water
07 1 teaspoon salt
08 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
09 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
10 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (Colby Jack recommended)

→ Cornbread Topping

11 8.5 ounce box Jiffy corn muffin mix
12 8.25 ounce can creamed corn
13 2 tablespoons milk
14 1/4 cup sour cream

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick spray.

Step 02

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add corn, kidney beans, salsa, taco seasoning, water, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Stir to combine.

Step 03

Pour the meat mixture into the prepared 9x13 baking dish. Top with shredded cheese and set aside.

Step 04

Combine the corn muffin mix, creamed corn, milk and sour cream in a medium bowl. Mix until you have a thick batter. Spoon mixture evenly over the ground beef and cheese.

Step 05

Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the topping is cooked through and golden brown.

Step 06

Serve hot. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Notes

  1. Use lean ground beef (93% or 96%) to avoid excess grease
  2. Adjust spice level by choosing mild, medium or hot salsa
  3. Be sure to drain beans and corn well to prevent a soupy filling
  4. Can be frozen for up to 3 months
  5. Garnish with taco toppings like sour cream, avocado, tomatoes, olives or cilantro

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Nonstick cooking spray

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy
  • Wheat (in corn muffin mix)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 649
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 64 g
  • Protein: 49 g