Looking for a hearty and flavorful dish to satisfy the whole family? Look no further than Cornbread Cowboy Casserole, a savory, comforting dish that’s packed with bold flavors, creamy textures, and a touch of sweetness. This casserole brings together seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, and a perfect cornbread topping. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, potluck, or just craving something cozy, this Cowboy cornbread casserole recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.
What is Cornbread Cowboy Casserole?
Cornbread Cowboy Casserole is a delicious blend of savory ground beef, vegetables, beans, and melted cheese, all topped with a thick layer of golden cornbread. The casserole is baked to perfection, creating a delightful contrast between the moist and tender filling and the slightly sweet and crispy cornbread topping. The beauty of this dish is its versatility—it’s easy to customize based on your preferences and what ingredients you have on hand.
This Cornbread casserole with ground beef is a one-pan wonder that combines everything you love about comfort food into a single, easy-to-make dish. Let’s dive into how you can make the best cowboy cornbread casserole recipe at home!
Cornbread Cowboy Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this easy cornbread cowboy casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey if you prefer a leaner option)
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 can of beans (black beans or kidney beans work great)
- 1 can of Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 1 cup of corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend)
- 1 package of cornbread mix (Famous Dave’s, Jiffy, or your favorite brand)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (or chili seasoning for more spice)
- Jalapeño slices (optional, for topping)
- Hot honey (for drizzling on top after baking)
How to Make Cornbread Cowboy Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Ground Beef
Start by dicing up your red bell pepper and onion. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat and add a bit of cooking oil or tallow. Once heated, toss in your diced vegetables and sauté until they soften, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
Next, add in your ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it browns. Season the meat with your taco seasoning or preferred spices. Once the beef is fully browned and cooked through, drain any excess fat from the pan.
Step 2: Add the Beans, Tomatoes, and Corn
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the beans, Rotel tomatoes, and corn. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. At this point, you’ve got a delicious, hearty filling that will serve as the base for your cowboy casserole with ground beef and cornbread mix.
Step 3: Prepare the Cornbread Topping
While the filling simmers, prepare your cornbread mix. Follow the package instructions for whichever brand you’re using—whether it’s Jiffy or Famous Dave’s. The key here is to not overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to tough cornbread, so stir just until the ingredients come together.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
With your filling and cornbread batter ready, it’s time to assemble the casserole. Pour the beef mixture into an oven-safe baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Next, pour the cornbread batter over the top. Use a spatula to spread the batter to the edges, making sure the entire casserole is covered.
For an extra kick, add some sliced jalapeños on top of the cornbread batter.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cornbread is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
When the casserole is fresh out of the oven, drizzle some hot honey over the top. This adds a delightful sweet and spicy contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the casserole.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. The combination of the tender, juicy filling with the crispy cornbread topping is nothing short of mouthwatering.
Customizing Your Cornbread Cowboy Casserole
The best part of this cowboy dinner recipe with cornbread is its versatility. You can easily make adjustments to fit dietary preferences or simply to switch things up.
- Cornbread casserole with bacon and cheese: For extra indulgence, try adding some crispy bacon bits to the filling or even sprinkling them on top of the cornbread batter before baking.
- Cornbread casserole with beans and beef: Use different types of beans, like pinto or black beans, to add variety.
- Keto-friendly cowboy casserole: If you’re following a keto diet, replace the cornbread topping with a low-carb alternative, like cauliflower or cheese crisps.
- Gluten-free cowboy cornbread casserole: Simply use a gluten-free cornbread mix to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Casserole
There’s a reason why this cornbread cowboy casserole is such a popular dish. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s also:
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this easy cowboy casserole with cornbread is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- Hearty and filling: The combination of ground beef, beans, cheese, and cornbread makes for a meal that will leave you satisfied.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients or add extras based on what you have in your pantry.
- Family-friendly: This dish is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
How to Make Cornbread Cowboy Casserole Ahead of Time
One of the great things about this cornbread casserole for potluck is that it can be prepared ahead of time. Simply assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven and enjoy!
If you’re looking for a new recipe to add to your comfort food rotation, this cornbread cowboy casserole is a must-try. With its savory beef and bean filling, cheesy goodness, and sweet cornbread topping, it’s a true crowd-pleaser. Plus, the ease of preparation and the ability to customize it to your taste make it a go-to dish for busy nights or special gatherings.
So, what are you waiting for? Give this cornbread casserole with ground beef and cheese a try and see for yourself just how delicious it is! Don’t forget to drizzle on that hot honey—it takes the dish to the next level.
Cornbread Cowboy Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 can 15 oz black or kidney beans, drained
- 1 can 10 oz Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies)
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh, canned, or frozen
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package cornbread mix e.g., Famous Dave’s or Jiffy
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- Jalapeño slices optional
- Hot honey for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook Veggies and Beef: Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add a bit of oil or tallow, then sauté the diced bell pepper and onion until softened (about 5-7 minutes). Add ground beef and taco seasoning, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain excess fat.
- Prepare Filling: Stir in the beans, Rotel tomatoes, and corn. Combine everything well.
- Prepare Cornbread Mix: Follow the package instructions to prepare the cornbread mix, being careful not to overmix the batter.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the beef mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pour the cornbread batter over the top, spreading it to the edges.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.
- Optional Toppings: Top with sliced jalapeños before baking, and drizzle with hot honey after baking for extra flavor.
- Serve: Let cool for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy!
