Description
This Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish combining ground beef, black beans, corn, and flavorful spices topped with melted cheddar cheese and a golden cornbread crust. Perfect for a family dinner, it offers a delicious Southwest-inspired twist to classic casserole recipes.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Vegetable Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings and Batter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 package (8.5 oz) cornbread mix
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, then drain any excess fat for a leaner dish.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add Vegetables and Spices: Stir in black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes to blend the flavors well.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Prepare Cornbread Batter: In a separate bowl, combine the cornbread mix, milk, and egg. Stir just until combined to avoid overmixing, then pour the batter over the cheese layer in the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat.
- Adjust the chili powder and cumin to taste for more or less heat.
- Make sure to evenly spread the cornbread batter to ensure uniform cooking.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.
- Optional: Top with sour cream, chopped green onions, or jalapeños for garnish.
