Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

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Are you ready for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate? Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining all your favorite flavors in a single pan.

This recipe is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or when you just want to treat yourself to something hearty and delicious.

With a cornbread topping baked to golden perfection, loaded with a savory beef mixture beneath, this casserole will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

What’s not to love about a one-dish meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor? Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is not only satisfying but also versatile.

It’s great for feeding a crowd or simply meal-prepping for the week ahead.

Plus, with its combination of textures—from the crunchy cornbread topping to the savory beef layer—each bite is a delight.

You can customize it to your liking too, making it a hit for everyone at the table.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious casserole:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil (not extra virgin)
• 1 ½ pounds (620 g) ground beef (90/10 lean)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 10-oz can (280 g) ROTEL fire-roasted tomatoes and green chilies (do not drain)
• 1 15.5-oz can (400 g) pinto beans, drained (or Berlotti beans in the UK)
• 2 cups frozen corn
• Salt, to taste
• 2 cups (224 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 8.5-oz package (240 g) Jiffy Corn muffin mix
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) whole milk
• 2 tablespoons (26 g) unsalted butter, melted

How To Make Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

This gives your casserole that perfect golden crust when baking.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Add the diced onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, just until fragrant.

Now, add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up as you go.

Make sure to drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Add The Flavor

Stir in the taco seasoning, RO-TEL tomatoes, pinto beans, and frozen corn.

Mix everything until combined and cook for a few more minutes.

Season with salt to taste.

This beef mixture is where all the flavors come together, and it already smells amazing!

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Now it’s time to layer your casserole! Spread the beef mixture evenly in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the beef mixture.

Step 5: Prepare the Cornbread Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the Jiffy Corn muffin mix, egg, milk, and melted butter.

Stir until just combined; a few lumps are okay! Pour this cornbread mixture over the beef and cheese layer, spreading it out gently to cover.

Step 6: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the cornbread mixture.

This will create a cheesy, delicious crust as it bakes!

Step 7: Bake

Pop the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and cooked through.

You can check by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing.

Serve hot, and enjoy every delicious, cheesy bite!

Expert Tips

Want to make your Cowboy Cornbread Casserole even better? Here are a few expert tips:

• For added flavor, use a combination of your favorite cheese or even some pepper jack for a spicy kick.
• If you prefer a bit of crunch, consider topping the cornbread with some crushed tortilla chips before serving.
• Feel free to add bell peppers or jalapeños to the beef mixture for a bit of extra flavor.
• For an even heartier meal, serve with a side of salad or garlic bread.

Variations and Customizations

This dish is super versatile.

Here are some fun variations to try:

• Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Use black beans or kidney beans instead of pinto beans for a different texture.
• Add some chopped spinach or kale into the beef mixture for an extra veggie boost.
• Make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding extra beans and veggies.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftover Cowboy Cornbread Casserole keeps well in the fridge.

Simply cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.

It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.

FAQ

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the beef mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before you’re ready to bake.

Just add the cornbread topping right before baking.

Can I freeze leftover casserole?

Yes! Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover it tightly and freeze.

It should be good for about 2-3 months.

Thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

What can I serve with Cowboy Cornbread Casserole?

This casserole is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a fresh salad, guacamole, or your favorite hot sauce on the side for a little extra kick.

Can I use another kind of cornbread mix?

Sure! While Jiffy Corn muffin mix is a classic choice, feel free to use any cornbread mix you like.

Just make sure to follow the package instructions for moisture and eggs if they’re different.

Conclusion

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will quickly become a family favorite.

With its easy preparation and hearty ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

You can customize it to suit your taste and feed a crowd without breaking a sweat.

So why wait? Gather your ingredients and give this delicious casserole a try.

We hope it brings as much joy to your table as it has to ours! Enjoy every spoonful!

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