Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
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.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (not extra virgin)
- 1.5 pounds 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 ROTEL fire-roasted tomatoes and green chilies (do not drain)
- 1 15.5-oz can pinto beans (drained, or Berlotti beans in the UK)
- 2 cups frozen corn
- Salt (to taste)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 8.5-oz package Jiffy Corn muffin mix
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
- ⅓ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up as you go. Drain any excess fat. Stir in taco seasoning, RO-TEL tomatoes, pinto beans, and frozen corn. Mix until combined and cook for a few more minutes. Season with salt to taste.
- Step 4: Spread the beef mixture evenly in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Step 5: 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.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the cornbread mixture.
- Step 7: Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and cooked through. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
- Step 8: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For added flavor, use a combination of your favorite cheese or even some pepper jack for a spicy kick. Consider topping the cornbread with crushed tortilla chips for crunch.