Saddle up for a culinary adventure that brings the wild spirit of the West right to your dinner table! This Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is more than just a meal—it’s a hearty, flavor-packed journey through Southwestern cuisine that combines the rich, bold tastes of ground beef, zesty salsa, and a golden cornbread topping that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: 1.5 lbs (680 g)
- Onion: 1 cup (150 g), diced
- Taco Seasoning: 3 tablespoons or 1 packet
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black Beans: 1 (14.5 oz / 410 g) can, drained
- Corn: 1 (14.5 oz / 410 g) can, drained
- Salsa: 24 oz (680 g) jar, thick
- Green Chiles: 4 oz (113 g) can
- Shredded Cheese: 2 cups (200 g)
- Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix: 1 (8.5 oz / 240 g) box
- Creamed Corn: 1 (14 oz / 400 g) can
- Milk: 2 tablespoons
- Egg: 1 large
- Sour Cream: 1/4 cup (60 g)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large skillet for the first stage of cooking.
- Brown the Beef: In the skillet, brown the ground beef with diced onions. Add taco seasoning, salt, and pepper for a flavor-packed base.
- Build the Base Layer: Stir in black beans, corn, salsa, and green chiles. Mix thoroughly and spread evenly in a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
- Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the beef mixture, creating a melty, golden layer.
- Cornbread Topping: In a separate bowl, combine Jiffy corn muffin mix, creamed corn, milk, egg, and sour cream. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole: Carefully spread the cornbread mixture over the cheese and beef layer, creating a golden blanket of deliciousness.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping turns a beautiful golden brown and passes the toothpick test.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Nutrition and Serving Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 people
- Approximate Nutrition per Serving:
- Calories: 450-500
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
Why This Cowboy Cornbread Casserole Rocks Your Taste Buds
This isn’t just a casserole—it’s a flavor-packed culinary rodeo! Packed with protein from ground beef, fiber from beans, and a kick of spice from salsa and green chiles, this dish is a nutritional powerhouse. The cornbread topping adds a perfect balance of sweetness and texture, making each bite a delightful experience. It’s a one-dish wonder that combines convenience, taste, and nutrition in a way that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Pro Tip: For an extra kick, try adding a dash of hot sauce or some fresh jalapeños to the beef mixture.
Yeehaw and enjoy your cowboy feast!