Howdy, partners! Get ready to rustle up some serious comfort food with this Cowboy Cornbread Casserole recipe. Imagine tender, juicy ground beef, sweet corn, spicy peppers, and a golden-brown cornbread crust, all baked together in one glorious dish. It’s like a fiesta in your mouth, and trust me, it’s even better than a sunset ride on the range!

Here’s the lowdown on this rootin’ tootin’ recipe:

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My Grandma’s Secret Weapon: A Cowboy Casserole Story

Let me tell you, this ain’t just any ol’ casserole recipe. This recipe has been passed down in my family for generations, and it all started with my Grandma Pearl. Now, Grandma Pearl was known for two things: her heart of gold and her Cowboy Cornbread Casserole. Whenever there was a family get-together, a potluck, or even just a chilly evening, this casserole made a grand appearance. It was the dish everyone looked forward to, and let me tell you, it always stole the show! ✨

Grandma Pearl always said the secret ingredient was love, but I think it had something to do with her perfectly seasoned ground beef and that irresistible cornbread topping. So saddle up, grab your ingredients, and get ready to make some Cowboy Cornbread Casserole magic!

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Cornbread Casserole Recipe ❤️

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• It’s easy peasy to make! Even if you’re a beginner cook, you can totally rock this recipe. 👨‍🍳
• It’s budget-friendly! This casserole uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. 💰
• It’s super delicious! The combination of flavors is out of this world. 😋
• It’s a crowd-pleaser! This casserole is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or just a cozy family dinner. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
• It makes amazing leftovers! Seriously, the flavors just get better the next day. 😉

What You’ll Need to Make Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

For the Filling:

• Ground beef
• Yellow onion
• Bell pepper (any color)
• Garlic
• Taco seasoning
• Diced tomatoes
• Corn (frozen or canned, your choice!)
• Black beans
• Kidney beans
• Salt and pepper

For the Cornbread Topping:

• Cornbread mix
• Milk
• Eggs
• Cheddar cheese (because everything’s better with cheese, right?!)

Substitutions & Swaps:

Scroll down to the recipe card section of the post for the ingredients with amounts included and for more complete directions.

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole Equipment Checklist

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• Large skillet for browning the beef and veggies.
• 9×13 inch baking dish for baking the casserole.
• Mixing bowls for the cornbread topping.
• Measuring cups and spoons to get those measurements just right.
• Wooden spoon or spatula for mixing.

How to Make Cowboy Cornbread Casserole: Let’s Get Cookin’!

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1. Brown the Beef and Veggies:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef and cook until it’s nice and browned. While the beef is cooking, dice up your onion and pepper. Once the beef is browned, drain any extra grease. Add your onion and pepper to the skillet with the beef and cook until they’re soft. Then, stir in your garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant.

👩‍🍳 Pro Tip: To make sure your veggies cook evenly, cut them into pieces that are about the same size!

2. Add the Flavor:
Sprinkle your taco seasoning over the beef and veggie mixture. Stir it all up and let it cook for a couple of minutes to really let those flavors get to know each other.

3. It’s Bean Time!
Now, it’s time to add in your diced tomatoes, corn, and beans. Give everything a good stir and let it simmer for a few minutes while you get the cornbread topping ready.

👩‍🍳 Pro Tip: If you’re using canned beans, make sure to drain and rinse them first!

4. Whip Up the Cornbread Topping:
In a large bowl, combine your cornbread mix, milk, and eggs. Stir it all together until it’s smooth. Then, stir in most of your shredded cheese (save a little for sprinkling on top later!).

5. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour your beef and bean mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out in an even layer. Then, carefully pour your cornbread mixture over the top, spreading it out to the edges. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for extra cheesiness!

👩‍🍳 Pro Tip: To prevent the cornbread topping from sticking to the sides of the baking dish, give it a light spray with cooking spray before adding the filling!

6. Bake to Golden Perfection:
Pop your casserole in a preheated oven and bake until the cornbread topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. This usually takes about 45 minutes.

7. Cool, Slice, and Devour:
Once the casserole is baked, let it cool for a few minutes so it can set. Then, slice it up into squares and serve it up!

Pro Tips for Perfect Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

• Don’t overmix the cornbread batter! Overmixing can make the cornbread tough.
• Use a light hand when spreading the cornbread topping over the filling so you don’t squish everything together.
• Let the casserole cool slightly before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
• For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeño pepper to the filling. 🌶️
• For a creamier texture, stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.

Serving and Storing Your Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

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Serving Suggestions:

This casserole is a meal in itself, but here are a few side dish ideas:

• Simple green salad: A refreshing contrast to the hearty casserole.
• Fruit salad: Adds a touch of sweetness to the meal.
• Coleslaw: A classic pairing with any casserole.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: This casserole freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then cut into individual portions and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through.

Meal Prep Magic:

This casserole is perfect for meal prep! Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick and easy meal later.

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe

Health Benefits:

This casserole is a good source of protein and fiber, which are essential for a healthy diet.

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Jessica Tran

This Cowboy Cornbread Casserole recipe is a family favorite, packed with ground beef, beans, corn, and a golden cornbread crust. It's easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for any occasion!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe! Saved!

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Casseroles, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 people

Equipment

• Large skillet (for browning beef and veggies)
• 9×13 inch baking dish (for baking the casserole)
• Mixing bowls (to prepare cornbread topping)
• Measuring cups and spoons (for accurate measurements)
• Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring and mixing ingredients)

Ingredients

  

For the Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or vegetarian alternative
• 1 yellow onion diced
• 1 bell pepper any color, diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning store-bought or homemade
• 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup corn frozen, fresh, or canned – drained if canned
• 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cornbread Topping:

• 1 box cornbread mix standard size, around 6-8 oz
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese reserve some for topping

Instructions

 

Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Veggies

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
• Drain any excess grease.
• Add diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Seasoning and Beans

• Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef and veggie mixture. Stir well to coat evenly.
• Add diced tomatoes, corn, black beans, and kidney beans. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Cornbread Topping

• In a mixing bowl, combine cornbread mix, milk, and egg. Stir until smooth.
• Fold in 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, reserving the rest for garnish.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

• Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Pour the beef and bean mixture evenly into the dish. Spread it out in an even layer.
• Pour the cornbread batter on top of the beef mixture. Gently spread it out to the edges using a spatula. Be cautious not to mix the layers.
• Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

• Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
• Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes to set.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Slice the casserole into squares and serve warm.
• Optionally, garnish with sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for extra flavor.

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Notes

This casserole freezes well! To freeze, let the dish cool completely, slice into portions, and store in airtight containers or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
To reheat frozen portions, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Want to spice it up? Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling!

More Recipes You Might Enjoy:

If you love this Cowboy Cornbread Casserole, you’ll definitely want to check out these other delicious and easy recipes:

• Cheesy Taco Pasta: For another hearty and flavorful casserole option.
• Light and Fresh Salsa Chicken: A lighter take on the classic cowboy casserole.

What are your favorite sides to serve with cowboy cornbread casserole? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 👇

And don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest so you can make it again and again! 📌

Essential Tools for Cowboy Cornbread Casserole Success

Want to make your Cowboy Cornbread Casserole even easier? These are my go-to kitchen tools:

1. [Lodge Cast Iron Skillet – Affiliate Link]: This [cast iron skillet] is a lifesaver in the kitchen, especially when [browning meat and sauteing vegetables for even cooking and enhanced flavor].

2. [Pyrex Measuring Cup Set – Affiliate Link]: Every home cook needs a reliable [set of measuring cups], and this one is my absolute favorite because [they are durable, easy to read, and come in a variety of sizes for all your measuring needs].

Appliance Showdown:

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole FAQs: Your Questions, Answered!

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You bet! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to make sure it’s heated through.

2. Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage would all be delicious in this casserole. You can also use a vegetarian ground beef substitute if you prefer.

3. Can I freeze cowboy cornbread casserole?

This casserole freezes like a dream! Once it’s completely cooled, cut it into portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake it in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.

4. What can I substitute for Rotel?

If you don’t have Rotel on hand, you can easily substitute it with a combination of diced tomatoes and green chilies. Just make sure to adjust the amount of salt you add to the recipe, as canned Rotel often contains added salt.

5. How can I make this casserole spicier?

This recipe calls for mild taco seasoning. If you like a little more kick, you can use a hot taco seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling. You can also add a diced jalapeño pepper to the mix for some extra heat.

Ready to Ride into Flavor Town? 🤠

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Well, there you have it, folks! The BEST Cowboy Cornbread Casserole recipe this side of the Mississippi. I just know you’re gonna love it as much as my Grandma Pearl did. It’s the perfect dish for any occasion – easy to make, budget-friendly, and oh-so-delicious. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready for a flavor adventure that’ll have you saying “Yeehaw!” 🤠