Description
This Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines cornbread, seasoned ground beef, beans, and cheese, creating the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for a family dinner or a potluck, this casserole is quick, filling, and packed with savory ingredients. Top it off with a dollop of sour cream and enjoy the perfect blend of textures and flavors!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14 oz) can sweet corn, drained
- 1 packet (8.5 oz) cornbread mix
- 1/2 cup milk (for cornbread mix)
- 1 large egg (for cornbread mix)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced bell pepper (green or red)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
- Green onions or cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
- Add the beans and corn: Stir in the black beans, kidney beans, and sweet corn. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the cornbread mix: In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread batter according to the package instructions, usually with 1/2 cup of milk and 1 egg.
- Assemble the casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the beef and vegetable mixture evenly on the bottom. Pour the cornbread batter on top, spreading it out to cover the entire surface.
- Bake the casserole: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the cornbread batter. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Top with sour cream and garnish with green onions or cilantro, if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like diced tomatoes, green chilies, or even spinach to boost the nutritional value.
- Meat alternatives: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat can be used instead of ground beef for a lighter version.
- Spicy option: Add a can of diced green chilies or jalapeños to the beef mixture for some extra heat.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it the next day when you’re ready to serve.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 45mg