Easy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole Recipe

If comfort food is what you crave, then this delicious cowboy cornbread casserole recipe is just the thing for you. Packed with savory flavors and a hint of sweetness, this satisfying dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Devour a slice of this mouthwatering casserole and savor the rich taste of traditional, home-cooked goodness.

Growing up, weekends at grandma’s house meant indulging in hearty, home-cooked meals made with love. This treasured recipe often found its way to our dinner table, bringing smiles to our faces with its golden-brown crust and fragrant, savory filling. It’s these cherished memories that inspired me to recreate the dish, hoping to pass down this slice of comfort to the next generation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is the epitome of comfort food. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also delivers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The satisfying sweetness of cornbread perfectly complements the savory, spiced filling beneath. You can easily customize ingredients to suit your taste, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. Plus, it’s a wonderful make-ahead meal that only tastes better as the flavors meld over time.

Ingredients Notes

To make this casserole, you’ll need ground beef, canned corn, cheddar cheese, and boxed cornbread mix as the staples. Feel free to substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or add some chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick. You can find these ingredients at any well-stocked grocery store. For an extra layer of flavor, consider using sharp cheddar cheese or a smoky barbecue sauce.

Recipe Steps

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures an even bake and prevents sticking later on.

Step 2

In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat and add chopped onions, cooking until translucent.

Step 3

Stir in your choice of spices, barbecue sauce, and canned corn. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 4

Pour the beef mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle an even layer of shredded cheese over the top, then prepare the cornbread mix according to package instructions.

Step 5

Pour the cornbread batter over the beef mixture and cheese. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.

Storage Options

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap tightly in aluminum foil and place in the freezer for up to three months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Variations & Substitutions

To accommodate dietary restrictions, use gluten-free cornbread mix and dairy-free cheese. Vegetarian? Swap out the ground beef for black beans or diced mushrooms. For a Tex-Mex twist, add a layer of refried beans or diced green chilies to the beef mixture before topping with cornbread batter.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or game day feasts. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or with a dollop of sour cream and salsa. It’s also a great choice for meal prepping to enjoy individually portioned servings throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the beef mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. On the day of serving, simply assemble with the cheese and cornbread topping, then bake.

What should I do if the top is browning too quickly? If your cornbread topping is getting too brown before the casserole is done, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking. This will prevent further browning while allowing the dish to finish cooking.

Can I add other vegetables to the casserole? Certainly, feel free to add other vegetables such as diced bell peppers, tomatoes, or zucchini to the beef mixture. This can enhance both the flavor and nutritional profile of the dish.

Easy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole Recipe

This easy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a savory and hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Filled with delicious flavors, it's sure to become a household favorite.

No ratings yet

Rate This Yum Pin This Recipe For Later! Share The Yum On Facebook Print

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour

Servings: 8

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• ▢ 1.5 pounds ground beef lean
• ▢ 2 cups corn kernels canned or fresh
• ▢ 1 cup barbecue sauce
• ▢ 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
• ▢ 1 packet cornbread mix
• ▢ 0.5 cup milk
• ▢ 1 large egg
• ▢ 1 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 0.5 teaspoon black pepper ground
• ▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper.
• Add corn and barbecue sauce to the skillet, stir well, and let simmer for 5 minutes.
• Pour the beef mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, and sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
• In a bowl, prepare the cornbread mixture according to package instructions using the milk and egg.
• Spread cornbread batter evenly over the beef mixture in the baking dish.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown.
• Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

For an extra kick, add chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture before baking.