Easy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole Recipe
This Easy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines seasoned ground beef with beans, corn, and salsa, all topped with a creamy cornbread mix and melted cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck, it offers a delicious blend of savory flavors and a satisfying texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Casserole
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Ground Beef Mixture
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 14 oz canned corn, drained
- 14.5 oz canned kidney beans, drained
- 2 cups salsa
- 1 oz taco seasoning
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Topping
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese
- 8.5 oz Jiffy corn muffin mix
- 8.25 oz creamed corn
- 2 tbsp milk
- ¼ cup sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat, then add the drained corn, kidney beans, salsa, taco seasoning, water, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well to combine and simmer for 5-7 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
- Preheat Oven and Mix Topping: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the Jiffy corn muffin mix, creamed corn, milk, and sour cream until smooth and well blended.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the cooked beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Pour the cornbread topping over the beef mixture and spread gently with a spatula to cover. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the topping comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set for easier slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Use mild or spicy salsa depending on your heat preference.
- For added flavor, consider adding chopped jalapeños or green chilies to the beef mixture.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if baking from cold.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 casserole
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: cowboy casserole, cornbread casserole, ground beef casserole, easy casserole recipe, Mexican-inspired casserole
