Cowboy Cornbread Casserole – Hearty, Cheesy, and Satisfying

This Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — a hearty mix of seasoned ground beef, beans, and corn topped with a golden cornbread crust. Packed with bold flavors and a gooey layer of melted cheese, this one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. It’s filling, easy to make, and guaranteed to please a crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty & Flavorful – Savory beef, beans, and spices make a rich base.
Cheesy Goodness – A layer of melted cheese adds creamy comfort.
Golden Cornbread Topping – Slightly sweet, fluffy cornbread balances the savory filling.
One-Pan Dinner – Everything bakes together in one dish for easy prep and cleanup.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade blend)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 box (8.5 oz) cornbread mix (such as Jiffy)
• 1 egg (for cornbread mix)
• ⅓ cup milk (for cornbread mix)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Beef Mixture
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, and bell pepper. Cook until beef is browned and veggies are softened. Drain excess fat.
2. Add Seasoning & Vegetables
   Stir in taco seasoning, corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes. Simmer for 5 minutes to let flavors meld.
3. Assemble the Casserole
   Transfer beef mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
4. Prepare Cornbread Topping
   In a small bowl, prepare cornbread mix according to package directions (mix with egg and milk). Pour batter evenly over the beef and cheese layer.
5. Bake
   Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve
   Remove from oven, sprinkle with remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese, and let it melt. Garnish with cilantro or green onions if desired. Serve warm.

Nutritional Information

Calories: ~420
Protein: 23g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Sugar: 6g
Fiber: 6g

Tips for Success

• Spice It Up – Add jalapeños or extra chili powder for heat.
• Make It Creamy – Stir in a little sour cream or cream cheese to the beef mixture.
• Switch the Beans – Pinto beans or kidney beans work great too.

Why This Recipe Works

The beef, beans, and vegetables make a hearty, flavorful base while the cheesy cornbread topping adds sweetness and texture. Everything bakes together into a casserole that’s satisfying, comforting, and full of Southwestern-inspired flavor.

This Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing dish that brings comfort food to the table in under an hour. It’s the perfect balance of savory beef, gooey cheese, and golden cornbread — a true family favorite.