Here’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing Cowboy Cornbread Casserole recipe — a savory, cheesy, meaty dish topped with golden cornbread. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when you’re just craving some Southern-style comfort food. 🤠🌽
🥘 Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
📝 Ingredients
For the meat filling:
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1 lb ground beef (or use half beef/half sausage for extra flavor)
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1/2 cup onion, diced
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1/2 cup bell pepper, diced (optional)
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1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
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1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
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1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes (diced tomatoes with green chilies), undrained
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1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
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Salt & pepper to taste
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1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend)
For the cornbread topping:
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1 (8.5 oz) box Jiffy cornbread mix (or your favorite mix)
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1 egg
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1/3 cup milk
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Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheese or 1/4 cup creamed corn for a moister cornbread topping
👩🍳 Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Cook the meat filling:
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the onion and bell pepper until the meat is browned and veggies are soft.
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Drain excess fat if needed.
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Stir in the corn, black beans, Rotel, and taco seasoning. Let simmer for 5–10 minutes until thickened slightly.
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Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheese until melted.
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Transfer to baking dish:
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Spread the meat mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
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Prepare cornbread topping:
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In a bowl, mix the cornbread mix, egg, and milk according to package instructions.
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(Optional: stir in a little cheese or creamed corn for extra flavor and moisture.)
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Assemble and bake:
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Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the meat mixture and spread it to the edges.
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Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheese on top if desired.
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Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden and cooked through.
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Cool slightly, then serve warm with sour cream, chopped green onions, or jalapeños if you like a kick.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
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Serve with a side of coleslaw, guacamole, or a fresh green salad.
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Great for meal prep — leftovers keep well!
Would you like a from-scratch cornbread topping, a spicy version, or to make it vegetarian?
