This Cowboy Cornbread Casserole recipe transforms ordinary cornbread into a comforting and satisfying main dish. Imagine the aroma of freshly baked cornbread filling your kitchen, elevated with layers of savory ground beef, hearty beans, sweet corn, and melted cheese. This isn’t just any casserole; it’s a meal that embodies the spirit of hearty, home-style cooking, reminiscent of the Pioneer Woman herself. Perfect for a hungry family or a potluck gathering, this recipe is quick, easy, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
This dish is a classic for a reason. Some might even call it a “Lazy Tamale Pie” due to its similar flavor profile but with significantly less effort. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing for customization to suit your family’s preferences. Want to add a kick? Throw in some jalapeños. The toppings are also completely up to you – a dollop of sour cream, a spoonful of fresh pico de gallo, or some crumbly Cotija cheese can take it to the next level, both in taste and presentation.
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole layers ground beef, beans, corn, cheese, seasonings, and cornbread batter into a hearty and satisfying family dinner.
To embark on this culinary adventure, you’ll need two boxes of your favorite cornbread mix. Follow the box instructions, typically requiring eggs and milk – usually around 2 eggs and 2/3 cups of milk. These convenient mixes are not only budget-friendly but also a fantastic shortcut to delicious cornbread. Prepare the batter according to package directions and set it aside, ready to become the star of our casserole.
Close-up shot of the cornbread casserole ingredients before baking, showcasing the cornbread batter and savory ground beef mixture.
Next, it’s time to prepare the savory ground beef base. Brown 1 to 2 pounds of ground beef in a large skillet. About 1.5 pounds is usually ideal. Once browned, drain off any excess grease. Now, it’s time to infuse the beef with flavor. Add a packet of taco seasoning, a can of drained corn, a can of undrained pinto beans, and a can of Rotel tomatoes (also undrained). If you’re not familiar with Rotel, it’s a fantastic blend of diced tomatoes and green chilies, adding a subtle zest to the dish. You can usually find it in the canned tomato aisle of your grocery store.
Image showcasing the simple and readily available ingredients needed to make cowboy cornbread casserole.
Assembling Your Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
Image showing all the ingredients for cowboy cornbread casserole laid out and ready to be used in the recipe.
Gently stir all the ingredients together with the browned ground beef and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This simmering step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a richer and more cohesive taste. While the mixture simmers, prepare a 9″x13″ baking dish by lightly coating it with non-stick cooking spray.
Pour the prepared cornbread batter into the baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Then, pour the savory ground beef mixture over the cornbread batter. For a truly delightful casserole experience, consider adding a layer of shredded Mexican blend cheese at this stage, nestled between the beef and cornbread layers, or reserve it for topping later. Gently combine the cornbread and beef mixture, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dish.
To ensure a moist and tender casserole, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Using a toothpick is the most reliable way to check for doneness, as oven temperatures can vary slightly.
Image of the finished cowboy cornbread casserole, baked and golden brown, ready to be served.
Serving and Enjoying Your Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
This Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is incredibly moist, flavorful, and satisfyingly filling. Its versatility extends beyond just the ingredients; it’s also perfect for various occasions. Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner, a potluck contribution, or a comforting meal on a chilly evening, this casserole fits the bill.
While it’s delicious on its own, feel free to get creative with toppings! If you love Mexican-inspired flavors, a dollop of pico de gallo or salsa is a fantastic addition. Sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, or even a sprinkle of extra cheese are all wonderful choices. The beauty of this dish is its adaptability – you can customize it to perfectly match your taste preferences and what you have on hand.
“I made this and tried it on some children. They loved it. Making it again for them!!! Wow! Easy fix.”
Brenda
“Everyone loved it!”
Daniel
“Made for a potluck. Everyone enjoyed. It was enough for two 8×8 inch dishes.”
Patricia
Image of a slice of cowboy cornbread casserole on a plate, showcasing the layers of cornbread, beef, and toppings.
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is not only incredibly tasty but also remarkably convenient. It’s easy to prepare, easy to serve, and an effortless way to feed a crowd. Casseroles, in general, are a fantastic meal solution – they make your house smell amazing while they bake, they satisfy hungry appetites, and cleanup is a breeze. If you appreciate the hearty, no-fuss cooking style of the Pioneer Woman, this Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a must-try recipe that will quickly become a family favorite. And if you’re a fan of cowboy cuisine, don’t miss out on trying Cowboy Caviar for a delightful chip dip companion!
