Description
Taco Cornbread Casserole is a delicious and easy weeknight dinner that combines seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and cheese topped with a golden cornbread crust. This hearty casserole is perfect for family meals and can be customized with your favorite toppings like avocado, salsa, and sour cream.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
Vegetables and Beans
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
Cheese
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Cornbread Batter
- 1 (8.5 oz) box cornbread mix
- â…“ cup milk
- 1 large egg
Optional Toppings
- Chopped green onions
- Avocado
- Salsa
- Jalapeños
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for the casserole.
- Brown the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish lean.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning packet along with ¼ cup of water. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine Vegetables: Add the diced tomatoes with green chiles, black beans, and corn to the skillet. Stir everything together and heat through evenly.
- Layer Mixture: Spread this savory taco mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Prepare Cornbread Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the cornbread mix, milk, and egg. Stir until just combined to maintain a light batter.
- Top with Batter: Pour the cornbread batter over the taco mixture and use a spatula to spread it evenly, covering the filling completely.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the cornbread layer.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the cornbread topping is golden brown and cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with optional toppings like chopped green onions, avocado slices, salsa, jalapeños, or sour cream before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Homemade taco seasoning works great if you prefer to avoid packets.
- Frozen corn should be thawed before adding for even cooking.
- Adjust cheese quantity to taste or use a mix of cheeses for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
