Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is like Shepard’s pie but a Tex Mex twist. With Mexican seasoned meat and a cornbread topping this is one of the best things you’ll have.
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a hearty and delicious meal that you family will love. To make this recipe even easier, you can use a box of cornbread mix instead of making homemade to lower prep time.
For more delicious Cinco de Mayo recipes, check out this collection for ideas and inspiration.
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What We Love About This Hearty Meal Recipe
The cowboy is synonymous with the American west, the name has an interesting history, check here to learn more.
- 35 Minute Meal: Make this main dish in 35 minutes or less.
- Family Friendly: This is the perfect casserole to make for your family on Cinco de Mayo! Or whenever you want a quick meal.
- Adaptable: You can make this recipe using cornbread mix to cut down on prep time in this Cowboy Cornbread Recipe. Try using taco seasoning for extra flavor.
Ingredient Notes
- Ground Beef
- Fresh Garlic Cloves and Garlic Powder
- Frozen Corn
- Can Diced Tomato
- Chili Powder
- Cumin
- Oregano
- Salt
- Paprika
- Shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar Cheese
- Flour
- Cornmeal
- Sugar
- Egg
- Baking Powder
- Canola Oil
- Milk
Equipment Needed for this Cornbread Cowboy Casserole
- 9×12 inch Baking Dish
- Large Skillet
- Large Bowl
- Whisk
- Rubber Spatula
How to Make Mexican Cornbread Casserole
These are the basic steps for making Cowboy Cornbread Casserole. Please refer to the recipe card below for more detailed instructions and nutrition facts.
STEP 1: PREPPING
Start by preheating the oven to 400 degrees f and prepare a baking dish with non stick spray.
STEP 2: MAKE THE FILLING
In a skillet over medium-high heat, add all the filling ingredients and cook until the juice from the tomatoes cook off and the mixture begins to thicken. Remove from heat and add an even layer of ground beef mixture to the baking dish and then layer the cheese on top of the meat mixture.
STEP 3: MAKE THE CORNBREAD
In a mixing bowl, make the cornbread batter, mix all ingredients together until fully combined. Then add on top the layer of cornbread batter on top of the cheese.
STEP 4: BAKE COWBOY CORNBREAD CASSEROLE
Bake for 15-20 or until cornbread is golden brown and is cooked all the way through. You can check doneness by using a toothpick or just cut through the casserole. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Prep and Storage Tips for this Hearty Dinner
HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE AHEAD OF TIME
To make this taco cornbread casserole recipe ahead of time, I recommended make the meat filling 1-2 days before you plan to make this recipe. Then when you want to make this, make the a cornbread batter, layer, and bake.
HOW TO STORE THIS RECIPE
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge.
HOW TO FREEZE THIS RECIPE
If you are looking for delicious freezer meals this cowboy cornbread casserole recipe is great. Bake in an aluminum tray, allow to cool fully. Cover tray with lid or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
HOW TO REHEAT THIS RECIPE
Reheat cornbread Mexican casserole in the oven at 350 degrees for 10 minutes or in the microwave for 1.5-2 minutes or until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Easy Recipe
You can absolutely replace the ground beef with any other type of ground meat such as ground turkey. It is a great way to mix it up.
This recipe can easily be doubled or halved, just increase or decrease ingredients proportionally. If increasing then split between 2 dishes and if you are halving this this recipe, cook in a smaller size casserole dish.
This cowboy cornbread casserole recipe will need to be baked at 400 degrees f.
Expert Tips for Making This Cowboy Dinner Recipe
- Cornbread Mixture: For a short cut to this quick meal, make Cowboy Cornbread Casserole with jiffy corn muffin mix or your favorite boxed cornbread mix, instead of making homemade.
- Ground Meat: You could also make this recipe using lean ground beef, ground chicken or turkey. It is such a creative main dish.
- Top of the Casserole: Some delicious toppings or sides to serve with this cowboy cornbread recipe include fresh guacamole, green onions, pico de gallo, green chilies, shredded cheese, sour cream, or pinto beans.
What to Serve with Mexican Cornbread Casserole
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Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
Ingredients
Casserole Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef, browned
- 2 tsp chopped garlic
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- ¾ cup water
Middle:
- 1 cup shredded taco cheese, Monterey Jack/Cheddar
Cornbread topping:
- 1 ¼ cups flour
- ¾ cup cornmeal
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 egg, beaten
- ¼ canola oil
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Prepare a 9×12 baking dish or similar with nonstick spray.
- Add the filling ingredients to a skillet and simmer on stovetop for 15 minutes, stirring often. The mixture will thicken as the juice from the tomatoes cooks off.
- Pour the filling into the prepared casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top of the filling.
- In a bowl, prepare the cornbread batter. Spread over the top of the casserole.
- Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until cornbread is cooked through. Cut through to the filling to check for doneness.
Expert Tips
- Cornbread Mixture: For a short cut, make this recipe with jiffy corn muffin mix or your favorite boxed cornbread mix, instead of making homemade.
- Ground Meat: You could also make this recipe using lean ground beef, ground chicken or turkey.
- Toppings: Some delicious toppings or sides to serve with this cowboy cornbread recipe include fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, green chilies, shredded cheese, sour cream, or pinto beans.
Estimated Nutritional Information
The nutritional information provided are estimates. To learn more about how I calculate this information go to www.itisakeeper.com/about-its-a-keeper/privacy-disclosure-policies/
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One of my favorite casserole recipes.