Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

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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

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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.


MORE MEXICAN CORN RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE

Mexican Corn Cake | Mexican Corn Salad | Creamy Cheese Corn Casserole

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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.

If you want to kick the cornbread up a notch, give this Cajun Cornbread a try.

A bowl of the casserole with a  casserole dish beside it.

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
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole ingredients.

Equipment Needed for this Cornbread Cowboy Casserole

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.

Making the casserole.

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

CAN I SUBSTITUTE GROUND TURKEY IN PLACE OF BEEF?

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.

CAN THIS RECIPE BE DOUBLED OR HALVED?

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.

WHAT TEMPERATURE DO YOU BAKE MEXICAN CORNBREAD ON?

This cowboy cornbread casserole recipe will need to be baked at 400 degrees f.

A bowl of Cowboy Cornbread Casserole.

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
5 from 3 votes

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Yield: 8 servings
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is like Shepard’s pie but a Tex Mex twist. With Mexican seasoned meat and a cornbread topping this is so tasty.
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⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️Did you try this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review below!

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

Calories: 408kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 78mg | Sodium: 742mg | Potassium: 474mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 439IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 248mg | Iron: 4mg
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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Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex Mex

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