Cornbread Cowboy Casserole

Casserole dishes hold a special place in home cooking, often being the centerpiece of family meals and gatherings. Originating from the need to create a meal that could be easily prepared and served, casseroles have evolved into a beloved staple in many households. The Cornbread Cowboy Casserole embodies the spirit of comfort food, showcasing a unique combination of hearty ingredients that reflect rustic flavors and wholesome nourishment.

Discover the ultimate comfort food with our Cornbread Cowboy Casserole! This hearty dish combines rich flavors, including ground beef or turkey, black beans, and zesty tomatoes, all topped with a delicious cornbread layer. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this customizable casserole caters to everyone’s tastes.

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Ingredients

1 box cornbread mix (plus ingredients called for on the box)

1 lb ground beef (or turkey)

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained

1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

1 small red onion, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional garnishes: sour cream, sliced jalapeños, cilantro

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and green bell pepper, sautéing until the vegetables start to soften.

Add the meat: In the same skillet, add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Season it up: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, mixing well. Add the black beans, sweet corn, and diced tomatoes (with juices) to the skillet and stir until combined. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Prepare cornbread mix: In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread mix following package instructions.

Assemble: Spread the beef and bean mixture evenly in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour the cornbread batter over the top, spreading it gently to cover as much of the filling as possible.

Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through.

Add cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Serve: Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with optional toppings like sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or fresh cilantro if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6