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To make a delicious Cowboy Cornbread Casserole, gather these key items: - 1 cup yellow cornmeal - 1 cup buttermilk - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained - 1 cup diced bell peppers (red and green) - 1 cup diced tomatoes - 1 tablespoon taco seasoning - 1 pound ground beef or turkey - 1 onion, chopped - 1½ cups salsa You can add extra flavors or nutrients with these optional items: - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Jalapeños for heat - Sour cream or guacamole as toppings - Corn kernels for extra sweetness Each serving of this hearty casserole provides: - Calories: Approximately 350 - Protein: 20 grams - Carbohydrates: 40 grams - Fat: 15 grams - Fiber: 8 grams This dish is filling and offers a great mix of nutrients. It pairs well with a side salad for a balanced meal. Enjoy the blend of flavors and textures in every bite! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. In a medium bowl, mix together the cornmeal, buttermilk, and eggs. Use a whisk to combine them until the mixture is smooth. Next, add in the baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These ingredients help the cornbread rise and become fluffy. Set this bowl aside while you prepare the meat mixture. Now, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until it is brown. Be sure to drain any excess fat from the skillet. Then, add the chopped onion and diced bell peppers. Sauté these until they are soft and fragrant. Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and salsa. Let this cook for about five minutes. This will allow all the flavors to blend together. Take your greased 9x13 inch baking dish and pour half of the cornbread batter into the bottom. Spread it evenly across the dish. Next, add the meat mixture on top of the batter. Make sure it is spread out evenly. Finally, pour the remaining cornbread batter over the meat. Use a spatula to smooth it out. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole for that delicious cheesy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. When the cornbread is golden brown, it’s ready! Let it cool for about ten minutes before slicing. Enjoy your hearty meal! To get that perfect cornbread texture, use fresh ingredients. Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are not expired. They help the cornbread rise and stay fluffy. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can make the cornbread tough. Also, let the batter rest for a few minutes. This helps the cornmeal absorb moisture, leading to a better texture. When serving your cowboy cornbread casserole, consider adding fresh cilantro on top. A squeeze of lime juice can brighten the flavors. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole adds creaminess. You can also serve it with a side of salsa for extra flavor. If you like heat, diced jalapeños are a fun addition. This dish is hearty on its own, but these small touches elevate it. For this recipe, you will need a few basic tools: - A 9x13 inch baking dish - A large skillet for cooking the meat - A medium bowl for mixing the cornbread batter - A whisk for combining the ingredients - A spatula to spread the batter evenly Having these items ready will make your cooking experience smoother. Enjoy the process! Pro Tips Choose the Right Meat: For a healthier option, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. This will lower the fat content while still delivering great flavor. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables such as zucchini, corn, or even jalapeños for an extra kick! Make It Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you're ready to serve! Perfect Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side salad or tortilla chips for a complete meal. Don’t forget the toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or fresh cilantro! {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of this dish. Simply swap the ground beef or turkey for a mix of your favorite veggies. You can use mushrooms, zucchini, or extra beans for protein. Keep the black beans and corn for added flavor. This option still gives you that hearty feel but without meat. If you love heat, add jalapeños to the mix. Chop up fresh or pickled jalapeños and stir them into the meat and veggie mixture. You can also sprinkle some diced jalapeños on top before baking. This adds a nice kick and boosts the flavor. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference. For a low-carb option, replace the cornmeal with almond flour or coconut flour. This will change the texture a bit, but it will still taste great. For a gluten-free version, ensure your baking powder and any other ingredients are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the casserole without worry. To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also use an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps keep the flavors fresh and tasty. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Just heat in 1-minute intervals until hot. You can freeze the casserole for longer storage. After it cools, cut it into portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. You can also place portions in freezer-safe bags. It will stay good for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above. Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. Make the meat and veggie mix and the cornbread batter separately. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, assemble the casserole and bake it. This saves you time on busy days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20 to 25 minutes. You can also use the microwave if you're in a hurry. Just heat in short bursts, checking often. Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. You can swap ground beef for turkey or a plant-based meat. Use different beans or add more veggies like zucchini. Change the cheese type for your favorite flavor. Just keep the main structure the same for best results. We covered everything you need for a delicious cowboy cornbread casserole. You learned about key ingredients, preparation steps, and helpful tips. There are plenty of fun variations to try, too. Don’t forget about smart storage for leftovers. Cooking is all about creativity, so don’t hesitate to experiment. Enjoy making this tasty dish, and share it with your friends and family. Happy cooking!

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

A hearty and flavorful casserole featuring cornbread, ground meat, beans, and cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (red and green)
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1.5 cups salsa

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, buttermilk, eggs, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until smooth. Set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned. Drain excess fat. Add the chopped onion and diced bell peppers to the skillet and sauté until soft.
  • Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and salsa into the skillet mixture. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to incorporate the flavors.
  • Pour half the cornbread batter into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread the meat mixture evenly over this layer, then top with the remaining cornbread batter, smoothing it out with a spatula.
  • Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
  • Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top for added flair.
Keyword beef, casserole, comfort food, cornbread