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Ultimate Easy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole: Hearty Weeknight Dinner Hero

Close-up of a serving of cowboy cornbread casserole showing the thick, golden cornbread top layer over a savory chili and corn filling.

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Make this hearty Cowboy Cornbread Casserole when you need a filling, satisfying meal fast. This one-dish family meal layers seasoned ground beef, corn, and beans under a simple cornbread topping, making it perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
  • 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel), undrained
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 box (8.5 ounces) Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
  • Ingredients listed on Jiffy box for cornbread (usually milk and egg)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Stir the rinsed black beans, drained corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Heat through for about 5 minutes. Spread this savory beef mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  4. Prepare the Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix according to the package directions, using the milk and egg specified on the box. Stir half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the batter.
  5. Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the beef mixture in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheese over the top of the batter.
  6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool for 5 minutes before you serve this comfort food casserole.

Notes

  • For an extra layer of flavor, add 1/2 cup of your favorite salsa to the beef mixture in step 3.
  • You can prepare the beef filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days before assembling and baking.
  • Serve this hearty ground beef casserole with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

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