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Cheesy Tex-Mex Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

cheesy Tex-Mex cowboy cornbread casserole - featured image
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A hearty, comforting casserole layered with seasoned ground beef, beans, veggies, and topped with a golden, cheesy cornbread crust. This easy Tex-Mex dinner is perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to please a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup canned corn, drained (fresh or frozen works too)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade mix)
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Optional: 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced
  • 1 box (8.5 oz) cornbread mix (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup milk (whole, 2%, or non-dairy alternative)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions (optional)
  • Sliced avocado, salsa, or extra sour cream for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a large oven-safe skillet or 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef until fully cooked (5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until onion softens, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in taco seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  4. Mix in black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir and let simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld flavors. Add jalapeño if desired.
  5. Transfer beef mixture to prepared baking dish if not using an oven-safe skillet. Spread evenly.
  6. In a mixing bowl, combine cornbread mix, egg, milk, and sour cream. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
  7. Pour cornbread batter over beef mixture and spread gently to cover. Sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly on top.
  8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until cornbread is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Let casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with cilantro and green onions if desired. Serve with avocado, salsa, or extra sour cream.

Notes

For gluten-free, use GF cornbread mix. For dairy-free, use plant-based cheese and sour cream. Add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for more nutrition. Shred your own cheese for best melt. Let casserole rest before slicing for best texture. Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy cornbread casserole, cheesy casserole, Tex-Mex dinner, easy weeknight meal, comfort food, ground beef casserole, cornbread topping, family dinner, southwestern casserole

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