Description
This Cornbread Taco Bake is a hearty and flavorful Mexican-inspired casserole that combines seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies, all topped with a delicious layer of golden cornbread and melted cheeses. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with satisfying flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
Cornbread Topping
- 1 (8.5-ounce) box cornbread mix
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup milk
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking your casserole.
- Cook Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion together until the beef is browned and the onion has softened, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat once done to ensure the dish isn’t greasy.
- Add Seasoning and Liquids: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and 1/2 cup water into the beef mixture. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens, distributing the taco flavors evenly.
- Combine Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes: Add the drained black beans, frozen corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly, providing a balanced texture and flavor throughout.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the beef and vegetable mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly as the base layer.
- Prepare Cornbread Batter: In a separate bowl, combine the cornbread mix, egg, and milk to create the batter. Mix until just combined, ensuring a tender topping.
- Top with Cornbread: Spread the cornbread batter evenly over the beef mixture in the baking dish, covering the entire surface.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly on top of the cornbread batter for a rich, melty finish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through. This ensures a crunchy, flavorful crust.
- Cool and Garnish: Let the bake cool slightly before serving to set properly. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired to add a fresh, herbal note.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or use plant-based meat alternatives.
- Top with sour cream, salsa, or sliced jalapeños to add more flavor and texture.
- Spice it up by adding cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the beef mixture according to your heat preference.
