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Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

A hearty and satisfying one-dish meal that combines cornbread and a savory meat filling, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Filling
  • 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, or meat substitute for a vegetarian option) Choose your preferred protein.
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained Can substitute with other beans.
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cornbread Topping
  • 1 box (15.5 oz) cornbread mix
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for added flavor) Add for extra flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef (or preferred protein) until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet, cooking for 3-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
  4. Mix in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine the cornbread mix, egg, and milk. Stir until just combined. If you are adding cheese, fold it into the batter at this stage.
  6. Spread the meat mixture evenly across the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Carefully pour the cornbread batter over the meat mixture, spreading it to cover completely.
Baking
  1. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cornbread comes out clean.
  2. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
  3. Consider garnishing with sliced green onions, jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream.

Notes

This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Feel free to replace the black beans with other types of beans or add vegetables like zucchini or spinach. Adding hot sauce or diced jalapeños can enhance the flavor.