Easy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comfort of a warm Cowboy Cornbread Casserole fresh out of the oven. This hearty, savory dish is packed with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and a sweet, golden cornbread crust that will have your family coming back for seconds.

I first whipped this up on a chilly evening when I needed something quick but satisfying to feed a hungry crowd. The smell of cornbread baking over a sizzling layer of beef and veggies filled the house, and it has been a staple ever since.

Ready to discover your new favorite casserole? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Get ready to fall in love with this easy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole. Not only is it the perfect comfort food, but it's also a game-changer for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings. Here’s why:

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple steps and everyday ingredients, you can have dinner ready in under an hour. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is foolproof and fun.

This dish is also super budget-friendly. Made with affordable pantry staples like ground beef, canned corn, and cornbread mix, you won’t have to break the bank to feed a crowd. It’s a flavorful and filling meal that stretches your dollar while still delivering on taste.

Another reason you’ll love this casserole is that it’s perfectly balanced in flavor. The savory, spiced beef is complemented by the sweet, tender cornbread topping, making every bite a delightful mix of textures and tastes.

Finally, it’s versatile. You can easily customize this dish to suit your family’s preferences, making it a surefire hit every time. Add more veggies, adjust the spice level, or even swap out the meat – the options are endless.

Now that you’re ready to savor every bite, let’s explore the ingredients that make this casserole shine.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Cowboy Cornbread Casserole comes from its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating this irresistible dish.

• Ground Beef: For the heart of the casserole, I recommend using 80/20 ground beef. It provides just the right amount of fat to add flavor without being greasy. If you prefer leaner beef, you can add a touch of olive oil for moisture.
• Onion & Bell Pepper: These aromatic veggies add a burst of flavor and texture. Dice them finely so they meld seamlessly with the ground beef.
• Canned Corn & Rotel: The corn adds a bit of sweetness and crunch, while Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies) brings a subtle kick of heat. You can adjust the spice level by choosing mild, original, or hot Rotel.
• Spices: A blend of chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder gives the beef a bold, Tex-Mex flavor. Feel free to adjust the amounts to match your taste.
• Cheese: Shredded cheddar is my go-to for a melty, cheesy layer, but pepper jack or Colby Jack would work well, too.
• Cornbread Mix: The star of the show! I use a box of Jiffy cornbread mix for convenience, but you can make homemade cornbread batter if you prefer.

You’ll also need a large oven-safe skillet or a casserole dish to bring everything together. Now, let's get cooking!

How To Make This Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Creating this mouthwatering Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is simpler than you might think. Let me walk you through the process step by step.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Start by heating a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if needed.
2. Add the aromatics. Toss in your chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base for the casserole.
3. Season and combine. Stir in your chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the canned corn and Rotel, mixing everything together. Let this simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Layer the cheese. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle an even layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture. The cheese will act as a delicious barrier between the savory filling and the sweet cornbread topping.
5. Prepare the cornbread topping. In a separate bowl, mix the cornbread batter according to the package instructions. Carefully spread the batter over the cheese layer, smoothing it out with a spatula. Be gentle to avoid mixing the layers.
6. Bake to perfection. Pop the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool for a few minutes before digging in.

From start to finish, this casserole takes about 45 minutes, making it a great option for busy nights when you need a hearty meal fast.

Storage Options

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this Cowboy Cornbread Casserole stores beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigerate: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors only get better with time!
• Freeze: You can also freeze the casserole for longer storage. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and foil, or use a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: To reheat, place a portion in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. For a crispier cornbread topping, warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.

Proper storage means you can enjoy this casserole all week long, or even save it for a rainy day.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is its versatility. You can tweak this recipe to your heart’s content. Here are some fun ideas:

• Switch up the protein: Not a fan of ground beef? Try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.
• Add more veggies: Feel free to toss in some diced zucchini, black beans, or even jalapeños for extra flavor and texture. This is a great way to sneak in more nutrients.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, use hot Rotel and add some diced jalapeños to the filling. You can also sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy cheese.
• Cheese variations: Pepper jack cheese adds a zesty kick, while a blend of Mexican cheeses creates a gooey, rich topping. Use whatever you have on hand!
• Homemade cornbread: If you have a bit more time, making cornbread from scratch adds a delicious, personal touch. Just be sure to keep it simple so the flavors don’t overpower the filling.

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own. Experiment with different ingredients and discover your perfect version of Cowboy Cornbread Casserole!

Ready to give it a try? Trust me, once you make this dish, it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation. Enjoy the comforting flavors and the smiles around the table!

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