Savory, Hearty, and Loaded with Flavor – The Ultimate Comfort Food!
Howdy, Kitchies! 🤠
When the weather cools down or you’re just craving something hearty and satisfying, there’s nothing like a Cowboy Cornbread Casserole to bring everyone around the table. This dish is pure comfort — layers of seasoned ground beef, black beans, sweet corn, melty cheese, and fluffy cornbread all baked together in one dish.
It’s the kind of meal that sticks to your ribs without feeling too heavy, and the best part? It’s made with simple pantry ingredients and ready in just under 45 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping ahead for the week, this casserole will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
✅ One-pan dinner = fewer dishes
✅ Budget-friendly + pantry staples
✅ Packed with protein + fiber
✅ Hearty, cheesy, and full of Tex-Mex flavor
✅ Perfect for meal prep + freezer-friendly
How This Cowboy Cornbread Casserole Became a Family Favorite 🤎
The first time I made this casserole, I wasn’t sure how my little family would feel about the cornbread topping. But when my husband came home from work and took one bite, he literally went back for THREE helpings.
Now, it’s one of those dinners we make on repeat — especially on busy weeknights when I need something that feels homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. My little one loves the sweet cornbread topping, and I love sneaking in some extra beans and veggies.
Why This Cowboy Cornbread Casserole Is a Must-Try
- Family-friendly + kid-approved
- Sweet + savory combo that everyone loves
- Layers of seasoned beef, beans, and cheese
- Ready in under 45 minutes
- Freezer-friendly + perfect for leftovers
Cuisine:
Tex-Mex | Southern | Comfort Food
Tips for the Best Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option
Add jalapeños to the cornbread batter for extra heat
Make it vegetarian by swapping the beef for lentils or plant-based crumbles
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving — it helps everything set!
Substitutions & Variations
Ingredient
Swap For…
Why It Works
Ground Beef
Ground Turkey
Lighter + still flavorful
Black Beans
Pinto Beans
Classic Tex-Mex twist
Rotel Tomatoes
Salsa
For a smoky kick
Cheddar Cheese
Pepper Jack
Extra spicy flavor
Make It Healthier 💪
✅ Use ground turkey instead of beef
✅ Add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini
✅ Swap Jiffy mix for homemade cornbread with whole wheat flour
What to Serve with Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
Guacamole + Tortilla Chips
Simple Green Salad
Mexican Street Corn
Cilantro Lime Rice
Sour Cream + Salsa
And there you have it!
This Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is warm, hearty, and just the right balance of sweet, savory, and cheesy — a dish that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this one-pan dinner will always hit the spot.
Save This Recipe for Later 📌
Would you like me to create a Printable Cowboy Cornbread Casserole Recipe Card PDF to download? 🤠💛
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze Cowboy Cornbread Casserole?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen at 375°F for 45-50 minutes.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I make this without Jiffy Mix?
Yep! Use any homemade cornbread batter or gluten-free cornbread mix.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar + Monterey Jack are classic, but Pepper Jack adds a spicy twist!
Categories:
Dinner | Casseroles | Comfort Food
Tags:
#CowboyCasserole #OnePanMeals #TexMexRecipes #ComfortFood
If you’re ready to make this dish, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram so we can see your delicious creation! 📸🌽
Cowboy Cornbread Casserole
Description
This dish is pure comfort — layers of seasoned ground beef, black beans, sweet corn, melty cheese, and fluffy cornbread all baked together in one dish.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained + rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt + pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
For the Cornbread Topping:
- 1 box Jiffy cornbread mix (8.5 oz)
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 tbsp honey (optional for a little sweetness)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
Instructions
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess grease. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper — stir until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Add the black beans, corn, and Rotel tomatoes to the skillet. Simmer everything together for 5-7 minutes until thick and bubbly. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar + Monterey Jack cheese until melted.
Pour the beef mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a bowl, whisk together the Jiffy mix, egg, milk, and honey. Spread the cornbread batter evenly over the top of the beef mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until the cornbread is golden brown and cooked through. Let it cool for 5 minutesbefore serving.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and a drizzle of hot sauce for that perfect cowboy bite!
