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Cowboy cornbread casserole slice showing layers of golden cornbread over seasoned beef, beans and corn. Easy one pan comfort dinner ready in 50 minutes for family meals.

Cowboy Cornbread Casserole

Hearty one pan dinner featuring seasoned ground beef, beans, corn and tomatoes topped with golden cornbread and melted cheese. This cowboy cornbread casserole delivers complete comfort meal in 50 minutes using simple pantry ingredients.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs Ground beef 85/15 blend preferred
  • 1 large Yellow onion Diced
  • 1 medium Bell pepper Any color, diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced fresh
  • 2 teaspoon Chili powder For Tex-Mex flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cumin Essential seasoning
  • 1 can (15 oz) Ranch style beans Or pinto beans
  • 1 can (15 oz) Corn kernels Drained well
  • 1 can (10 oz) Diced tomatoes with green chiles Rotel brand works great
  • 2 cups Cheddar cheese Shredded, divided
  • 1 box (8.5 oz) Cornbread mix Jiffy or favorite brand
  • 1 large Egg For cornbread
  • ⅓ cup Milk For cornbread
  • 1 teaspoon Salt To taste
  • ½ teaspoon Black pepper Freshly ground
  • 2 tablespoon Fresh cilantro Optional garnish

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish Glass or ceramic for even baking
  • Large skillet For browning beef and vegetables
  • Medium mixing bowl For cornbread batter
  • Wooden spoon For breaking up ground beef
  • Can opener For beans, corn and tomatoes
  • Spatula For spreading cornbread batter
  • Measuring cups and spoons For accurate measurements
  • Cheese grater If using block cheese

Method
 

  1. Cook ground beef in skillet until browned, add onion and pepper, cook until soft
  2. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper, cook 1 minute
  3. Remove excess grease if more than 2 tablespoons remain
  4. Spread beef mixture in greased 9x13 baking dish evenly
  5. Layer drained beans, corn, and tomatoes over beef mixture
  6. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheese over layers
  7. Mix cornbread batter with egg and milk per package directions
  8. Pour cornbread batter over layers, spread to edges gently
  9. Bake 30 to 35 minutes until cornbread golden and toothpick clean
  10. Top with remaining cheese, let rest 10 minutes before serving

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.