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Easy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole: A Hearty and Homely Delight for Beginner Cooks Recipe

ty and Homely Delight for Beginner Cooks Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 11 reviews

This Easy Cowboy Cornbread Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for beginner cooks. Combining seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and salsa with a cheesy topping and classic cornbread, it offers a satisfying, one-dish meal that’s both flavorful and simple to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture

  • 2 lbs lean ground beef
  • 14 oz canned corn, drained
  • 14.5 oz canned kidney beans, drained
  • 2 cups salsa
  • 1 oz taco seasoning
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder

Cheese Topping

  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese

Cornbread Topping

  • 8.5 oz Jiffy corn muffin mix
  • 8.25 oz creamed corn
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • ¼ cup sour cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures the casserole will bake evenly and prevents undercooked or overcooked spots.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it browns. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy casserole.
  3. Add Vegetables and Seasoning: To the beef, add the drained corn, kidney beans, salsa, taco seasoning, water, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly and let the flavors meld.
  4. Pour into Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Pour the beef and bean mixture evenly into the dish, smoothing it out.
  5. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the beef mixture to create a melty, flavorful layer.
  6. Prepare Cornbread Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the Jiffy corn muffin mix, creamed corn, milk, and sour cream. Mix until just combined to achieve a thick batter—avoid overmixing to keep the topping tender.
  7. Spoon Cornbread Topping: Spoon the cornbread batter evenly over the cheese layer, spreading it to cover the surface evenly for consistent baking.
  8. Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the cornbread topping is golden brown and cooked through. Test by inserting a toothpick into the cornbread; it should come out clean.
  9. Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. This helps it set for easier portioning.
  10. Store Leftovers: Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container to keep the casserole moist and fresh for up to 3-4 days.

Notes

  • Preheating the oven is essential to ensure even baking.
  • Drain excess grease from the ground beef to prevent a greasy dish.
  • Mix the cornbread batter just until combined to avoid a tough topping.
  • Use nonstick spray in the baking dish for easy serving and cleanup.
  • Check doneness with a toothpick to ensure perfectly cooked cornbread.
  • Let the casserole cool slightly to make serving easier and maintain structure.
  • Store leftovers airtight in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy casserole, cornbread casserole, ground beef casserole, easy comfort food, one-dish meal, beginner friendly, hearty dinner

Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/ty-and-homely-delight-for-beginner-cooks-recipe/