Description
This Easy Cheesy Cornbread Taco Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines seasoned ground beef and vegetables with a moist, cheesy cornbread topping. It’s perfect for a family dinner, offering a delicious fusion of classic taco seasoning and hearty cornbread baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Taco Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef, browned
- 2 tsp chopped garlic
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 3/4 cup water
Cornbread Topping
- 1 1/4 cups flour
- 3/4 cup cornmeal
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 lb of ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Aromatics and Vegetables: To the beef, add 2 tsp chopped garlic, 1 cup frozen corn, and 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine.
- Season the Mixture: Sprinkle 1 tsp each of chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and paprika over the mixture. Pour in 3/4 cup water and stir everything together. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors while you prepare the cornbread topping.
- Prepare Cornbread Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups flour, 3/4 cup cornmeal, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. In another bowl, combine 1 beaten egg, 1/4 cup canola oil, and 1 cup milk. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the beef mixture evenly into a baking dish. Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the beef layer, spreading it gently with a spatula to cover completely.
- Bake: 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 in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving. This lets the layers set for easier slicing and enhances the flavors.
Notes
- You can add shredded cheese on top of the cornbread before baking for extra cheesiness.
- Adjust chili powder amounts to control the spiciness according to your preference.
- Use fresh corn if preferred; just reduce the cooking water slightly.
- This recipe can be doubled and baked in a larger dish for bigger gatherings.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the microwave or oven.
Keywords: cheesy cornbread casserole, taco casserole, ground beef casserole, Tex-Mex casserole, easy family dinner